Amy Lippoldt

Senior Pastor

Rev. Amy Lippoldt, a Wichita native, has served churches across the Great Plains Conference since 2002, most recently at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Papillion, Nebraska. She has pastored in a variety of settings and is eager to engage the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry in downtown Wichita.

Amy is a committed leader in the jurisdictional and general church, but her heart remains in local church ministry—where the love of God transforms lives and disciples of Jesus are deeply formed.

She is married to Dr. Matt Sandbulte, a medical scientific writer with a background in immunology research.

YunJung (YJ) Lee

Organist

Yunjung (YJ) Lee serves as the permanent organist at First United Methodist Church in Wichita and is widely recognized for her exceptional talent and accomplishments as a musician. Originally from South Korea, YJ brings both skill and deep spiritual devotion to her role, creating meaningful and inspiring worship experiences through music.

She holds a Bachelor of Music in organ performance with an emphasis in church music from Yonsei University in Seoul. She went on to earn a Master of Music in organ and a Performer’s Diploma from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. During her time in Dallas, YJ served several churches and earned distinction in numerous organ competitions across the United States and Asia.

YJ is married to the Rev. Seungli You, senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Winfield, Kansas. They are the proud parents of their son, Teo, born in 2023, and share their home with two beloved puppies.

Jeff Graber

Associate Pastor

A native of Hutchinson, Kansas, Jeff Graber has served in ministry as a licensed local pastor since 2017, following a nine-year career in information technology. He previously served at Marquette United Methodist Church and Halstead United Methodist Church.

Jeff is married to Chelsea, and together they have two daughters—Madalynn, 12, and Evelynn, 6. As a family, they enjoy board games, ice cream, camping, and kayaking.

Jeff is currently completing his Master of Divinity at Saint Paul School of Theology as a part-time student and is on track to graduate in May 2025. He is excited to experience ministry in an urban setting and to serve alongside the dedicated team at First Church.

Kane McEntire

Church Administrator
for Membership and Pastoral Care

A native of Valley Center, Kansas, Kane McEntire has been serving churches in the Wichita area for more than 20 years and has held staff and pastoral roles within the Great Plains Conference for over a decade.

Kane is married to Leslie, a renowned educator in Maize Public Schools. Together, they share three children: Talan, Kole, and Ella Mercy. Outside of ministry, Kane enjoys music, singing, playing the ukulele, collecting vinyl records, reading, fitness, pickleball, video games, and building his home theater setup. If you follow him on social media, expect a steady stream of daily puns—he’s always ready to bring a smile.

Kane is excited to be part of the wonderful team at First United Methodist Church and looks forward to connecting with you.

Donald Gray

Director of Music

Don has been actively involved in church music for more than 40 years. He began playing the organ at his home church in Augusta, Kansas, at just 13 years old. Over the course of his ministry, he has served in a wide range of roles, including organist, children’s and youth choir director, bell choir director, and tenor soloist/section leader. Most recently, he served as Director of Worship Arts at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Don earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wichita State University in 1986 and began teaching elementary vocal music in Wichita Public Schools (USD 259). He later earned a Master of Education degree from Baker University in 2006. After 17 years in the classroom, he served for seven years as Vocal Music Curriculum Coach for the district before returning to teaching and completing his career at Christa McAuliffe Academy, a K–8 school. Don retired after 34 years of service in public education.

He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 34 years and have two adult sons, Josiah and Jaedon.