Pastor
Rev Allen Miller started with Downs UMC on July 1, 2023. More information will be forthcoming.
Contact Pastor Allen via email at: pastor@downsumc.org or by calling the church office at 309-378-2651
Youth Minister
Kyle Boward has been with Downs UMC serving in some capacity since 2015. He grew up in the Tri-Valley community, and attended youth group at Downs UMC. He has fond memories of establishing his faith here, learning from some of his current volunteers! Kyle began his ministry journey by volunteering for the children’s ministry back in the spring of 2015, where he eventually accepted an internship to help plan events and design programs for the church in the summer.
His favorite thing about being part of Downs UMC and this community is being able to help grow and mold young minds. His greatest victory is hearing a member of the youth group share their faith story and loves helping make sure they have a positive church experience. His favorite events so far at Downs UMC have been leading the Timber-Lee Ministry, something that changed his life as a high school student, and trying a new Junior High Retreat to Southern IL, to celebrate the end of the year with those students.
Kyle has a degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism Management from the University of Illinois, and spends much of his free time engrossed in the sports world. His hobbies include attending every possible sporting event from amateur to professional leagues (he is an avid Cardinals fan and makes a point of seeing 5-10 games a year). Kyle also tries to stay connected to sports by participating, he currently plays in the McLean County Men’s Baseball League and the McLean County Prairie Chickens Vintage Base Ball Team.
Office Administrator
Janice Cuba has been the Administrative Assistant since October 2005. She is married and has 3 grown children, and 5 grandchildren. Janice has a Bachelor Degree in Administrative Office Management from Western Illinois University.
Janice has been a member of the Downs UMC since 1984 and has served as Nurture Chair, Ad Board Chair, Treasurer, Youth Choir Pianist, Youth Puppet Ministry Coordinator, Worship pianist/organist, UMW Treasurer, VBS Coordinator and Choir Director. She loves the Church Family and watching others grow in their faith and stepping out to do more for the mission of Downs UMC of Making Disciples of Jesus Christ.
In her free time, she enjoys being with family, reading, crocheting/knitting, enjoying quiet time and riding 4-wheelers in their timber property.
Choir Director
Janice Cuba has served as choir director since the Fall of 2000. Her music training comes from piano and organ lessons along with music class in High School. It was a real step out of her comfort zone when she took on the directing. Prior to that time she had been a member of the choir and enjoyed singing with a fun-loving group. The choir has done numerous cantatas, and you can hear the choir on the 2nd Sunday of the month.
None of the choir music could be done without our fantastic accompanists, and church members willing to take an hour each week to practice. Choir has a great time fellow-shipping, and praising God through their music. Music is God’s gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven. The one thing we know we will do in Heaven is sing, so everyone is welcomed to get some practice in!
Custodian
Content coming soon!