OUR STAFF
Steven Small, Senior Pastor
As a child growing up in inner city York and being from a family of six children, I found acceptance and love at St. Paul’s UM Church, which was on my street. The church embraced me and encouraged me growing up, in so many ways. They invested in my spiritual walk and provided opportunities to encounter the risen Christ. Life for me was not always about seeking God, but God was always waiting for me to return to Him. The ministry of the United Methodist Church in our conference challenged me through the youth ministry programs like “Bishop’s Flock” (which morphed into “Salt and Light Youth Ministry”), CCYM (now YMPC), and of course, the church camp program. I met my wife, Shaylene, through the Bishop’s Flock, and we dated long distance (Tyrone, PA) for several years before being married.
I have served several churches as a paid youth worker over the years. I never thought I would go to college and did not think that I was “good enough” (are you ever, really good enough?) to be a pastor. Finally, through the exploring process that the church has in place (thank you, Jason), I realized that God was calling me, and I wanted to be faithful to His call on my life. This was a family decision. Shaylen and I had to agree that this is where God was calling us. I somehow thought it was a good idea to start college as I started full time ministry in 2012. Since then, I have completed my undergraduate degree in behavioral science and I am working on my Masters of Divinity at United Theological Seminary. I intend to go through the ordination process when I complete my time at UTS.
I have three children; and just like any family, we have our ups and downs. We all understand that God has a purpose for our lives, and each one of my family members lives that out in their own way. We are not perfect, and we do not think of ourselves as any better than anyone else. If there is work to be done, we will be there working alongside of you. We look forward to our time here at State Line UMC and to what God has in store for us as we are in ministry together. We love Jesus and we want to share that love with the world.
As a child growing up in inner city York and being from a family of six children, I found acceptance and love at St. Paul’s UM Church, which was on my street. The church embraced me and encouraged me growing up, in so many ways. They invested in my spiritual walk and provided opportunities to encounter the risen Christ. Life for me was not always about seeking God, but God was always waiting for me to return to Him. The ministry of the United Methodist Church in our conference challenged me through the youth ministry programs like “Bishop’s Flock” (which morphed into “Salt and Light Youth Ministry”), CCYM (now YMPC), and of course, the church camp program. I met my wife, Shaylene, through the Bishop’s Flock, and we dated long distance (Tyrone, PA) for several years before being married.
I have served several churches as a paid youth worker over the years. I never thought I would go to college and did not think that I was “good enough” (are you ever, really good enough?) to be a pastor. Finally, through the exploring process that the church has in place (thank you, Jason), I realized that God was calling me, and I wanted to be faithful to His call on my life. This was a family decision. Shaylen and I had to agree that this is where God was calling us. I somehow thought it was a good idea to start college as I started full time ministry in 2012. Since then, I have completed my undergraduate degree in behavioral science and I am working on my Masters of Divinity at United Theological Seminary. I intend to go through the ordination process when I complete my time at UTS.
I have three children; and just like any family, we have our ups and downs. We all understand that God has a purpose for our lives, and each one of my family members lives that out in their own way. We are not perfect, and we do not think of ourselves as any better than anyone else. If there is work to be done, we will be there working alongside of you. We look forward to our time here at State Line UMC and to what God has in store for us as we are in ministry together. We love Jesus and we want to share that love with the world.
Ruth Hollister, Associate Pastor
The Church has always been a large part of my life. My mother taught the adult Sunday school class in our little church in Maplewood, PA, where my grandparents were both leaders. I come from a large family of five brothers and two sisters. I can remember walking about a mile to church. Sometimes, Dad would drive us in the surrey pulled by our team of horses.
My husband, Harold, and I have been married 55 years. We are parents of four children, grandparents of six and great-grandparents of two.
I enjoyed being a pastor’s wife for more than 30 years, working in little churches wherever needed and caring for our family. Our youngest daughter, the little “miracle” who God put in our lives, has taught us many things, especially about the power in prayer.
After hearing a sermon from our District Superintendent about some churches lacking a pastor, I talked to her about being called to ministry. I began the process of becoming a Licensed Local Pastor, went to licensing school in Lewisburg, PA, and graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2003. I have been privileged to serve as Pastor of St. Paul’s UMC in Mifflinburg, PA; Qunicy UMC in Quincy, PA, and the West Antietam Charge working full-time, with my husband as part-time Associate.
When we retired in 2001, for the first time in our lives, we needed a place to worship. After visiting several churches in the area, God led us to State Line. I am privileged to be appointed part-time to tell the story, as in the words of the old hymn, I Love to Tell the Story: “I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsty to hear it like the rest.”
The Church has always been a large part of my life. My mother taught the adult Sunday school class in our little church in Maplewood, PA, where my grandparents were both leaders. I come from a large family of five brothers and two sisters. I can remember walking about a mile to church. Sometimes, Dad would drive us in the surrey pulled by our team of horses.
