Church Staff

Rev. Bruce Goettsche (last name pronounced "get-she") began his ministry in La Harpe in February of 1982. He is a graduate of Trinity University in Deerfield, IL where he received his B.A. in Biblical Studies; Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, from which he received both a Master of Arts in Christian Education, and a Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained in 1980.  

Bruce is married to Margaret (Maggie) and they have two children: Rick (and his wife Sarah) (see below) and Rachel, who is a graduate student at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.  She is in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Margaret is an R.N. and works as the Director of Performance Improvement and Risk Management at McDonough District Hospital.

Bruce's first book came out in May of 2001.  Faith Lessons: Lessons in Faith from Genesis. Bruce's second book, "Finding Your Way Through the Fog" came out in the spring of 2002. His third book  Joy: Finding It, Keeping It came out in the spring of 2003.  Bruce's fourth book, Difficult People: Dealing With Those Who Drive You Crazy is co-written with his son, Rick.  Check out Bruce's book page for details on the books.

Bruce is a frequent guest and member of the Advisory Board on KAYP an American Family Radio Station in Burlington, Iowa and is featured on the broadcast of "God's Truth for Daily Living" heard on several radio stations locally.  You can listen to a recent archive of our broadcasts at www.unionchurch.com/gtdl.shtml

Bruce does occassional guest speaking. To inquire about Bruce as a Speaker click here

Bruce believes strongly in the systematic exposition of God's Word. He leads two Bible Studies each week, a Sunday School class, and is involved in a great deal of counseling. He is also the church "webmaster" and edits the daily radio broadcasts.  He is from Chicago but loves the small town life. He is an avid Chicago Sports fan and his main hobby is writing. 

OFFICE HOURS: Mon. - Wed.-Sat. (He's "off" on Tuesdays) Mornings from 8:15-Noon. Afternoons and some evenings by appointment.  To contact Bruce Home and Office

RICK GOETTSCHE,  (pronounced same as above) Associate Minister for Education and Outreach

Rick is indeed the son of the Senior Pastor.  Rick joined our staff in August of 2006.  He is a graduate with honors of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a BA in pre-med.  He served for three years as the head of the Baptist Student Ministries at SIUE.  After graduation, he worked for over a year for Stephen Ministries in St. Louis.  He is currently enrolled in the M.Div program through Liberty University. Rick brings his love of music and his experience in the area of youth and outreach along with his knowledge of the LaHarpe community to his ministry.

Rick was married to Sarah in July of 2005.  They have a son, Gabriel Quayle, and a daughter, Grace, who was born January 24, 2008.  Sarah is a stay at home mom, an artist and has experience in business offices.

Rick co-authored Difficult People: Dealing With Those Who Drive You Crazy with his dad.

Rick has a love of science and apologetics (interesting combination, huh?).  He enjoys playing the guitar and is fascinated by gadgets of every kind. Rick serves as a Substitute teacher, leads the Wednesday Night Bible Study and the Teachers Bible Study. He currently teaches the Youth Sunday School class and leads the High School Youth Group.

At present, he is in the office every morning except Thursday. You can reach Rick at rick@unionchurch.com 

We have several part time staff people:

DAVID CLOVER is our Church Manager and is usually the voice you will hear when you call the church.  Dave's daughter is Tesla French who is a freshman at Illini West High School.

Dave is in the office every weekday morning.  Dave is heavily involved with our Youth ministries and organizes most of our special events.  He's in charge of the concession stand for the summer ball program and coaches Jr. High Girls Basketball. Dave grew up in La Harpe and also serves as the church Financial Secretary.

Dave loves to golf, bowl, and is an avid Chicago and Illini Sports fan and an active supporter of local sports teams. He is usually found with a bucket of iced tea.  You can reach Dave at dave@unionchurch.com 

CINDY ANDERS leads the Bells of Praise. Cindy is married to Tracy Anders. Cindy also plays the piano.

THELMA SMITH is our Organist and accompanist.  Thelma has played the organ for over 30 years and has anchored the church music program for the last 20+ years. Thelma is married to R. A. Smith.  Thelma is also involved in the Bells of Praise.

PHYLLIS BRUMMITT is the pianist at our 10:30 worship service. Phyllis is from Fort Madison, and has her Master's degree in Piano. Phyllis teaches piano and is married to Don Brummit (see below). Phyllis graduated from Moody Bible Institute.

DON BRUMMITT Don is married to Phyllis (see above) and is our worship leader at the 10:30 worship. Don is a Graduate of Trinity International University (like Bruce). He loves to mess with his computer.

LYNNE WARD, KATHY BUTLER AND CAROL STEVENS all serve as our pianists at our 8:00 a.m. worship.

KRISTA LITTLE serves as our Custodian. Krista is married to David Little and has two children, Erica and Tyler.