Reverend Carl Robinson

Interim Lead Pastor

Carl Robinson began as David’s new Interim Senior Pastor on November 11, 2024. Within the time of Carl’s initial one-year contract with David’s, we hope to make some significant progress in helping the congregation move on from the ministry of the past, celebrating its richness and faithfulness, assessing that to which God is calling us today, and fully preparing ourselves for new pastoral leadership. The process should help the congregation define where it is going, in order to choose a next pastor with the targeted skill set that can help us get there.

Carl was ordained in 1987. He served three congregations: Zion UCC, Junction City, Kansas, Christ Church, Evansville, Indiana, and, starting in 2000, was called as the Senior Pastor of Shiloh Church UCC, located in north Dayton. That position allowed Carl to take a significant role in leadership of the local UCC Association, SONKA. In 2017, Carl was called as the Association Minister, where he served until November 9, 2024.

Carl has a varied educational background, with undergrad degrees in Philosophy and Political Science, Masters degrees in Ancient Greek Philosophy and Divinity, and all but six hours (dissertation) of a Doctorate in Systems Management.

Carl has a deep passion for Church that represents Jesus in their community, neighborhood, and world, with a deep interest in Faith Formation and education. Carl has taught at several universities and seminaries and hopes to develop a curriculum for adult faith formation, including Biblical studies, Worship and Sacraments, Christian Theology, with a concentration in Progressive Theology, Church Systems, and practical church leader training. He has taught interim ministry approaches and hopes to put those learnings into practice here at David’s.

Rev. Robinson’s hobbies include reading and writing, home improvements and lawn care, fitness, cooking, and helping with four would-be grandchildren, 16, 12, 9, and the only girl is 5. By the way, feel free to call him “Carl,” if you are comfortable doing so. If you are not comfortable doing that, Reverend or Pastor are fine. You can reach Carl at: pastorrobinson@davidsucc.org

Emily Phillips

Director of Faith Formation and Family Life

Pastor Emily has called David’s UCC “home” since becoming a member in 2017.

While born nearby in Springfield, Ohio, Emily was raised in Upstate New York (near Albany) and then lived in Buffalo, New York for about 15 years before returning to Ohio to be close to family. Emily graduated from the State University of New York, University at Buffalo with a BS in Sociology. Emily felt the call to ministry from a young age but was never quite sure how to make it all work. In 2019, Emily enrolled part-time at United Theological Seminary here in Dayton, Ohio. For the Fall 2023 semester, Emily transferred to Eden Theological Seminary to study full-time and complete her Master of Divinity via their accredited, online program. Upon graduation, Emily will pursue ordination with the United Church of Christ.

In June 2023, Emily was authorized as a Licensed Minister by the Southwest Ohio Northern Kentucky Association, Heartland Conference of the United Church of Christ. This allows her to lead worship and perform specific ministerial duties such as Communion, Baptisms, Funerals, etc. within the David’s congregation.

Emily loves to read, which is great since her classes all require a ton of reading and also enjoys watching suspense/thriller movies! Emily loves spending time with her family and was thrilled when she and her sister were able to convince their parents to move from Upstate New York to Beavercreek! She enjoys maintaining her flower beds and small vegetable garden while fighting off the squirrels in her perfectly sized (small) yard. She loves supporting the performing arts in Dayton and has volunteered for Beavercreek Community Theatre several times over the last decade. Some of the causes which are near and dear to her heart are LGBTQIA+ rights, racial equity, and reproductive justice – which is just one reason she feels at home with the United Church of Christ denomination and at David’s UCC!

Pastor Emily’s office hours change based on her class schedule, please call the Church Office for current hours.

You can contact Pastor Emily at ephillips@davidsucc.org.

Tim Williams

Director of Music

Tim came to serve as Music Director of David’s Church in July of 2007, after serving as a church musician and music director since he graduated from high school. Tim has served in Presbyterian, United Methodist, Lutheran and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations before coming to the United Church of Christ.

Tim was born and raised in Covington, Kentucky, the second of five brothers who all became educators. He credits his grandmother, Maridale Jackson for beginning his music training, going on to study vocal performance and piano at Northern Kentucky University and Edgecliff College in Cincinnati. Tim ended up graduating from Wright State University with a degree in Elementary Education, and returned to earn an Master’s Degree in Gifted Education, with an emphasis in music.

His responsibilities include selecting music for and directing the adult, children, and Handbell choirs. He contributes additionally by playing for services once a month when the organist is off. Tim also leads the orchestra and Chancel Choir for our yearly Christmas Cantata, and small chamber orchestra for the Good Friday Tenebrae service, as well as arranging for guest soloists and ensembles during the summer months when the Choir is off, and extra musicians as needed throughout the year.

His interests include all things Broadway, and he also teaches a variety of musicians and singers in private lessons. Landscaping is a primary interest in the spring and summer months, and he can be found tending his flower beds every day. His long time partner is Steve Kerr. Tim can be reached at wtimothy248@gmail.com.

Lyn Morton

Organist

After filling in at David’s Church during the summers of 2005 & 2006, Lyn became our settled organist in the fall of 2006. Previously, she had been the organist at Faith UCC for a year, and interim organist at First United Methodist Church (both in Hamilton), for 6 months. She has accompanied a gospel quartet, numerous choirs and soloists, and played for hundreds of weddings, starting at the age of 13. Recreationally, Lyn has been a member of “Out of the Attic,” a classic rock band, for the past 10 years, playing primarily for non-profit fund-raisers. Lyn worked as a school psychologist for the Vandalia-Butler City School District. Lyn can be reached at lmmorton55@gmail.com

Gwen Crutchleo

Pastoral Assistant

Gwen began working at David’s in November of 2021 after various years as a mom, youth minister, and office manager. She and her husband, Brad, moved to Dayton in October of 2021 and quickly felt right at home. All together they have SIX kids (thankfully all out of teenage-hood), two granddaughters, and three dogs. Gwen loves to spend her time hiking, camping, quilting (thanks to the quilting ministry at David’s!), and traveling. She loves visitors to the office, so stop by and chat between noon and 5, M-F! Gwen can be reached at gwen@davidsucc.org.

Kathy Goodpaster

Clerical and Accounting Coordinator

Kathy has been at David’s since October of 2018, and wears many hats in the office. From donations to bulletins, to flowers and campaigns, she covers it all! Kathy grew up in Kettering and worked for Reynolds and Reynolds and USAirways before ending up at David’s. In her spare time, she loves to thrift shop, travel, and spend time with Greg and friends. Kathy can be reached at kathygoodpaster@davidsucc.org

Ed Webb

Audio-Visual Supervisor

Ed has been at David’s for about sixteen years,  and is very involved with the church running the audio and Livestream each week as well as a member of the Christian Education Board and Confirmation Class. He has gone on seven of the last eight Pilgrimages. Ed is a Navy Veteran and former Firefighter/EMT-P. He enjoys fishing, photography and working with veterans, and is also employed part-time at Cabela’s Outdoor World. He and wife, Louise, have combined five children and seven grandchildren. He’s also the guy in the big red suit in December… Ed can be reached at aedwebbdj@att.net

Brian Dalton

Treasurer

Brian lives in Kettering with his wife, Tammy, and their five children. When not busy in the office he enjoys boating, camping, and riding his motorcycle. He sometimes works remotely, so if you need to reach him, email: treasurer@davidsucc.org.