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, welcoming the challenge it provided. In 2017 I answered a request from the Pastor, at the time, if I would be interested in building and running the media presentations for Sunday services which included operating the sound system. I agreed to take on these tasks and although I have never operated a sound system before, I fortunately caught on to the basics of running it.

In 2020 I was asked if I would consider filling the vacated full time Secretary’s position but as part-time. I agreed and now cover secretarial duties while holding down a full time job elsewhere.

I invite you to come visit Union UMC and find, as I did, what a great place it is to worship God.

Barb Cress

I have served both large and small churches as organist, choir director, or Music Director in the Quincy, Champaign (IL) and St. Louis areas since 1995, and joined the staff at Union UMC in May of 2020.

At Union, I am the Music Director as well as organist and pianist, and I coordinate special music and vocal/choral ensembles. I am passionate about music ministry and its power to connect with people to glorify God.

Music is a gift from God, and I am thankful for the opportunity to use it to reach God’s people at Union. I enjoy architecture and travel, and am a
graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

I live In Quincy, IL with my wife Jayne, who works at Blessing Corporate Services.

I would love to speak with you about being a part of the music ministry at Union! 

Dan Fry    

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 have always had a passion for music and pursued that passion in college.

During my years in school, I collaborated with the Muddy River Opera Company’s series of Spring children’s operas for
five years in a row. I have since performed with the Quincy Community Theater, and in the Muddy
River Opera Company’s summer opera, Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love.

I received a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Quincy University.

When I am not singing or working, I can be found relaxing with my best friend, and my cat, Baked Beans!

Rachel Reinbeck

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