Program Staff

Nick Turner, Director of Student Ministries

Liz Reed, Director of Christian Education

“Christian education is a journey and not an event,” Liz said. “CUMC provides opportunities for children and adults to begin or continue this journey of becoming mature disciples who are capable of receiving Christ, knowing God and applying His word to their everyday living.” 

Liz has been working with children’s Christian education programs for many years, including leading Christ UMC’s summer Vacation Bible School and serving in a key leadership role in the annual summer mission trip that involves both youths and adults.

Since 2004 she has served as the superintendent of the church’s Sunday School. Her role will be increased as she assumes the new duties of Director of Sunday School in January 2006.

A former teacher in the Cahokia and Belleville public schools, Liz received her bachelor’s degree in education from Murray State University in Kentucky.

She and her husband, Rick Reed, are the parents of four adult daughters: Tiffany, Kelly, Nicole and Allison.

Diane Kruger, Director of Volunteer Ministries

As the Christ Church family prepares to move into the new sanctuary / education building in 2007, Diane welcomes the opportunity to serve Christ and to help connect others with Jesus through Christian education.
“I can’t wait to see what God has in store for Christian education here,” she said. “As in 1 Corinthians 2:9, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’ ”

After 31 years in education, Diane retired from the faculty of Southwestern Illinois College in 2004 and in July 2005 joined the Church staff as Assistant Director of Christian Education. Here she has taught two children’s Sunday School classes, has led women’s Bible studies. She is a member of the Women’s Ministry Team and assists a team in planning the special evening / retreat programs for women of the church; know as “The Journey.” In the Carlyle church, Diane was also active in teaching Sunday School and Bible School. She and her husband, John, were sponsors for the United Methodist Youth group there.

Diane and John have two children, John and Angie, and four grandchildren, Adam, Quinn, Ally, and Marley.

Michelle Herrera, Nursery Director

Working at the nursery registration desk prompted Michelle to enroll in the Early Childhood Education certificate program at nearby Southwestern Illinois College.

After receiving her certificate, she plans to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in the field.

Working with the church nursery program since 2003, Michelle’s dream is to be part of a regular pre-school program hosted by Christ Church, where she said, “we can take the ministry to the next level by reaching the outside community.“

Michelle and her husband, George, are the parents of four: Jennifer, 18, Dallas, 6, Austin, 4, and Dakota, 2.