I felt God calling me into ministry more than 10 years ago. At the time, I thought there was no way it could or would happen. I was working as a very successful Enterprise Architect with a very large IT company. I was also recently divorced and could not imagine being a pastor who had been divorced (and now remarried). God had other plans.

Thankfully, God put some very good people in my path who convinced me to pursue the path to ministry as a full-time pastor. They encouraged me to listen to God’s calling and follow His plan for my life. Additionally, God put some road blocks and open doors in my path to steer me to where He wanted me to be.

I give thanks for the wonderful work God has done in my life. I am very thankful to be the pastor for Union UMC. I fully believe God has great plans for this church and I feel blessed to be part of that plan. My prayer for each person is they follow God’s plan for their lives and continue to bring others into the kingdom.

Pastor Marty Pressey

When I joined Union in 2013, I was looking for a church that I could feel comfortable with and Union met that need with a warm welcoming atmosphere of both people and worship.

In 2015 I became the church treasurer, as a volunteer position, welcoming the challenge it provided. In 2017 and became involved in creating and running the Sunday Service screen presentations along with the sound system. In 2020 I was asked to take on Secretarial duties which I did, as a paid part time position, while holding down a full time job elsewhere. I held that position until the end of November 2024.

I invite you to come visit and join Union UMC and find a forever home to worship God in.

Barb Cress

Organist / Pianist / Accompanist

Music has always been an ‘instrumental’ part of my life 😁

I am blessed to have had the opportunity to: take piano lessons, play in band, sing in choir, accompany choirs, accompany both vocal and instrumental soloists, play at weddings, funerals, many different churches, as well as singing with my family.

Music transforms the heart. With each service, I pray;  “May the music from my heart be shown through these hands to their ears. Thank you for these gifts, Amen. 

I am a wife and mother who loves spending time with my family and enjoys watching our daughter grow in faith, academics, and athletics.

Tina Bunte

I graduated from Western Illinois University with a BS in Broadcasting and Music Business.

I am currently the Vice President of Marketing at Sounds Enterprise.

My musical background is in music theater and background singing/songwriting for various mainstream gospel artists.

I have also been a praise and worship leader for various churches in the Chicagoland area, and at
Methodist Church in Macomb, IL. Currently, I reside in Quincy, IL.

Michael Perkins

I came to Union over 10 years ago with my late father Richard Derry.  We came here because of the family atmosphere that Union projected and the warm welcome we received. Two and one half years ago I took over the position of custodian at Union, taking care of cleaning the building and maintaining the grounds. I am also a member of the New Beginning's Sunday School and in my spare time I maintain a close relationship with my nephew and take an active part in his growing up.

Robert Derry