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
Delinda has enjoyed a lifetime of caring for children and her passion is to foster an environment where children at PCUMC knows they belong in God’s family and that they are loved unconditionally. Delinda is committed to teaching God’s love through scripture so they can discover friendship with Jesus throughout God’s story.
Since joining PCUMC in 2013, Delinda has been involved in many areas of ministry including small groups, teaching Sunday school, hospitality, Pastor Parish Relation, nomination & program committees. She and her husband Russ have two grown children and four grandchildren. She enjoys spending quality time with her beautiful grandkids, church activities, camping, boating, swimming, arts and crafts, baking and spending time with family and friends.
Delinda’s vision is to share her wealth of experience, implement creative ideas, provide a safe and nurturing environment, and engage with families at PCUMC. Feel free to reach out and say hi! 😊
Delinda Rhyne, Children's Director
Carrie VanNess, Youth Director
"I am Carrie VanNess, and I am excited to get started as the Youth Director at Platte City United Methodist Church! I grew up in Kansas, and graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Social Work. I worked in Child Protective Services doing investigations, family preservation, foster care and adoptions. I married my husband Dana VanNess in 1999. We have two awesome daughters, Lainey and Kylie. We moved to Platte City after my husband retired from the Army in 2017. I have continued to work with children as a volunteer since deciding to stay home to raise our girls. I have volunteered with the PTA, taught Sunday school and VBS, been a Girl Scout leader for 9+ years, and sat on the board of the Music Parent Association at PCHS. I am passionate about giving our children and youth a safe place to thrive and grow in their faith."
Joshua Kelley, Contemporary Worship Leader
Josh is a pastor's kid musician, born and raised in Kansas City, MO.
After graduating from Oklahoma City University in 2020 with a BM in Vocal Performance, Josh moved home to Missouri to begin working and leading worship. He has led worship at Liberty Christian Church, Nichols Hills United Methodist Church, and was the primary worship leader for YouthFront Camps for three summers.
He is excited to start a new journey at Platte City United Methodist Church, and looks forward to sharing God's love through music.
"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.
