Leadership
Pastor & Staff
Rev. Jeremy W Scott
Pastor & Chief Joy Officer
Rev. Jeremy W Scott is a former software engineer turned pastor. He received his BS in Computer Science from Montana State University and his Masters of Divinity from Methodist Theological School in Ohio. He has served churches in Ohio, Montana, and Colorado and as the Vital Congregations Developer for the Mountain Sky Conference before becoming the pastor of the United Methodist Church in Johnstown in August 2018.
Pastor Jeremy has authored two books. Rotten Hobby: A True Story of the Unspoken Epidemic Sweeping America, chronicles his personal journey living with Type 2 Diabetes, and Witness Your Why: Evangelism for Every Church, which shares insights about evangelism learned from various new church starts.

Alan Gibson
Administrative Council Chair
Alan Gibson serves as the chairman of our Administrative Council. A retired teacher with over 35 years in public education, Alan also takes care of the church lawn, along with several other yards of family and friends. He is the head girls’ basketball coach at Berthoud High School and also stays active by playing plenty of pickleball.
He and his wife Amy are longtime members of the church, whose family includes four grandchildren, two sons, and two daughters-in-law.

Kariann Bandy
Director of Children's Education
Kariann Bandy has been a part of the United Methodist Church of Johnstown for over sixteen years, and feels fortunate to be a part of such a caring and supportive church family.
She joined the staff of the Johnstown United Methodist Preschool (J.U.M.P.) in August of 1999, and is currently the Preschool Director. Her passion for children’s ministry and education is evidenced in her many years of directing and co-directing the church’s annual Vacation Bible School ministry.
She currently serves as the Director of Children’s Education for the United Methodist Church of Johnstown, combining her love of education and heart for children’s ministry. Kariann feels blessed to experience the childlike faith, and open hearts and minds of the youngest in our midst through her positions at the church, and is thankful to share in these vital ministries.

Rebecca Knowlton
Director of Youth Ministry
Rebecca Knowlton brings a vibrant energy to our church as our dedicated Youth Director. With four years of experience leading our youth programs, Rebecca is passionate about guiding young people.
Outside of her role with our youth, Rebecca is also a familiar face in our preschool and serves as a leader for a local Girl Scout troop. At home, she's kept busy and joyful by her three daughters, who range in age from middle school to college, and her wonderful husband.
Rebecca's playful spirit shines through her love for collecting Pez dispensers, a hobby that perfectly encapsulates her fun-loving approach to life and ministry. She truly embraces the joy of discovery and growth, embodying a "Toys R Us kid" at heart who inspires others to embrace their journey with enthusiasm.
Chad Young
Director of Music & Worship
Chad is the owner of Young’s Funeral Service in Johnstown, with over 33 years of experience in the industry. He is also a 20+ year member of The Greeley Chorale, an auditioned choir of nearly 100 voices. He served as the choir and handbell director for several years and has recently returned to this role. Chad loves sharing his gifts and talents with the faith community.

Karen Vander Velde
Organist
Karen has been the Organist since 2002. She also accompanies and sings in the Chancel Choir and rings in the Bell Choir. She (and her husband Allen) was born in Wisconsin where she was a church organist for 20 years. Although she has lived in Colorado since 1980 she is still a loyal Green Bay Packer fan.

Nicole Hill
Office Manager
Nicole Hill started working in the office in 2022 as the Office Manager. A retired Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher, Nicole also plans the turkey dinner and, with help, the King Street Market and the Easter carnival.
Nicole is the secretary for the Administrative Council and chairperson of the Congregational Care Committee.
She and her husband, Jim, are long-time members of the church. Their family includes four girls, one son-in-law, and one granddaughter. Nicole loves garage sales, family/friend get-togethers, and camping. She also owns and operates a small antique and collectables store in Johnstown.

Betty Edney-Milner
Assistant Office Manager
I'm the widow of a true Johnstown native and, after living here for 45 years, I feel like I'm a semi-native.
I have an adult daughter who grew up in this church. She is married. My son also grew up in this church...he has an adult son who lives in TX.
I've enjoyed the privilege of being part of this awesome congregation for many years. I am the Unit President for our local United Women in Faith chapter and have the honor of leading Hope Circle. I definitely don't lack for volunteer opportunities on various committees.
In addition to my usual Thursday office time, I try to be available to cover for Nicole when she needs me.
With all the amazing opportunities to learn, both from a religious standpoint and from working in the office, I feel I am growing as a person. I look forward to many years of learning with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Chris Hurley
Treasurer
A long-time member of our congregation, Chris joined the staff in 2025 as our Treasurer after retiring from a career as a corporate accountant.

Joanna Straayer
Accompanist
Joanna is the accompanist for our Chancel Choir and special music programs.