LUMC Staff Members
Littleton United Methodist’s leadership and worship team is a group of seasoned, experienced, and educated professionals devoted to serving their community. Our leadership staff hold a variety of post-graduate degrees, our clergy leaders hold doctorates, and our children’s director holds licensed education degrees. Our staff are focused on investing their time, energy, and resources not only into our congregation and faith community, but also into our greater neighborhood and community at large.
Please use the envelope icon to email our staff members. Call the church office at any time to leave a message 303-794-6379.
Rev. Dr. Tezenlo Thong
Senior Pastor
Reverend Dr. Tezenlo Thong (pronounced Dee-Zeng-Low Tong) was born and grew up in Nagaland. Rev. Tezenlo attended the University of Denver and the Iliff School of Theology and received a Ph.D. degree (focusing on Indigenous Cultures and Religious Traditions).
In addition to serving churches in his homeland, he has also served churches in mainland India, South Korea and here in the US. Tezenlo and his wife, Eunjung Han (who grew up in Seoul, South Korea), have three adult children and they are excited and eagerly looking forward to becoming a part of the faith community here at Littleton UMC!
Rev. Mary MacDonald
Associate Pastor
Reverend Mary MacDonaldis an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church and received a Master of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology in 2012. She has served as Associate Pastor at Denver Grace UMC for the past eleven years and is currently the Accounts Payable Manager at the Cherry Creek School District. Mary is originally from the Chicago area and the mother of two adult children, Margie and Scott. Mary enjoys teaching folks of all ages and is excited to be joining ministry with Littleton United Methodist Church!
Dr. David Kates
Director of Music Ministries
David has served as the Director of Music and Fine Arts Ministries since 1991. He loves working with musicians of all ages, and has taught on the choral faculties of CU, Boulder & CCU. He holds music degrees from LSU, Sam Houston State and CU, Boulder. David is married to Kelly, who teaches performing arts. Their daughter Ella studies engineering in Vancouver at UBC, while Anna is a senior at Heritage High School.
Lisa Perkins
Director of Children's Ministries
As of February 2024, Lisa Perkins has enjoyed being the Director of Children’s Ministries for 10 years! When not at the church, Lisa loves to explore Colorado with her husband Dan, daughter Quinn and her local parents Chuck & Sherrie. Hailing from Austin, Texas where she taught elementary school for 10 years, Lisa and her family enjoy visiting Austin to see the Perkins side of the family – but only in the winter!
Eunie Kim
Organist/Pianist
Hannah Svenkerud
Director of Youth Ministries
Hannah Svenkerud has a long history with LUMC and was a member of LUMC youth group from 2003 to 2006! She has a degree in Communication with a minor in Business Administration. Previously, Hannah ran Children’s Programming for Foothills Park and Recreation, has experience coaching cheerleading, and worked as a Preschool Director.
Rebecca Schrank
Director of Great Escape ELC
Currently Hiring
Business and Facility Administrator
The LUMC community has a long-standing culture and commitment of lifting up all members of our church, our neighborhood, and our greater community through worship, service, inclusion. We welcome and support all individuals, all families, and all seasons of life, and believe in the paramount teachings of Christ that all persons and situations are beloved. Welcome home!
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you open for in-person gatherings and worship?
Yes! We have always followed the guidance and discretion of both the Tri-Country Health directives and the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church in determining what is the safest approach in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. As of now, our facilities are open for gatherings and worship. We will keep you informed if that should change in the future developments of the pandemic.
Can I watch a sermon after the original worship time?
Absolutely! Our worship content, including sermons, anthems, Children's Messages, and devoltionals are all available in chronological order at lumc.tv.
What is the Church's position on LGBTQ inclusion?
The Church affirms that all people are of sacred worth and are equally valuable in the sight of God. It is committed to be in ministry with all people. The Church “implores families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends.”
Underlying this is the constitutional principle of inclusiveness of the church. Everyone is welcome to worship and actively participate in the life of our churches. Laypersons may become members and live out their faith through their local church without respect to sexual orientation or practice.
Is childcare provided during worship?
Yes! Our Children's Ministries and Children's/Youth church provide Nursery childcare for ages 0-3, Sunday School for ages 3-12, and Youth Group for ages 13-18. All are welcome!
How do I reach out for prayer requests or for clergY services?
Need the support of prayer? Submit a prayer request online, give us a call, or reach out to Rev. Amos Kariuki, our Associate Pastor, for support. We look forward to supporting you and holding you up in prayer.
How do United Methodists observe the christian calendar?
With other Christians, The United Methodist Church celebrates the special days of the Christmas season (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany) and the Easter season (Lent, Easter, Pentecost).
Other special Christian days fall during Ordinary Time, including Trinity Sunday, All Saints' Day and Christ the King Sunday.
Find out more about these special times of the year.
