Rev. Dr. Edward P. Saxman,
Lead Pastor

Pastor@GroveCityGraceUMC.org

Arriving at Grove City Grace UMC in 2017, Pastor Ed enjoys any opportunity to journey along side folks seeking to become the person God intended. As a pastor and life coach, he loves working with everyone who is seeking to “make a difference, transform a life, and build the kingdom of God.”

Pastor Ed is married to his college sweetheart, Susan, and they have three adult children and two grandchildren. When he is not immersed in family or faith projects, you will find him running the roads of Mercer county, kayaking the local rivers and lakes or in the garage at his potter’s wheel transforming lumps of clay into works of art.

Rev. Willard Morse,
Pastor Emeritus
Visitation Pastor

Pastor Willard Morse is a retired U. M. pastor affiliated with and serving Grace Church as visitation pastor. Having lived in the Grove City area for over 20 years, and having led Worship (& preached) in several area churches, he is well known in the area, and of course he knows many of the area's families.

A frequent pastoral visitor at Grove City Medical Center, as well as local Nursing Homes enables him to express his passion for reminding people that God does care. Pastor Willard also 'heads-up' a group of people who visit shut-ins and nursing home residents - to remind people that Grace Church has not forgotten them.

One of the things pastor Willard is known for - is expressing the words, "I am Blessed!", and he finds the various responses very interesting!

Mary Kay Mattocks, Administrative Assistant

GraceUMC@GroveCityGraceUMC.org

As the church secretary, Mary Kay is often the first person visitors and newcomers come across at the church. She values her position with a positive attitude and constant support to the Grace staff and congregation.

Mary Kay is married with three children and four “busy” grandsons. In her spare time, she is involved in numerous civic, community and church activities.

Gail Daonldson,
Director of Children’s Ministries

GraceKids@GroveCityGraceUMC.org

Gail truly loves working with children and families in any way she can, so she was thrilled to become the new Director of Children’s Ministries at Grove City Grace UMC in the summer of 2024. She is excited to help Grace Kids grow in their faith and love for Jesus. Gail firmly believes that children learn what they live, and her hope is to partner with families in order to build a strong faith foundation for each child that begins at home.

Professionally, Gail has served local families for over 23 years in her role as a pediatric speech language pathologist and feeding specialist. She is the owner of Adventure Time Pediatric Therapy, LLC, which currently provides birth to three early intervention services in Butler, Mercer and Venango counties. She is also the President and Founder of Hopefield Children’s Complex, a 501c3 non-profit which serves children with disabilities and their families. Her desire to make a positive impact in the lives of children comes from her own personal life experiences, as well as the needs expressed by many families she has worked with over the years.

When not working, Gail enjoys spending time with her family. She has been married to her husband Tom for over 30 years, and together they have one son, Zachary, who is studying to become a Civil Engineer with a minor in Marine Science. Her family also includes two spoiled housecats and two chatty parrots. Gail’s hobbies include crafting, reading, kayaking, exploring nature, singing, and playing guitars with her siblings. Her favorite vacation spot is Maine, but she is happy anywhere there is a lake, river or ocean . . . especially if there are Great Blue Herons or other sea birds nearby.

BRIDGET CASTEEL,
Media / Office Assistant

communications@GroveCityGraceUMC.org

Born and raised in Grove City, Bridget has a love for the town!

Bridget has been married to her husband John for 18 years and they have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. She enjoys Running, hiking, camping, kayaking, and biking! Spending time with her Family and Grandkids is her favorite pastime.

Lyn Marsh, Director of Music Ministries

Lyn joined the staff of Grace UMC in August 2016. She serves as Director of Music, which includes Adult & Children’s Vocal Choirs as well as Children’s Chimes & Adult Handbell Choirs. She also serves as the church organist. Lyn lives in Cranberry with her husband, Charles and dog, Lucy. Her 3 adult children still live in the Pittsburgh Area and she has 4 grandchildren. Her grandson Mauro lives in Cranberry and they enjoy visiting Living Treasures Animal Park, Keystone Safari Park and the Pittsburgh Zoo. Lyn is an accomplished marathon runner and completed Dublin, New York City marathons in support of the Leukemia Society. She also qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon in 1994. She also enjoys sewing, knitting and is currently learning to play Harpsicle. She is also currently Director of Handbells at Sherwood Oaks in Cranberry and Director of Handbells for the Circle of Friends Choir based out of Zelienople.

CECELIA MIDBERRY,
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTIRES

Cecelia Midberry has been a life-long Methodist. When she and her husband, Joe, settled down in Grove City in 2012 they started attending church at Grace and became members shortly thereafter. They are raising 3 children of their own at Grace.

Cecelia has been a preschool teacher for the Pittsburgh Public School District since 2009. She has her bachelor’s degree in Elementary & Early Childhood Education, her master’s degree in Special Education, and in 2019 she became a National Board Certified Teacher. She has answered the Lord’s calling in her heart to serve the youth and their families as the youth director here at Grace. She hopes to help pass on God’s word & faith in him to younger generations.

In her spare time she enjoys… just kidding, there’s no spare time with 3 kids in sports, a dog, and 2 cats.