Director of Congregational Care

Susan Engle

It is with a joyful heart that I serve the congregation of Ocala West United Methodist Church as Director of Congregational Care. Transplanted to Florida from Rochester, New York, I enjoyed a career in finance as a manager/executive, primarily in consumer and real estate lending.
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Although raised in the church, I fell away in my college years and sadly stayed away from the church through much of my adult years.  In 2003, my world self-destructed and I turned back to the only true source of strength, peace and comfort; Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior   Since then, I have been blessed to serve Him and my church homes in many capacities, allowing me to develop my spiritual gifts and share my passion for God with family, church and community.
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My job is to welcome, befriend and encourage; enable, support and develop; and walk alongside all who seek the hope that is ours through Christ. Come walk with me as together we discover the lamp to our feet.

Director of Traditional Music

Bo Fluharty

My name is Bo Fluharty, the Director of Traditional Music for Ocala West United Methodist Church.
I majored in Voice at College, and also studied in Korea, the United States, Germany and Italy.
I have performed as a Concert Soloist, in Operas, and served as Music Director for the U.S. Army Chapel Choir, Community Chorus, and Orchestras for past 45 years.
Serving God and our congregation at Ocala West UMC is an honor.

Dir. of Contemporary Music

Larry Hadlock

Larry was born and raised in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and moved to Florida after graduating high school.  In his teens, he learned to play the guitar and enjoyed singing as well.  He leads worship on Sunday mornings and also does music for outside events and parties.

Larry learned construction and other trade skills beginning at the age of 14 and uses these skills at VBS and other church events.  Should the need arise, he serves as Facilities Manager.  Currently, Larry serves on the Family Ministry Team, and with our Youth group IMPACT.

He has one daughter living in Ocala, two step-daughters and one step-son residing in Arizona. He is the grandpa of 7 grandchildren.​

Dir. of Adult Ministry

​Joanne Majtenyi

I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be able to help people find a home within Ocala West UMC as I did several years ago. My childhood years were spent south of Buffalo, NY before moving to Palm Beach County, FL and living there over 30 years. I’ve earned degrees in Psychology and Business Administration from Palm Beach Atlantic College. I had many years of working with volunteers in my Boynton Beach church but I felt God’s nudge that it was time for my husband and me to move to Ocala. I am a believer in God’s perfect timing.

I served on the Adult Ministry Team before becoming director and I have enjoyed finding opportunities for people to fellowship and grow in their faith. I am looking forward to more God filled adventures. We aim to offer a variety of Bible Studies and small groups where people can learn and feel God’s love wherever they are in life.
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I look forward to getting to know you and helping you find a place in the church. My goal is for you to feel connected at Ocala West!

Administrative Assistant

Valerie Kruse

The Cross and Flame signature of the United Methodist has been a visual in my life since childhood, growing up in north central New Jersey. I have fond memories of Millbrook UMC where my parents, my sister and I attended each Sunday but as a teen, my interests didn’t include much time for  church. I was blessed with an artistic talent and loving supportive parents so I pursued a career in commercial art. Eventually, I earned a living as a graphic designer for many years. Thinking back, part of God’s plan brought me to south FL to attend art school where I met my husband of almost 40 years. When my husband and I lived in north Georgia, I was drawn to a small United Methodist Church where I was encouraged by several Sages to recommit to God. I became involved with many activities at the church-including the United Methodist Women’s Group-and became the Church’s secretary until moving back to Florida in order to care for aging parents. In 2015, I became a member of OWUMC. I enjoy volunteering with VBS and helping pack hygiene kits with the Homeless Children Helpers. I am delighted to be working with the Pastors and Staff as Admin Assistant-using the gifts I have been given and continuing to grow in my faith each day.

Treasurer

Denise Wise

I moved to Florida from Pittsburgh, PA in 1996 and to Ocala in 2009.

God led me to Ocala West UMC in 2011. The people here made me feel very welcomed, and Ocala West has become my church family.  The Wednesday Night Prayer Service is very special to me for many reasons, including that I met Ed, the man I married in July 2015.  I have always loved working with numbers. God blessed me with this position, also in 2015.
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I look forward to doing God’s work, and doing what I love in our church.

Accompanist

Janet Anderson

From an early age I sang and played hymns at the small rural Baptist church in which I was raised.  During my years as an undergraduate student (Marshall University - Huntington, WV), as a graduate student (Eastern Illinois University - Charleston, IL), and as a music educator (elementary and high school) I worked in various capacities (singer, pianist, organist, music director) at multiple churches and denominations (Protestant and Catholic).  In addition to playing in church I have played keyboards in professional dance bands, jazz groups and pit orchestras for musicals.  Music has been a major part of our lives.  Helping congregations lift their voices in thanksgiving and praise has been and continues to be an important part of my life.  I am grateful for the opportunity to share in the music ministry of Ocala West United Methodist Church. 

Custodian

Barb Smith

I frequently worshipped at Ocala West when I visited my parents several times a year after they moved to Ocala in 2010. I have always enjoyed the experience so when I made the decision to move to Ocala from Pittsburgh in 2021, I knew I wanted to be part of this amazing congregation. I have served in many ways such as hospitality leader for the 9:30 service, a member of the trustees board and generally pitching in as needed. When the custodian position became available, I immediately felt called to answer the need to help keep our beautiful campus a clean, healthy and safe place to worship. I find joy in what I do everyday and so grateful God placed me here. ​

Sound Operator

Ray Coy

Ray Coy is the Sound Operator for Sunday Morning worship at Ocala West UMC.