Ministry Leaders and Staff

Reverend Marc McDonald- Senior Pastor

Reverend Marc McDonald joined Dove of the Desert as senior pastor in July, 2008. Prior to Dove, he served United Methodist Churches in Bullhead City, Arizona; Mineral Ridge, Ohio; Little River, Kansas; Benton, Kansas; and Medicine Lodge, Kansas. He graduated with a BA in Religion from MidAmerica Nazarene and received his Master of Divinity degree from Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2001. He has served in various capacities in the Methodist organization on district and conference levels.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Reverend McDonald was the son of a Nazarene minister and has lived all over the country. In his spare time he enjoys reading, collecting religious artifacts, traveling, walking, swimming, theatre, listening to music and acting in community theatre. He and his wife Linda have a daughter, Sarah.

Reverend Ruth M. Blum - Associate Pastor

Reverend Blum attended seminary at the United Theological Seminary at Scarritt-Bennett in Nashville. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree form Carlow College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and also attended West Virginia University and the University of Texas El Paso. Reverend Blum has served in various conference-level capacities for the United Methodist organization both in Ohio and in Arizona. She also has conducted national Christian education workshops for Cokesbury. A member of the area National Christian Educator Fellowship, Rev. Blum has a college-aged daughter. Her sister, Faye McNeely, is also a member of Dove of the Desert UMC.

Greg Ramsey - Director of Music

Greg not only directs all of the music programs of Dove of the Desert UMC, but he accompanies most of them on the piano, organ, or keyboard. These groups include the Dove Notes, the Celebration Singers, and three children's choirs. He is also the director of the Crooked Halos, a youth musical ministry. As the multi-talented son of a minister, Greg grew up with church music as part of his life. He and his wife Jan have two daughters.

Matt Deller - Celebration Singers Director

Matt's love of music is evident in his animated style as director of Dove's mixed adult choir, the Celebration Singers. Prior to Dove, he directed the choir at Bethany UMC in Tacoma, Washington, where he realized his calling as a church choir director. Matt graduated from Central Washington University in 1983 with a major in Communications and a minor in Music Performance. Married to Leann, they love to travel and care for their "kids" - dog Max, and cats Dusty, Hannah and Eli.

Ginger Worden - Praise Team Leader

Ginger is the leader of Dove’s Praise Team, which leads the congregation in musical worship at the 9:30 service on Sundays. Ginger has been involved with the Praise Team for more than seven years. She has written songs and joined voices with choirs since childhood. Ginger is married to Wayne, and has two sons.

Michael Warner – Director Dove Youth Community Band and Jazz Ensemble

An accomplished performer and freelance musician, Michael directs the Dove Youth Community Band and Jazz Ensemble. He is also the founder and soprano saxophonist with the Desert Wind Saxophone Quartet in Phoenix. In addition to his work with Dove's youth bands, he also teaches saxophone and clarinet from his studio in Glendale. Michael and his wife Carla have two daughters, Alex and Alea, and have been members of Dove of the Desert since 1996.

Kelli New - Director of Youth Ministries

Kelli brings her dedication, energy, enthusiasm, and love for youth to Dove's Youth Ministries. This calling has led to many wonderful programs, events, classes, and activities in which all youth in grades 7-12 can participate. She oversees many parent volunteers, as well as Dove members who volunteer. Dove Youth Fellowship, DYF, happens on Sunday afternoons at Dove and is the highlight of her week. Kelli and her husband Dave, a DYF volunteer, have one son at home, Patch. In her spare time, Kelli enjoys reading, biking, playing piano, and gardening.

Carol Morgan - Office Administrator

A member of Dove, Carol works part-time in our church office with general administrative responsibilities, including the preparation of each week's bulletins and announcements. She may likely be one of the first people you see at Dove each week as you pass the Welcome Wagon on your way to worship. Carol and her husband Lee have two grown children and three grandchildren

Sandy Kriess - Wedding Coordinator

Sandy loves weddings and is blessed to serve as the Wedding Coordinator for Dove of the Desert UMC. Working with the bridal couple regarding the church's facility, Sandy insures that every detail is taken care of. Contact Sandy - for information about your upcoming wedding.