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CJ (Cara Jo) Shell - Director of Children's Music

E-mail CJ (Cara Jo)

CJ was raised in Gilmer, TX where she spent loads of time learning and worshipping at First United Methodist Church.  Her college years were spent at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Wesley Foundation.  She says that the Wesley Foundation taught her about service projects and true acceptance by the church.

After college CJ taught junior high and high school math in Center Point, Bandera, and Giddings TX.  She also worked in Christian education part-time in United Methodist churches in Boerne, Bandera, and Mason TX.  CJ was very active with United Methodist Women while living in TX—she served as a conference officer for 8 years and a district officer for 4 years.  She learned about doing International Christmas Markets through UMW and has been continuing that ministry for over 20 years.

CJ moved to Bartlesville in 2005 to teach math at Nowata High School.  She joined First UMC in July 2006 and began working with the children’s music in August 2006.  CJ is part of the Mission Committee, United Methodist Women, and the Sanctuary choir at First UMC.  CJ’s family includes her two cats, Aranxia and Milo.

Favorite Bible Verse:  We know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to God’s purpose. Romans 8:28