At Willowbrook Church in Sun City, Arizona we feel blessed to have a dedicated and talented staff to help each of us better understand the Word of God!

Gary Kennedy

As Senior Pastor, Gary oversees the daily operations of Willowbrook, leads in worship and supports the staff in their varied ministries. He is a graduate of U.Cal. Fresno and received a Masters of Divinity degree from The School of Theology at Claremont in CA. Prior to his appointment to Willowbook, Gary served eight years as…

Ruth Blum

Ruth’s primary responsibility is in Membership & Evangelism, doing visitation and conducting the new member classes. Prior to retiring in 2016, Ruth served as Director of Children & Family Ministries at Dove of the Desert UMC in Glendale, AZ.

Lois Hedden

Rev. Lois Hedden, is retired clergy, and a member of this annual conference. She says this is sort of her third or fourth career. She began working in food service, and retail, then banking plus raising two rambunctious boys. She knew God had called her into ministry, but she kept trying to make God happy…

Laurie Lineberry

Laurie Lineberry joined the Willowbrook lay staff as Director of Laity in April 2020. Born into the Methodist church in Anchorage, Alaska she has been active in the church ever since. She served as District Lay Leader under Pastor Gary and currently serves as Conference Lay Leader.

Robb Butler

Dr. Robb Butler is our Music Director, whose primary responsibility is leading our 50-voice choir. Dr. Butler is also a composer and has a trained operatic voice. Robb, as he prefers to be called, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in choral music. He holds a Master’s degree in Choral Sacred Music from Duquesne…

Carol Virolainen

  Carol began playing piano at an early age and played organ for her church while a teen. She has experience in all forms of music from traditional to contemporary. Carol accompanies our choir, plays piano and organ for our traditional worship and electronic keyboard for our Mosaic service. She also teaches music at a…

Bev Amperse

As Business Manager, Bev’s responsibilities include the functions of Financial Secretary and Office Manager. She oversees the day to day running of the office and the recording of all giving to the church. She is a member of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries and has completed Certification and Advanced Certification in this…

Betty Shepherd

Betty comes to Willowbrook with a history of church office work under her belt. Her duties at Willowbrook include Good News Editor, E-News, and communications to the public.

Cynthia Reid

Cynthia is a CPA and is responsible for maintaining the financial records of the church and of the church foundation. This includes the all important task of paying the bills.

Mark Harr

Mark Harr joined the Willowbrook staff as part-time Custodian in September 2021. He works four hours a day Monday through Friday. Included in his duties here at Willowbrook are meeting set-ups, equipment upkeep and repairs, and care of grounds.   Mark comes to us with experience as a Plastics Process Engineer, a Maintenance Mechanic, and…