High Desert UMC Staff
Pastor Reuben Thomas
Rev. Thomas comes to High Desert UMC after serving for six years at St. Paul's UMC in Socorro, NM. Prior to that appointment, he served seven years at First UMC in Grants, NM and three years as associate pastor at St. Stephen's UMC in Albuquerque. Reuben is a second career pastor having worked for thirty-one years for the Federal Highway Administration. He is a graduate of Clemson University with degrees in Civil Engineering and, following retirement from the Federal Government, he completed the required course of study at Perkins Theological Seminary at Southern Methodist University to become a licensed pastor following retirement. The primary focuses of Reuben's ministry are biblical preaching and teaching, hospitality, missions, spiritual growth and a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Frank Rotolo, Music Director
Frank comes to us with 30+ years of experience teaching, coaching and performance vocal, choral and band music. He presently is a substitute teacher for the Rio Rancho Public Schools District. Frank holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music in Choral Education from the University of Arizona. He also has a Master's Degree in Vocal performance from Michigan State University.
Lori Kottenbrook, Pianist
Lori brings to High Desert UMC extensive experience as a pianist, starting from her youth in Mississippi. She began piano lessons at age 13 after she and her mother were introduced to a piano teacher in a dentist's office, a blessed encounter that set her on her musical path. By the age of 14, she was playing for her home church, and at 16, took on the role of pianist for another church 60 miles away. After marrying her husband John, a minister, in 1991, Lori played the piano for various congregations they joined. Her commitment to playing is driven by a desire to glorify God and thank Him for His blessings through her music.
We're Hiring
Pianist – Worship Services & Choir Accompanist
Pianist – Worship Services & Choir Accompanist
Pianist – Worship Services & Choir Accompanist
Job Description:
HDUMC is seeking a talented and dedicated pianist to provide music for our Sunday morning worship services. This position plays a vital role in enhancing the worship experience through music, both as a solo performer and in collaboration with our choir.
Responsibilities:
- Play the piano for Sunday morning worship services.
- Accompany the choir during services and Wednesday evening choir rehearsals.
- Collaborate with the music director and worship team to prepare for services.
Position Details:
- Competitive salary offered based on experience.
- Applicants should be able to play at an advanced level.
- This position requires reliability, musical excellence, and a heart for worship.
For more details or to apply, please contact the church at (505) 891-4206.
Church Bus Driver (Sundays & Special Events)
Pianist – Worship Services & Choir Accompanist
Pianist – Worship Services & Choir Accompanist
Job Description:
HDUMC is seeking a reliable and compassionate Church Bus Driver to transport residents from four local retirement homes to and from Sunday worship services. This role provides an opportunity to serve the community by ensuring seniors have safe and accessible transportation to church.
Responsibilities:
- Pick up the church bus at 8:00 AM on Sunday mornings.
- Transport residents from four local retirement homes to church, arriving in time for the 9:00 AM service.
- After the service concludes at 10:00 AM, return passengers to their respective residences.
- Safely return the bus to its designated location.
- Assist wheelchair-bound passengers by operating the bus lift to ensure safe boarding and exiting.
- Stow and retrieve walkers for passengers as needed.
- Additional driving opportunities for special events during the week (paid hourly based on event).
Position Details:
- The bus accommodates 12 passengers, with typical ridership between 6-10 individuals.
- Paid for 3 hours each Sunday (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM).
- Hourly pay available for additional special events.
Requirements:
- CDL not required, but applicants must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
- Must pass a Safe Sanctuaries background check upon hire.
- A friendly, patient, and service-oriented attitude is essential.
For more details or to apply, please contact the church at (505) 891-4206.