Susan Barrett is our Children's Ministry Director and has been employed in this position for 13 years.  She is responsible for all aspects of children's ministry, including Sunday school, Children's Church, Family Connections, and Vacation Bible School and she also oversees all volunteers in the children's department while serving as the Chairperson of the Children’s Ministry Council.

Susan grew up here at the Pendleton Campus of First United Methodist Church, being baptized here; attending Sunday School, Children's Church and Vacation Bible School; and making her profession of faith to be confirmed as a member of the church as a teenager.  As a child, she also sang in the Children's Choir and served as an acolyte. Susan attended church camp for several years with friends from another local church and encourages all children and youth to take the opportunity to attend camping ministry events.

Susan's favorite childhood memories of church are singing in Children's Church, celebrating with birthday parties for Jesus at Christmas, parading to the park the last day of VBS, and attending the Christmas Eve services, and much of her philosophy regarding children and their spiritual development is based upon her own experiences growing up here at First UMC.

While the children’s classes and worship are based upon the Bible, Susan also believes that it is essential for each child to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Once such a relationship has begun, it is the responsibility of the church to provide experiences which will encourage each individual to grow into a deeper and more intimate relationship with their Savior.  All children are welcome here and will be shown the love of Christ through our leaders and volunteers.

Susan is a graduate of Pendleton Heights High School and received her bachelor's degree from Ball State University.  She has been employed as a teacher's assistant at both Pendleton Elementary and Maple Ridge Elementary. She is married to David Barrett and has five children, Jennefer, Christopher, Madeline, Ella and Conner.

"Blessed are those who believe without seeing me"  John 20:29

You may contact Susan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or through the church office at (765) 778-8074.