meet the staff
"I am Robert Sefrit, and I am excited to be the pastor at the Platte City UMC!
At William Jewell, I studied History and Political Science and received a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology.
I love spending time with my wife Carly and our two kids, Calla and Asher. Traveling, reading, and just being outside are things I enjoy doing. I also have a passion for helping people connect to Jesus and grow in their faith.
So, I invite you to join us in exploring and growing together in our faith at the Platte City United Methodist Church."
Robert Sefrit, Pastor
Carrie VanNess, Children's and Youth Director
"My family moved to Platte City after my husband retired from the Army in 2017.
My husband Dana and I have two awesome daughters, Lainey and Kylie.
I am passionate about giving our children and youth a safe place to thrive and grow in their faith."
Aaron Heilman, Blended Service Worship Leader
Aaron has been serving in ministry for over 15 years, beginning as a volunteer musician on the praise team at Bethany Lutheran Church in Overland Park, KS.
For Aaron, there is no greater witness of a unified body of believers than a whole church singing heartily to God for His glory. To that end, he works hard to curate a church songbook that engages as many people as possible. He welcomes song suggestions and encourages everyone to be open to all the wonderful styles and genres of praise and worship music God has endowed His Church with to worship Him.
Aaron is married to Heather (24 years) and has two grown boys, Quentin (23) and Gavin (19). He has recently taken up golf and enjoys building LEGO with his son, Gavin. Aaron lives in Overland Park and works full-time as a delivery driver for RoadRaven Deliveries, LLC, a contractor for FedEx.
"I moved to Platte City in the fall of 2020 after retiring from a 46-year career with Region V Services in Nebraska City, NE. The last 12 years there, I was Director of the agency which supports adults with developmental disabilities.
First Lutheran in Nebraska City was my church home. I served on the Church Council for several years, including terms as President, Secretary and Treasurer.
I have three adult children and five grandchildren. My daughters and their families live in Platte City, my son and his family lives in Milford, NE. I share my home with Mia, my "Sassy Cat"!!
I enjoy spending time with family, walking and reading. And if you’ve been in the office, you know that my favorite color is purple!”
Limda Plager, Office Administrator
Phyllis retired in 2008 from DeLaval, Inc. after more than 20 years of service as Accounts Payable Manager. In 2011, she became the Business Manager for PCUMC.
She and her husband, Terry, have two children and three grandchildren who live in the Kansas City area.
Phyllis enjoys spending time with friends and family, and especially her grandchildren. She is a member of Preceptor Epsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.
Phyllis has been a member of PCUMC since 1977.
Phyllis VanDyke, Treasurer
Barney is a retired Postmaster who worked for 34 years before retiring in 2019. He and his wife Marty have two grown children and three grandchildren. After living in Tarkio MO their entire lives, they decided to move to Platte City to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They transferred their membership from the Tarkio UMC to Platte City UMC in 2021.
Barney greatly enjoys spending time with family, traveling, sports and “piddling” around the house. He spent a few months learning the ropes from long-time Maintenance Manager, Terry VanDyke and looks forward to continuing that same level of service and commitment.
Barney Farley, Maintenance Manager
Lynn has been a part of the Platte City United Methodist church and surrounding community for many years. At the traditional Sunday morning service, Lynn provides organ meditations and accompanies hymns for the congregation.
Lynn was the Platte County High School accompanist for choral and band programs prior to retiring.
In her spare time, Lynn enjoys seeing musicals and cruise vacations.
Lynn Sanders, Organist
Dawn works to create a holistic worship experience as part of the media team, providing visual supplements to the service and technology management.
Dawn is mother to two adult sons who live in the Kansas City area.
On the weekend, she enjoys exploring Kansas City with her husband, John.
