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.