Meet Our Staff
Welcome to Godfrey First UMC, where we want you to feel welcome and loved.
Pictured left to right: Joe Leonard, Barb Hammond, Pastor Jay Hanscom, Ann McLaughlin, Karen McAtee
Pastor Jay Hanscom
Lead Pastor
I was appointed to Godfrey 1st UMC (GFUMC) as Lead Pastor in 2019. I earned a B.A. degree in History from the University of Southern Maine (I’m an 11th generation Mainer), and earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Eden Theological Seminary.
I believe that my call is in helping others answer their unique call from God. I serve GFUMC by helping the church achieve its three-fold focus; being a place where people COME to know Jesus Christ, GROW in Christian relationship and understanding, and GO into the world as servants of Christ.
I am the father of 5 young children; Eli, Janine, Jonas, Eliana, and Ephram.
Contact Info:
Name: Pastor Jay [D. Hanscom]
Email: revjayhanscom@gmail.com
Phone: (618) 604-3609
Joe Leonard
GPS Youth Ministry Director, Music Director, Ignite Youth Choir Director
I’ve been a member of Godfrey First UMC since 2007 and on staff since 2011. I am a former account manager, business owner, and educator, but my calling has always been in ministry. I’m blessed that God has led me on this path.
I am married to my high school sweetheart Susan (we’ve actually known each other since 4th grade) and have four awesome kids; Matt, who lives in Denver, Brad who lives in Reno, Natalie who lives in Chicago, and Mackenzie (Dood) who is a grad student living in Columbia, MO
Contact Info:
Email: imnoavgjoe@gmail.com
Email: gpsyouthministry@gmail.com
Email: igniteyouthchoir@gmail.com
Phone: (618) 973-2244
Ann McLaughlin
Children and Family Ministry Director
I’ve been a member of Godfrey First UMC since 2019 and on staff since 2020. I am a former educator and administrator in the Alton School District. Although I am a newer member at Godfrey First, my love of children and the Lord makes this a perfect job for me. I enjoy teaching JAM (Jesus and Me) each week and planning special events such as; Vacation Bible School and the Fall Fun Fair.
I have been married to my husband Miles for nearly 43 years. Our three beautiful daughters and their spouses have blessed us with three adorable grandsons in the last three years and are expecting another!
Contact Info:
Email: annemac1120@gmail.com
Phone: (618) 466-3624
Barb Hammond
Office Manager
I have been the Office Manager at GFUMC for 35+ years. I have come from the days of cut and paste newsletters and bulletins to doing it all on the computer. Many things have changed in the office, but the thing that has never changed is how much I enjoy all the people associated with GFUMC. It is definitely a family!
I live in Godfrey with my husband, Dennis, and have 2 daughters who are both married and both have 2 children. Being a grandparent is the best!
Contact Info:
Email: bhammond@godfreyfirst.org
Karen McAtee
Comptroller
My name is Karen McAtee and I live in Godfrey, IL. I have lived in Godfrey for 50 years. I married my husband, Frank, and we were together for 50 years. I have 3 grown children and 2 grown step-children, 16 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. I was a banker for 53, retiring in 2015. I started as part-time comptroller at GFUMC in August of 2015. I joined as a member of this church in 2022. I enjoy my job here at Godfrey First and enjoy my co-workers and the church members. Working here has been a wonderful, fulfilling experience and I plan to stay as long as I am needed.
Currently, I’m on the The Jeannie D. Hayner Board, the board of 5A’s animal shelter, and I am a Trustee for the Village of Godfrey.
We'd love for you to join us!
FIRST SUNDAYS – 9:30am Combined Worship with Communion
ALL OTHER SUNDAYS – 8:30am Traditional, 10:45am Contemporary
LOCATION: 1100 Airport Road
Godfrey, IL 62035
CALL: (618) 466-3624
EMAIL: godfreyfirstumcoffice@gmail.com
CONNECT: facebook.com/godfreyfirst