Virginia United Methodist Church

Staff Members

Rev. William T. Braswell, Pastor

Rev. William T. Braswell  began his ministry at the Virginia United Methodist Church on July 1, 2004.  Pastor Bill (as he prefers to be called) grew up in Illinois and served churches here.  For the past 10 years he has served a yoke parish (three churches: Larimore United Methodist, Arvilla and Emerado Presbyterian Churches) in northeastern North Dakota.  A couple of years ago he decided it was time to return to Illinois and Virginia, Illinois has become his home.

Pastor Bill's daughter, Whitney, lives in Dallas, Texas.  His parents live in Belleville, Illinois and  his sister, Carol, lives in St. Charles, Missouri.

Pastor Bill senses that VUMC is a busy place with various ministries going on.  His hope is to challenge the congregation, as well as himself and the community, to grow in Christ.  He plans to publish sermons and scriptures in the monthly newsletter which will help us to prepare for each Sunday.

Jana Fox Raymond, Administrative Assistant

Jana has returned to Virginia after many stops in various parts of Illinois.  Hers is the voice that answers the phone on most weekday mornings or greets you when you stop by the office.  She also performs the many secretarial tasks needed by our church family.  Jana is an avid gardener when she is not working in our church office and the weather permits.

Kim Ruggles, Youth Program Director

Kim became our youth director during the summer months of 2003.  Previously Kim worked for the Cass County Health Department where she ran the 3rd base program at Virginia Elementary School.  She will continue with that program and we hope to incorporate that program with our After School program.  Kim spent the summer meeting with people in our church, planning and organizing for the fall, and getting some summer activities off the ground for the youth and their families.  Kim is very excited to be working with the youth of our church community.

Charnell Freeman, Church Organist

Charnell currently lives in Havana, IL. She has five children Lynn Fornoff of Woodland Park, Colorado; Wade Fornoff of Delaven, IL; Megan Fornoff of Kilbourne, IL; Bonnie Freeman of Havana, IL (currently attending Greenville College in Greenville, IL). She also has two grandchildren Michalah Diekhoff and Victoria Diekhoff both of Woodland Park, CO. Charnell was born and raised in Greenville, IL.

Along with spending time with her kids and grandkids, she enjoys music (plays piano, organ, saxophone, clarinet and accordion - having given private lessons for 18 years); reading; boating; and traveling. She managed a tax office in Manitou Springs, CO for the last two years and is planning to help manage the H&R Block Office in Havana, IL. She also sells Premier Designs Jewelry.

Raquel Reid, Choir Director

Raquel is a music school teacher in the Porta School District. She enjoys playing the piano and singing when she is not directing the choir at the church.  She also has been instrumental in developing our 8:00 AM worship service using contemporary and alternative music and readings.