Our Staff
Pastor Bob
The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Knebel welcomes you to our website! He prefers to be called Bob or Pastor Bob -- your choice. Pastor Bob was born in Bridgeport and raised in Fairfield. He received his BA from Dakota Wesleyan University, Masters of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC and the Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. Prior to being appointed to West Hartford United Methodist Church in 2016, he served in Easton, Ct, and the following churches in New York: Hampton, Bays, Catskill, Roscoe, and White Sulphur Springs Charge. From 2001 until 2011 he was in Appointment In Extension Ministry as CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Bridgeport and as Director of Development for Oklahoma Methodist Manor in Tulsa, OK. Bob has two grown children, a daughter who lives in California with her husband and two children, a girl and boy. His son lives in Danbury with a month and a half old son. In 2010 he married Shelly Lyons in Ponca City, OK. Shelly was born and raised in Oklahoma. Professionally she is a hairstylist and certified message therapist (in Oklahoma). Shelly has three boys, the oldest and his wife live in Kansas, the middle boy lives in Tulsa, and the youngest son and his wife live in Oklahoma City with their toddler son. And her daughter Zoe who has been adopted by Bob.

Secretary
Maralee Hill is the church secretary supporting Pastor Bob.

Nursery School Teacher
Carmen Reyes for the last 10 years has cared for the infant to 4 year olds. Babies and young children meet in the nursery at 11 AM.

Organist
Janet Oblon has been making music for years. She has a long career in teaching and performance. Her career spans weddings, lounges, and symphonies. As an educator, she has enjoyed teaching K-12 in the public school systems. We are grateful to have her as part of our worship service.

