Associate Pastor
Paul Bussert
pbussert@bixbyfirstmethodist.org
Paul grew up as a member of this church, and is thrilled to be back as the Associate Pastor. He will be at the church during normal hours of operation.
Paul obtained his Bachelor of Music Education at Oklahoma State University (Go Pokes!) and received his Master of Divinity from Southern Methodist University.
Paul enjoys spending time with his friends and family, playing games of all types, reading whatever books he can get his hands on, and playing disc golf on the weekends. Paul is married to Anna Bussert who works as a Cardiovascular Sonographer at St. Francis hospital in Muskogee.
Both Paul and Anna feel blessed to be a part of the community of Bixby First Methodist Church, and to be a part of God’s work in and through this place.
Youth Director
Ryan Moore
Ryan grew up in Broken Arrow and attended Bishop Kelley high school. He then attended Oklahoma Christian University where he double majored in family science and vocational ministry. Ryan has a heart for youth, and hopes to show them the love of God in all that he does, whether through leading small groups and speaking, or losing to students in a round of silly youth group games like broom ball. He wants to show them the love God has for them, and guide them in this important time of self discovery. Ryan loves video games and is a retro video game collector, but also enjoys board games with friends and ultimate frisbee. He loves youth summer camps, and believes they are one of the best ways for a student to connect with God, away from the stresses of everyday life. If you have any questions about camp or other youth activities, please reach out!
Children's Director
Hannah Birney
hbirney@bixbyfirstmethodist.org
Hi! I’m Hannah Birney, and I am the director of children’s ministry at Bixby First Methodist! Exciting things are happening at our church, and especially in our children’s department! Our children’s ministry provides children and parents resources to nurture young hearts and minds while growing in relationship with Christ. We focus on God’s word, helping children apply it to their daily lives. We have exceptional teachers who guide our children as they learn about Jesus, grow in faith, and learn to show the love of Christ to others.
I have lived in Bixby for most of my life! I graduated from Bixby High School in 2008 and then attended Oklahoma City University. After graduating from OCU, I served at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Oklahoma City as the director of a Fine Arts Program for children and as the Children’s Ministry Assistant. In 2014, I moved back to Bixby to marry Will Birney! We have been married for seven years, and some of our favorite things to do together are reading and loving on Bear, our sweet and silly Great Dane.
Office Secretary
Ben Pitts
officestaff@bixbyfirstmethodist.org
Ben, 26, is a goofy, fun-loving guy that loves to exhibit the joy of The Lord and sing His praises. Ben grew up in Vinita, OK and is the son of Travis and Lorraine Pitts. After graduating from OSU in 2021 with a Bachelor's of Music in Vocal Performance, God used the COVID-19 pandemic to redirect his focus from performing opera and musical theater to now guiding young musicians in becoming worship leaders that set aside self-glorification and seek intimacy with God. In addition to his role here at Bixby First as Secretary of Office Hospitality, Ben serves at Claremore FUMC as a worship leader and director of Elevate, the youth praise band. Ben's hobbies/interests include playing disc golf, collecting enamel pins, international travel, playing video games with friends, and just about anything one might consider nerdy.
Lead Custodian
Rick Crofford
Rick Crofford was born in Tulsa and went to high school in Broken Arrow. He’s had careers in casino surveillance and music. He and his wife, RayAnn, have a combined six children and three grandchildren who they spend a lot of time with. They live in Broken Arrow with the two youngest of their children and a lot of pets. Rick especially enjoys live concerts and traveling.
Communications secretary
Peggy Berlin
pberlin@bixbyfirstmethodist.org
Peggy Berlin has been a member of Bixby FUMC for the past seven years and sings in the Chancel Choir. She spent the first fourteen years of her working career as a secondary choral music director before venturing into healthcare. After retiring in October 2019 from the Saint Francis Health System, Peggy has just recently joined the church staff as the Communications Secretary. Peggy’s husband Bruce is a TPS High School Science teacher who is currently working on his Master’s Degree in Counseling. Together for 37 years, they are the parents of two adult sons, three rescue dogs, and a tuxedo cat named TC.
Social Media Coordinator
Aly Seaman
aseaman@bixbyfirstmethodist.org
Hi, I'm Aly Seaman. I have been a part of Bixby First Methodist since I was 12 years old. I met my now husband, Ryan when we were in youth group together here at Bixby First. We have two beautiful kids, Eleanor and Wren, two crazy dogs named Junior and Nemo, and enjoy hiking, cooking, and gardening.
I have been on our worship team for several years, and a volunteer in our youth group as well. Serving our church is one of the biggest blessings in my life!
My newest adventure has been as a part of our staff, as the social media coordinator. I love being able to help reach people and do ministry through different social media outlets.