PASTORS ——————————————————

Chris grew up in and around the Dallas area, going on to attend Southern Methodist University. A saxophonist in high school and college, Chris performed with the Southern Methodist University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the SMU Jazz Ensemble, and marched in 47 halftime shows as a member of the Mustang Band.

In 1993, Chris married Brenda, a native of Shamokin, Pennsylvania who had come to Fort Worth to attend Texas Wesleyan University. Chris and Brenda have no children of their own, but share in the joy of kids they have known and loved through the churches and schools they have served. They also share in the responsibilities for two kittens, Felix and Oscar.

Chris is a fan of the American pastime of baseball, having seen a ballgame in all 30 major league ballparks, including some parks that are no longer in existence. Chris also enjoys tinkering with old cars, his current project being a 1963 Chevrolet Corvair. Together, Chris and Brenda enjoy traveling by automobile, Mexican food, and visiting the State Fair of Texas, where they spent several of their first dates together in the fall of 1990.

Email: Chris@ArborlawnUMC.org

Nick graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2005 and graduated from Brite Divinity School at TCU with a Master of Divinity in 2016. Before coming to Arborlawn, Nick spent nine years leading student ministries at DFW-area churches. In November of 2014, Nick joined the staff of Arborlawn begin the small group ministry and assist with the contemporary worship community, then called Eleven11. He became the lead pastor for Eleven11 in July of 2016 and has enjoyed seeing that community, now called Rooted, grow and evolve. Nick enjoys the work of facilitating authentic community where guests and newer folks feel welcome. He believes that God is good and being connected in relationship with others is key to growing as a disciple and living a fuller life. Nick is an Elder in Full Connection in The United Methodist Church.

Nick probably spends too much time talking about his son, Kade, the enneagram, and whatever podcast he is listening to right now. He is a fan of the Aggies and Texas Rangers.

Email: Nick@ArborlawnUMC.org

**Rev. Dr. Christie Robbins**
*Pastor, Simple Worship*

Christie Robbins is a native of Fort Worth, Texas, where she was a member of Ridglea United Methodist Church and graduated from Western Hills High School. Majoring in psychology with a religion minor, Christie obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. She continued her education receiving Master of Divinity with a concentration in pastoral care and counseling from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, as well as being awarded a Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary in May 2014.

Christie is the proud mother of three children: Brandon and his wife, Elizabeth, Marion, and Tom. A true liberal arts school graduate, Christie possesses no knowledge of sports. She is an avid listener of many different genres of music, but particularly the Texas artist Lyle Lovett. Christie will share the spiritual experience of driving Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica with anyone who will listen. Christie likes to drink coffee, read Harry Potter to her children, attend events at Bass Hall & Casa Manana, binge watch TV, Glen Lake Camp, quoting “The Office” and “Everybody Loves Raymond,” crafting, and taking long Sunday naps.

At forty, she experienced a mid-life crisis and died her hair purple on a whim, which the Bishop and congregations liked, but her mom has never commented upon.

Email: Christie@ArborlawnUMC.org

**Rev. Verne Fuqua**

*Associate Pastor, Visitation*

Verne is a gentle soul and a wonderful gift to all of us. His deep love of Jesus is evident in his great love for all people. He leads and lives with a servant’s heart. His primary focus is on pastoral care and senior ministries. He and his wife Eva Jean are constant reminders that God is good and life is sacred in every stage and phase of our journey. Verne is an Elder in Full Connection and recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of his appointment in The United Methodist Church.

**Rev. Jenny Spidell**
*Pastor of Connection & Outreach*

Jenny graduated from Oklahoma City University in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education and a minor in Interfaith Studies. She married the love of her life, Logan, on May 18, 2019. Jenny served as the Director of Group Life at Arborlawn from November 2019 through June 2023 while attending Brite Divinity School; she graduated with her Master of Divinity degree in May 2023. Now that Jenny is a Provisional Deacon in the United Methodist Church, she has transitioned to Associate Pastor of Connection and Outreach and plans to continue to serve at Arborlawn for the duration of her residency. Jenny has a passion for teaching and helping others understand practical ways to “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

Jenny and Logan are parents to Cooper and Landon, and two fur-babies Lexy May (Labrador) and Raven (Great Dane). Jenny’s favorite way to get in touch with God is to be outside in God’s creation, especially the mountains in Colorado. If you walk through the pastor’s hallway in the front office and hear Boston or Rush playing, it’s probably coming from Jenny’s office.

Email: Jenny@arborlawnumc.org

**Rev. Tolli Macalik**
*Pastor of Care & Support*

Rev. Tolli Macalik is a retired Elder in the UMC who is still following her ministry. She received her Master of Divinity, with an emphasis in pastoral care, from SMU Perkins School of Theology. Pastor Tolli has served churches in the Central TX conference in Arlington, Southlake, and most recently as the Senior Pastor at Lakeside UMC on Richland Chambers Lake where she retired in June 2023. She is married to Frank, who is semi-retired. He works part-time for the University Little League and spends the other half playing golf. They are a blended family with two sons and two daughters, their spouses, and 8 grandchildren. The grands, 5 boys and 3 girls, range from 3 to 13 years old. They are always happy to share pics and stories!

Email: Tolli@arborlawnumc.org