My husband, Harold, and I have been married 55 years. We are parents of four children, grandparents of six and great-grandparents of two.
I enjoyed being a pastor’s wife for more than 30 years, working in little churches wherever needed and caring for our family. Our youngest daughter, the little “miracle” who God put in our lives, has taught us many things, especially about the power in prayer.
After hearing a sermon from our District Superintendent about some churches lacking a pastor, I talked to her about being called to ministry. I began the process of becoming a Licensed Local Pastor, went to licensing school in Lewisburg, PA, and graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2003. I have been privileged to serve as Pastor of St. Paul’s UMC in Mifflinburg, PA; Qunicy UMC in Quincy, PA, and the West Antietam Charge working full-time, with my husband as part-time Associate.
When we retired in 2001, for the first time in our lives, we needed a place to worship. After visiting several churches in the area, God led us to State Line. I am privileged to be appointed part-time to tell the story, as in the words of the old hymn, I Love to Tell the Story: “I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsty to hear it like the rest.”
Mary F. Thomas, Administrative Assistant
I have been serving in the role of Administrative Assistant since August 2016. Before coming to State Line UMC, I had previous experience in emergency travel assistance, corporate training and human resources. I met my husband, James, at Mount St. Mary’s College in 1992 and we were married in the college chapel in 1998. We have two children who are active in sports, music and the church our family attends. As a parent of a special-needs child, I find enjoyment in renewing activities like running, walking and yoga. When I have the time, I make stained-glass windows for my family and friends. This job has been a wonderful addition to my life. I enjoy seeing the friends I have made in this congregation, helping out on projects and praying with the Thursday morning Bible Study group.
I have been serving in the role of Administrative Assistant since August 2016. Before coming to State Line UMC, I had previous experience in emergency travel assistance, corporate training and human resources. I met my husband, James, at Mount St. Mary’s College in 1992 and we were married in the college chapel in 1998. We have two children who are active in sports, music and the church our family attends. As a parent of a special-needs child, I find enjoyment in renewing activities like running, walking and yoga. When I have the time, I make stained-glass windows for my family and friends. This job has been a wonderful addition to my life. I enjoy seeing the friends I have made in this congregation, helping out on projects and praying with the Thursday morning Bible Study group.
Jeffrey Wine, Pianist
I started playing the piano at the age of five! Although I only took lessons for a few years (from my mother, Bonnie), I stuck with it and eventually began playing in church and school. As a teen, I served as piano accompanist for my high school show choir, which gave me the opportunity to perform at Disney World! I then played the piano in college for a few years. Since then, I have played for weddings, banquets, musicals and currently play with the Williamsport Ambassadors Jazz Band. Prior to coming to State Line UMC in 2013, I played the piano, sang in the adult choir, and directed the children's choirs at Greencastle Presbyterian Church for 14 years.
I grew up in Williamsport, Maryland, and now reside in Falling Waters, West Virginia. My "day job" is Creative Services Director for Alpha Media. I also am a part-time actor, having been involved in numerous theatrical productions throughout the area, primarily as an actor, director or music director. I have even appeared in some national TV shows that have filmed in the area! When not working or doing something related to the performing arts, I enjoy working out, biking, hiking, watching thrillers, traveling and being on the beach. I also am addicted to "Words With Friends." I thank God every single day for the gift of music and blessing me with these talents.
I started playing the piano at the age of five! Although I only took lessons for a few years (from my mother, Bonnie), I stuck with it and eventually began playing in church and school. As a teen, I served as piano accompanist for my high school show choir, which gave me the opportunity to perform at Disney World! I then played the piano in college for a few years. Since then, I have played for weddings, banquets, musicals and currently play with the Williamsport Ambassadors Jazz Band. Prior to coming to State Line UMC in 2013, I played the piano, sang in the adult choir, and directed the children's choirs at Greencastle Presbyterian Church for 14 years.
I grew up in Williamsport, Maryland, and now reside in Falling Waters, West Virginia. My "day job" is Creative Services Director for Alpha Media. I also am a part-time actor, having been involved in numerous theatrical productions throughout the area, primarily as an actor, director or music director. I have even appeared in some national TV shows that have filmed in the area! When not working or doing something related to the performing arts, I enjoy working out, biking, hiking, watching thrillers, traveling and being on the beach. I also am addicted to "Words With Friends." I thank God every single day for the gift of music and blessing me with these talents.
Julia Ware, Custodian
Julia has been a congregant at State Line United Methodist Church since she was very young. She has a young son and another child on the way shortly. Her husband, Travis, leads our contemporary music Praise Team.
Julia has been a congregant at State Line United Methodist Church since she was very young. She has a young son and another child on the way shortly. Her husband, Travis, leads our contemporary music Praise Team.
