Director of Adult Ministry

Susan Engle

It is with a joyful heart that I serve the congregation of Ocala West United Methodist Church as Director of Adult Ministry. Transplanted to Florida from Rochester, New York, I enjoyed a career in finance as a manager/executive, primarily in consumer and real estate lending.
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 6 children with another on the way, due in March.  (Whew).​

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.

Custodian

Barry Massing

Hi, my name is Barry Massing, and I serve Ocala West United Methodist Church as the church custodian.  I was born and lived in Rochester, New York for over 50 years.  After marrying my wife, Nancy, I became a Christian and joined a congregation of the United Methodist church.  After the sudden death of our church custodian, my pastor approached me to see if I would become the interim custodian (as he knew I worked as a school custodian for many years.)  I found that I really enjoyed bringing a shine to our church, keeping it looking great as a welcoming home for those seeking to worship.  When we moved to Ocala, Florida we became members here at Ocala West. When the position of church custodian opened, I again sought to serve God by cleaning His church.  I have met so many people who have stopped by to inquire about our church and our services by working here.  I really love to greet people, to make them smile or laugh so that they know they are loved, valued, and welcomed here.

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.

Ruth Howard

Accompanist

Diane Barnes

Organist

Ray Coy

Sound Operator