Staff Spotlight – Phyllis Fernandez
Phyllis Fernandez wears many hats. As the Director of Involvement, Phyllis supports First UMC by generating excitement within the life of the church.
Her many hats include enlisting volunteers to support the church’s missions and day to day activities, helping the church foster a relationship with Charlton Pollard Elementary School. Additionally she creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere with her decorating, and organizes family retreats at Lakeview.
Phyllis was born in Woodville and moved to Beaumont when she was four. She attended Beaumont ISD schools and graduated from Lamar University with a degree in Education. She taught elementary school students for nineteen years in BISD, retiring in 2004. Her education and experience teaching school prepared her for the many tasks she manages at First UMC.
Phyllis’ personal relationship with God is very important to Her. She and her family joined First UMC in 1977, and attended the Cornerstones Sunday School class. Their three children participated in the children’s program. She made a profession of faith in Christ at age 9 and has experienced God’s presence and blessings all her life.
“I believe with all my heart that God can bring about blessings from difficult or tragic circumstances,” Phyllis said.
She experienced this first hand when her then seven year old son needed a kidney transplant. Phyllis matched her son as a suitable kidney donor, and was able to donate her kidney to him.
Among Phyllis’ blessings is her marriage to Jose Fernandez nine years ago.
Her prayer is “that our Church will see a revival of love and spirit within our congregation, God will bless our church in whatever way He sees fit, and that we will be open to God’s leading.”
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they
may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 NRSV