Rev. Dr. David King, pastor
Pastor David, author of Reclaiming the Radical Economic Message of Luke, was appointed to Forest Grove UMC in July 2020. He grew up in Banks, Oregon and later Salem, attending South Salem High School. He studied History and Music at Willamette University and completed his seminary education at Iliff School of Theology. He has pastored churches in Coos Bay and Hood River, Oregon, and in Denver and Hudson, Colorado. In 2019, he completed a doctorate in New Testament and Early Christianity at the Joint Ph.D. Program of the University of Denver and the Iliff School of Theology, and he still pursues research in biblical studies.
David is a musician and enjoys playing piano, guitar, and other instruments. Along with Rev. Jeff Lowery, he has composed a number of worship songs and has recorded two albums of sacred music.
David teaches and does campus ministry at Valley Catholic High School.
Pastor David also serves as a chaplain in the Civil Air Patrol and enjoys cycling and kayaking.
He lives in Forest Grove with wife, Melissa Mimier King, and three children, Karthik, Kaylah, and Kiahla.
Noelle Voepel, administrative assistant
Noelle Voepel is the Administrative Assistant / Bookkeeper for Forest Grove UMC since 2016. She came to the United States at a young age with her large family, refugees from Vietnam. Her family was supported in their transition by a Church of the Brethren congregation. She grew up in the central valley of California. She graduated from a technical school with an emphasis in computers. She has over 20 years of experience as an administrative assistant in a church environment. Noelle currently lives in Hillsboro with her husband and son.
Alisa Hampton, pianist and treasurer
Alisa Hampton is currently working full time in Human Resources at PCC to put her two daughters, Rei and K, and two sons, Matthew and Micah, through college, Alisa also plays the piano for our FGUMC services and accompanies the Chancel Choir. She was a founder of our Bell Choir, teaching from her experience in Bells of the Cascades. She was also a founder of our Little Pantry near the playground and works to keep food available for our hungry neighbors. And in her spare time, Alisa is our church Treasurer.
Emily Tabb, youth and family director
Emily Tabb has been involved in working with young people “forever.” She lived and worked at Suttle Lake, three years as Program Coordinator. She worked ten years in Youth Ministry through the Methodist Conference, including two years as Conference Youth Coordinator. Currently, she teaches preschool at Mt. Olive Lutheran. Years ago, she helped her husband Bobby build FGUMC’s resounding Youth Group. Proud mom of Chase, Kayleigh and Declan, during COVID, Emily earned Master’s degree in Learning and Technology. Despite her busy schedule, she felt the call to head our Youth and Family ministry. Our Youth (6th Grade and Up) are “a unique and wonderful mix of diverse young people.”
Robbie Boles, music director
Robbie Boles was born and raised in Forest Grove and Cornelius. He has always been active in the community and youth activities such as the Scouts, and school sports, but he knew in middle school that he wanted to teach, particularly music. This led him to earn his Master’s degree in Music Education from Portland State University during the COVID pandemic. He now teaches enthusiastic middle-schoolers choir, band, and general music in the Beaverton School District. He directs FGUMC Chancel Choir and the Handbells. In addition, he works with our sound system for both in-person and on-line/Facebook services.