Our Pastor

Rev. Michelle Grube came to Hope UMC in July of 2022 from West Boylston, MA.  She has served churches in Massachusetts and Maine over the past 30 years.  In addition to her bachelor’s degree in psychology and religion and her Master of Divinity from the Theological School at Drew University, Michelle also has a Master of Social Work degree.  She has been active in domestic violence issues and equality for the LGBTQ community.  Her passions include teaching, preaching and counseling.  

As her ministry begins at Hope UMC, she looks forward to seeing how she and our congregation can together be the hands and feet of Jesus in the Belchertown community and beyond.  Michelle can be found at the church office most mornings while it is open.

Administrative Assistant

George Button is a Retired Certified Lay Minister and has been our Administrative Assistant for several years. George is available in the office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings to greet visitors and answer calls while performing all of his office duties. George spent many years working in Christian Education, both as a Sunday School teacher and giving workshops to help Sunday School staff become better teachers. In more recent years he has worked tirelessly in the Lay Servant Ministries program in our district. His real passion is for Spiritual Gifts and he really enjoys helping others discern what gifts they have been given and how they can use them in lay ministry.

Music and Choir Director

Faith Thompson comes to us with many years of experience as a pianist, piano teacher and church organist. She was self-taught on the organ until she recently returned to school for some formal training and is glad to have this opportunity to grow in her abilities and confidence. She also has experience as a choir director and our choir is so happy to be back to singing together! Choir rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings at 6:45 and anyone who loves to sing is invited to join!

Deaconess

Fay Flanary

Custodian

Dave Hamelin

Nursery Attendant

Lay Leader

Alice Collins has been the Lay Leader at Hope UMC since 2015. Alice works diligently to support the pastor and to work with the congregation, encouraging them in their roles as laity of the church. Alice spent many years serving the church in Christian Education as a Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. She currently supports communication in the church through the church website, Facebook page and newsletter publications and overseeing the video recordings of the worship services. Outside of church, Alice works part time with a local commercial embroidery business and captains a church sponsored Relay for Life team along with serving on the leadership team for the local Relay event.