Reverend Michael Eaton
Michael was born in Martinsville, Virginia, but grew up in Arizona and upstate New York. In 1979, Michael started working at Honeywell as an intern in software development and began attending Arizona State University. When he felt a change in the direction of his life, he left Honeywell and continued his studies at ASU. Michael graduated with a B.S. degree in Psychology in 1988. After-ward, he received his Master of Divinity degree from the Divinity School of Duke University.
In 1991, Michael was ordained as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church when the annual conference was held in Las Vegas. He was later ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1993. Thus far he has served churches in the East and South districts of the Desert Southwest Conference.
Michael helped to establish “Strength for the Journey” in the Desert Southwest Conference, a program designed to support people with HIV and AIDS. He has served on the Conference Board of Camping, Board of Church and Society, and currently serves on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.
In 1985, Michael met the love of his life, Alane, and they have been married for 33 years. They have two children, Kaiah and Hannah. He enjoys riding his bicycle, international travel, photography, and studying history (both church and secular). He also finds tremendous pleasure in experiencing God’s beautiful creation through people, camping, and hiking.
Michael was born in Martinsville, Virginia, but grew up in Arizona and upstate New York. In 1979, Michael started working at Honeywell as an intern in software development and began attending Arizona State University. When he felt a change in the direction of his life, he left Honeywell and continued his studies at ASU. Michael graduated with a B.S. degree in Psychology in 1988. After-ward, he received his Master of Divinity degree from the Divinity School of Duke University.
In 1991, Michael was ordained as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church when the annual conference was held in Las Vegas. He was later ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1993. Thus far he has served churches in the East and South districts of the Desert Southwest Conference.
Michael helped to establish “Strength for the Journey” in the Desert Southwest Conference, a program designed to support people with HIV and AIDS. He has served on the Conference Board of Camping, Board of Church and Society, and currently serves on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.
In 1985, Michael met the love of his life, Alane, and they have been married for 33 years. They have two children, Kaiah and Hannah. He enjoys riding his bicycle, international travel, photography, and studying history (both church and secular). He also finds tremendous pleasure in experiencing God’s beautiful creation through people, camping, and hiking.
Bobby Phylow, Administrative Assistant
Bobby brings a wealth of experience to the church office. He retired from the United States Air Force after a career in Meteorological and Navigation Equipment Maintenance. He worked as an office manager in medical offices in Payson before working at the church. He is a member of the church and volunteers much of his time in the sound booth during worship and other functions. Bobby and his wife, Karen, have lived in Payson for more than 20 years. Send an email to Bobby.
Bobby brings a wealth of experience to the church office. He retired from the United States Air Force after a career in Meteorological and Navigation Equipment Maintenance. He worked as an office manager in medical offices in Payson before working at the church. He is a member of the church and volunteers much of his time in the sound booth during worship and other functions. Bobby and his wife, Karen, have lived in Payson for more than 20 years. Send an email to Bobby.
Gail Gorry, Music Director
Gail is a curriculum specialist for Gila County and brings a huge background in music to our church. She leads our choir, accompanies the congregation on piano and organ, and plays in the Grace Notes bell choir. Gail plans and leads all music for our regular and special worship services. Gail is married to Wayne and their son, Cypress, is the current US national mountain bike champion. Send an email to Gail.
Gail is a curriculum specialist for Gila County and brings a huge background in music to our church. She leads our choir, accompanies the congregation on piano and organ, and plays in the Grace Notes bell choir. Gail plans and leads all music for our regular and special worship services. Gail is married to Wayne and their son, Cypress, is the current US national mountain bike champion. Send an email to Gail.
Penny DeGroot, Treasurer
Penny recently joined our staff and her bio is coming soon.
Treasurer@paysonumc.org
Penny recently joined our staff and her bio is coming soon.
Treasurer@paysonumc.org
Lupe Thompson, Custodian
Lupe was born in Badiraquato, Sinaloa, Mexico. She came to Payson in 1978 and began work at the hospital, where she continued to work for 37 years. She and her husband, Don, have been married 27 years. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Hope House.
Lupe was born in Badiraquato, Sinaloa, Mexico. She came to Payson in 1978 and began work at the hospital, where she continued to work for 37 years. She and her husband, Don, have been married 27 years. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Hope House.