Todd Shafer
Lead Pastor
Todd Shafer is the Lead Pastor of Indian River United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Noreen, are originally from Kalkaska and raised their five sons there. They also have 3 granddaughters. Prior to answering his call into ministry in 2007, Todd worked as a dispatcher and safety manager for a construction and paving company. He was also a lieutenant on the Kalkaska Fire Department.
Todd and Noreen both LOVE the area here in Northern Michigan and are ecstatic to be serving in Indian River. The Shafers both enjoy outdoor activities. Todd likes golf, hunting and fishing, while Noreen enjoys snowshoeing and camping. You also might see them out boating quite often.
Todd is here to be a pastor not just to IRUMC, but to the community as well. He looks forward to meeting you on a Sunday, or at a weekday event, very soon!
Todd and Noreen both LOVE the area here in Northern Michigan and are ecstatic to be serving in Indian River. The Shafers both enjoy outdoor activities. Todd likes golf, hunting and fishing, while Noreen enjoys snowshoeing and camping. You also might see them out boating quite often.
Todd is here to be a pastor not just to IRUMC, but to the community as well. He looks forward to meeting you on a Sunday, or at a weekday event, very soon!
Emily Brand
Office Administrator
I am the Office Administrator here at IRUMC. My role is to support the congregation, staff, and pastor in their ministries. My duties range from everyday office work to bulletin preparation, graphics and advertising, as well as managing the pastor’s schedule. I believe God has called me to this position for such a time as this.
I thoroughly enjoy administrative tasks and use it as my way of “Reaching Up, Reaching Out – God’s Love in Action”. I do whatever I can on a daily basis to help those I come in contact with to feel God’s love in this place.
My family includes my wonderful husband, and 2 amazing teenagers. I enjoy walking, singing, fishing, boating and visiting extended family.
I thoroughly enjoy administrative tasks and use it as my way of “Reaching Up, Reaching Out – God’s Love in Action”. I do whatever I can on a daily basis to help those I come in contact with to feel God’s love in this place.
My family includes my wonderful husband, and 2 amazing teenagers. I enjoy walking, singing, fishing, boating and visiting extended family.
Rhonda Goode
Middle School/High School Youth Leader
My name is Rhonda Goode and I love Jesus, black coffee, the mountains, hiking, and late night conversation with students. I have a snap streak of 481 and love to head-bang to hard rock Christian music, my all time favorite band is Disciple. In 2014, my husband (Bob) and I answered the call to serve in youth ministry. Our desire was and still is for students to have a friend/relationship with Christ, become disciples of Jesus, and to take Christ love into the world to share with friends, family and beyond.
We believe our purpose is found in Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission and that portion of scripture is referred to in 99% of the conversations with students. We love students and all the “crazy” that goes along with youth ministry and believe this gen Z is worth fighting for. Jesus as our example, left the flock of 99 to rescue the 1. We all need a Savior! My favorite part of youth ministry is planning activities that mix Jesus with fun. We have done Spring Hill winter retreats, hosted archery tag events, muck fest, and game nights. We have been on two out of state mission trips and are planning to go again in the spring of 2022. We would love to get to know your students very soon!
We believe our purpose is found in Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission and that portion of scripture is referred to in 99% of the conversations with students. We love students and all the “crazy” that goes along with youth ministry and believe this gen Z is worth fighting for. Jesus as our example, left the flock of 99 to rescue the 1. We all need a Savior! My favorite part of youth ministry is planning activities that mix Jesus with fun. We have done Spring Hill winter retreats, hosted archery tag events, muck fest, and game nights. We have been on two out of state mission trips and are planning to go again in the spring of 2022. We would love to get to know your students very soon!
Meg Goerke
Missions/Outreach Director
I am IRUMC’s Missions/Outreach Director and am very active in its many mission areas.
In the year 2000, I was introduced to Operation Christmas Child (OCC) and have become very involved in volunteering year round with Samaritan’s Purse and OCC. I run the area Relay Drop Off Site where other organizations drop off their packed shoe boxes here at IRUMC during collection week in November.
My other interests are my two grandchildren, camping, swimming and road trips. I moved to Burt Lake from Ottawa Hills/Toledo, Ohio as a teen, but have been coming here since to my grandparent’s cottage off Resort Rd since birth.
In the year 2000, I was introduced to Operation Christmas Child (OCC) and have become very involved in volunteering year round with Samaritan’s Purse and OCC. I run the area Relay Drop Off Site where other organizations drop off their packed shoe boxes here at IRUMC during collection week in November.
My other interests are my two grandchildren, camping, swimming and road trips. I moved to Burt Lake from Ottawa Hills/Toledo, Ohio as a teen, but have been coming here since to my grandparent’s cottage off Resort Rd since birth.
Sue Fielder
Church/Financial Administrator
My position as the Church / Financial Administrator entails processing our finances and supporting administrative tasks for our Church. My main responsibility is to manage, process and support the Ministry Team’s financial activities, along with other miscellaneous administrative tasks.
I have 35 years of business experience which includes EDS Account Service Manager, Asset Management & Facilities for a GM Bld., Supervisor of Customer Support Groups Supporting GM Dealership Software Systems, Customer Support Representative, Accounting Specialist Supporting EDS/GM Fisher Guide Plants, Administrative Assistant for a Account Manager, Accounting/Payroll for Guardian Glass Ind.
I have been a part of the United Methodist Church all my life. Growing up watching my Mom process Church Finances and Dad was the Chair the Staff Parish Relations Committee while participating in Sunday School, Youth group and the Church choir. I met and married my husband Mark at Christ UMC and have two adult sons, Tyler and Austin.
After traveling to Indian River on weekends and Holidays for over 25 years we moved up to the area and have lived here for the past 20+ years moving from Rochester Hills, MI.
I have 35 years of business experience which includes EDS Account Service Manager, Asset Management & Facilities for a GM Bld., Supervisor of Customer Support Groups Supporting GM Dealership Software Systems, Customer Support Representative, Accounting Specialist Supporting EDS/GM Fisher Guide Plants, Administrative Assistant for a Account Manager, Accounting/Payroll for Guardian Glass Ind.
I have been a part of the United Methodist Church all my life. Growing up watching my Mom process Church Finances and Dad was the Chair the Staff Parish Relations Committee while participating in Sunday School, Youth group and the Church choir. I met and married my husband Mark at Christ UMC and have two adult sons, Tyler and Austin.
After traveling to Indian River on weekends and Holidays for over 25 years we moved up to the area and have lived here for the past 20+ years moving from Rochester Hills, MI.