A “cradle Methodist” originally from Richardson Texas, Rev. LaraineWaughtal is an elder in the United Methodist Church, receiving her Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School after earning a degree in Sociology/Business from Stephen F. Austin. At 19, she heard her call to ministry. “However, I was also active in the Girl Scouts and wanted to give back to them. I worked for the Girl Scouts for three years designing older girl programs and training the adults. I also owned an antique business. In the late 1990’s I finally answered my call to ministry and went off to get my Masters of Divinity. This year is my 20th anniversary in ministry - 16 years, of which were in the local congregation. I have been active in Disaster Ministry for 18 of those years.” For the last 2 years Laraine has served as the Director of the Office Of Missional Engagement for the Louisiana Annual Conference.

When asked to describe her ideal appointment Laraine responded: A church that is open to making disciples and welcoming all people to all parts and life of the church. A church that believes and either centers or is open to centering everything they do in prayer. A church that believes in mission or is willing to learn that mission is everywhere in our lives. From the parking lot of the grocery store, to a food pantry, to serving in the community and beyond. A church that does not see church as a building. That church is the people inside the church and, most importantly, outside the church. A church that believes in studying and learning God’s Word and how that impacts our own lives in how we live every moment of every day- to be willing to grow not just in knowledge - to grow spiritually. A church that believes in sharing the Sacraments of the church with one another and the world. A church that is willing to welcome all people into the church community. They are welcome to serve in the church and on committees and not just the same people serving over and over again.

Laraine also says of herself: I am a relational person. I love being around people and bringing people together. I love to help people learn and discover what their gifts are and how they can make a difference and help make disciples. It takes everyone and everyone has a part in building the Body of Christ. The church is never just about the pastor. It is about Christ being the head of the church. And, as the administrator of the church, the pastor, and a teacher, it is my work to help empower others and to bring people together to serve through their gifts and graces.

I also believe strongly that if we learn to focus on others and not ourselves that is when ministry begins to happen and positive change takes place. A church that focuses inward dies. A church that focuses outward thrives. We have to get past ourselves and focusing on our mission, our calling in the world, and then we are truly being the church.

She goes on to describe her major gifts for ministry: Preaching/worship, making and growing disciples, building relationships in the church, missions, pastoral care, seeing/hearing the interest/gifts of the overall church, empowering people to utilize their gifts in ministry (an encourager), and listening. Also, in my sixteen years of ministry in the local church - facilitating and overseeing the administration of the church. I have a heart for preaching God’s Word and for serving as Christ taught us to do - which helps me lead others to do the same.

She also shares, “I have two wonderful dogs that are Labrador mixes, two brothers, one sister, 6 nieces and nephews, eight great-nieces and nephews and two great-great nieces and nephews.” She is looking forward to her shared ministry with the great people of FUMC, DeRidder.

Mary Allen is our church organist. Raised in Buna, Texas, she began playing for the United Methodist Church of Buna at age 13. While attending McNeese State University in Lake Charles on a music scholarship, she met the love of her life, Ted Allen. Married in 1973, they had two daughters, Veronica and Marcie, forming a musical family who sang at many events.  Mary, now a widow, pours herself into her 3 grandchildren Felicity, Analise, and Rowan. She also enjoys reading to elementary classes where she is affectionately known as “Class Grandma.”

Her previous work titles include administrative assistant to attorney for 25 years as well as accompanist for numerous churches, musicals, choirs, high school band and vocal students, weddings, and funerals. She continues at McNeese with students’ solos and in the orchestra for dramas.

Having served at FUMC DeRidder for many years, she considers this position the most enjoyable ministry job of her lifetime! The choir family, fellow musicians, congregation, and leadership of Rev. Laraine has lead to a wonderful worship of our never-changing God.  Mary looks forward to many more years of service.

Elizabeth & Ryne Robinson are the partner team that runs our Children & Youth program here. Both are graduates of DeRidder High School in 2014, but each had a unique path.

Ryne was born & raised in DeRidder by his parents, Julie & David. Ryne has many fond memories in our church from the halls of our Methodist Learning Center to the old Youth Building across our campus, he is the definition of a life long Methodist. Ryne has seen our church & the town through many seasons & it has remanded a vocal point in his life. Ryne spent some time at Louisiana Tech, before joining the workforce to support his family. Ryne enjoys golfing & spending time with his beautiful wife & daughters.

Elizabeth was a born & raised ‘worldwide’ which is her way of stating she grew up in the U.S. Army. As a military child, she was able to see the world from duty stations in Colorado to across the ocean in Germany. In 2010, Elizabeth’s family settled here in DeRidder where she met her husband, joined our church & graduated in 2014. Elizabeth attended college at Southeastern Louisiana University & graduated with a degree BA in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology.

After a few years the couple moved to Hammond, La while Elizabeth finished her degree & in 2018, the couple tied the knot in Covington, La with their oldest daughter, Adalynn by their side. After being away from ‘home’ for sometime the charm of DeRidder & the church called them back. In 2023, the couple took a leap of faith & moved home where they started attending church regularly again with all three of their girls’. The story on how they came to their positions is one only faith can explain, around 2024 as the church was searching for new children & youth director the couple was helping out with the sound booth. As Pastor Laraine was talking, Ryne simply nudged Elizabeth, not knowing she had been thinking about applying for weeks prior. As Elizabeth explains coming to church should be like coming home to a family you never knew you needed. One that is full of love and grace which has always been showed to me her at FUMC - DeRidder, since I was a teen. The nudge turned into a talk and that turned into a job interview & now we fast forward to present day where the children & youth program has grown from five regularly attending to over 20.

We can’t wait to see, y’all!

April 2026 marks five years for me at the Methodist Children’s Learning Center, and it is hard to believe how quickly the time has passed. If someone had told me in April of 2021 that within a few short years I would be helping manage this center as Assistant Director, I would not have believed them. What began as an opportunity to serve in early childhood education has grown into a role that has challenged me, shaped me, and brought me so much fulfillment.

Early childhood education is truly rewarding, and when I walk through the doors each day, this place hardly feels like a job. The women I have the privilege of working alongside, along with the children we care for, make this center feel like a second home. The innocence, joy, and honesty of children inspire and strengthen my relationship with God, reminding me daily of the importance of love, patience, and grace. Building strong relationships with families is one of our greatest goals, because trust and connection are at the heart of quality care. Above all, child safety remains my highest priority, and I am honored to help create an environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

  My name is Patty McCullough, and I serve as the Christian Education Director and Assistant Director of Wesley Kids. I was born and raised in DeRidder, and have always been involved in the church. In 2015, my son and I joined the Methodist church, which has continued to be an important part of our lives. I have been serving with Wesley Kids since 2023 and began working in the church office in 2024. For the past year, I have had the privilege of serving as Christian Education Director. I am also a proud mom to a son who graduated in 2018, joined the Navy in 2019, and currently serves in the reserves. I truly love working with children and especially enjoy watching them learn, grow, and develop their faith!