Damian Carruthers
Lead Pastor
Pastor Damian came to Cheney UMC in August 2022 from Germany, where he studied at Reutlingen School of Theology and was ordained in 2019. After qualifying, he served in the beautiful Black Forest for several years. During his time there, he started a “fresh expressions of church” project on an old shooting ranch, became the District Evangelist, served on the Board for Ordained Ministry and on the Board for Church Planting… just to give you an idea of some of his passions. Damian was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina and has studied also at Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C. Pastor Damian is also huge fan of the Lord of the Rings books and films. Feel free to contact him!
Macey Fredenberg
Office Manager
Macey is new to the Office Administrator position, beginning in 2026. She is in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When not working at the church, or spending time with her niblings, Macey also owns and operates our local art and craft supply shop.
Anthony Barnes
Music Director
We are excited to welcome Anthony “Tony” Barnes (they/them) as the new Music Director at Cheney United Methodist Church starting August 2026!
Tony brings a background in social work, community service, and the performing arts, along with a deep appreciation for the way music brings people together.
“Music is how we as humans share our stories,” Tony says. “I am looking forward to meeting you and sharing our stories with one another here at Cheney UMC.”
As Music Director, Tony will help lead our congregation in worship, work with our choir and musicians, and help us continue exploring the many ways music (old and new) can help us express our faith, tell our stories, and experience God together.
Tony brings a background in social work, community service, and the performing arts, along with a deep appreciation for the way music brings people together.
“Music is how we as humans share our stories,” Tony says. “I am looking forward to meeting you and sharing our stories with one another here at Cheney UMC.”
As Music Director, Tony will help lead our congregation in worship, work with our choir and musicians, and help us continue exploring the many ways music (old and new) can help us express our faith, tell our stories, and experience God together.
Jon Bennett
Song Leader & Guitarist
Jon has been volunteering for many years to enhance the worship experience by playing guitar and leading hymn singing. He also sings bass in the choir. Jon and his family has lived in the Cheney area since the 1990’s
Frodo
More than a mascot, Frodo is the friendliest member of Cheney UMC. He loves to go for walks, loves humans and dogs, and likes to take naps in the Shire. If he's in the office, he would love you to stop and say hello!
