Rev. Dr. Grace Cajiuat
Pastor Grace
Rev. Dr. Grace Cajiuat is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church in Wisconsin. She brings more than 40 years of teaching and ministry experience to her work as an internationally recognized musician, minister, professor, and interculturalist. A “cradle” United Methodist from the Philippines, she continues to discover the richness of the Wesleyan praxis as she evolves in her 20-year ministry. Her husband, Chris Herigstad, walks alongside her in life, in faith, and in work. Grace received her Masters in Divinity and Masters in Sacred Theology from Boston University to fulfill education requirements towards ordination. Grace’s first career was in teaching music at the university level. She received her Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of South Carolina, Masters in Church Music (Choral Conducting) from Scarritt Graduate School and Masters in Music (Vocal Performance) from Austin Peay State University. She has worked as an international conductor, studying voice, language, and opera in Italy. A life-long learner, she became a fellow at the Summer Institute of Intercultural Communication in Portland, Oregon. Grace is a certified and experienced trainer in a variety of models: Cultural Detective Model, the Emotional Intelligence and Diversity Model, the Personal Leadership Methodology, and a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). She brings these tools as well as her own, lived intercultural experiences to groups around the world—Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America—both within and outside of the Church. Her passion is helping leaders and congregations increase their intercultural competencies toward growing the reign of God on earth. mailto:gcajiuat@fumcwa.org
Alyssa Roberts
Director of Music Ministries
Alyssa is an organist, bell choir director, and children's choir director with a degree in music education from UW- Milwaukee. She strives to make meaningful music with people of all ages and skill levels to enhance worship for the glory of God. Alyssa enjoys outdoor activities with her family and playing video games with her three children. fumcwaoffice@fumcwa.org Attn: Alyssa
Raymond Roberts
Choral Choir Director
Raymond is co-director of music with his wife Alyssa. He directs the Chancel Choir and the Wesley Singers. He holds degrees in Music Education and Educational Leadership from Northwestern University and Cardinal Stritch, respectively. He is so happy to be affiliated with a church family that embraces and celebrates the role of music in worship as a lifelong ministry. He considers his family to be the “best thing that has ever happened to him.” fumcwaoffice@fumcwa.org Attn: Raymond
Michelle Fuller
Office Manager
I have been a member of First United Methodist Church since I was born. This has always been my 2nd home and family. I feel blessed to be a part of this amazing staff in the office of FUMC. I am a member of the Chancel Choir and the Asbury Bell Choir. When I am not working at the office or singing or ringing, I enjoy reading and spending time with my biological family and my friends. mfuller@fumcwa.org
Laurie Halvorsen
Senior Ministries Coordinator
Laurie has been in our church since she was 4 years old and has grown to love this church with the people in it. In 2015, she became the Director of Senior Ministries and has enjoyed working and traveling with the seniors in our church. Two years before this Laurie accepted the position of Minister of Visitation. She works with a team who visit our home-bound First Church members. Laurie says, “Both of these appointments have been so rewarding and I have been so blessed to be working on church staff.” lhalvorsen@fumcwa.org
Erica Rauls
Music Assistant
Erica has been involved in our church since she was in Carol Choir and Witte Bells, many many years ago! She has been married to Brian for 14 years and they have two daughters, Claire and Scarlett. Erica is thrilled to have her kids grow up in the same church family and music program that she too loved as a child. Erica helps with VBS (crafts) and this is her first year directing the Chapel Chimes and Park/Witte Bells. fumcwaoffice@fumcwa.org Attn: Erica
Lance Lambert
Church Events Coordinator and Music Assistant
Lance came to 1st Church in 1974. His 3 sons grew up in our church and Lance, & his wife Jo-Ann, have been in bell choirs since 1983. He currently serves as Church Events Coordinator. Lance also directs the Celebration Ringers. The music and warmth of our congregation mean a great deal to Lance. He, and his wife, have been active in the church and feel blessed to be a part of the First United Methodist Church family. Lance also enjoys swimming, kayaking, reading and playing with his 3 grandchildren. lambert@fumcwa.org
Elizabeth Coover
Nursery Coordinator
My name is Elizabeth Coover. I am Nursery Coordinator at First United Methodist Church of West Allis. I am married 19 years and share 4 wonderful children with my husband. Michael Coover. ecoover@fumcwa.org