Meet our Staff
Image courtesy of Pixabay
Sam Tucker
PASTOR
Pastor Sam Tucker
I’m just an Okie from the small, country town of Temple, Oklahoma. The Tucker family (Martha, Elizabeth, Matthew, and I) are very blessed and honored to be Wickline’s pastoral family. I am a graduate of Oklahoma State University. That probably tells you where I stand on Bedlam weekend—”Go Pokes!” I met Martha when we both attended Perkins School of Theology. We were married in July 1989 and served United Methodist Churches in Oklahoma until 1998. Colin Powell’s book, “My American Journey,” which I received from my mother-in-law in 1995, changed our lives when I felt the Lord calling us to go onto active duty to serve those who defend our country. In 1998, I joined the United States Air Force. Including my time in the Army Reserve, Oklahoma Army National Guard, and the Air Force, I served a bit over 38 years.
That’s a great reason my family and I are very blessed to be in the Wickline family. You see, many of the members are retirees like us or still serve today. We are intentional to be supportive of military/civilian D.O.D. personnel and their families. We get it. We have been there and done that. But we are not finished. We still serve God and country.
Wickline works because Church works, because God works. Come be a part of this mission outpost for Christ.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Meet the Team
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Tyler Lippe
I grew up in Bethel Acres, just outside of Shawnee. I also grew up in Wickline UMC and I am very excited that God has called me to serve the church in a new way. I am blessed to be married to a beautiful, strong, amazing woman, Audrey. We met in Washington, D.C. in 2012.
In my free time I enjoy listening to audio books, designing a hotrod/muscle car magazine, playing video games, spending time with my loved ones and friends, and volunteering. I volunteer a lot in my free time in many different ways. One is through a non-profit organization called The Sydney Angle Memorial Foundation, which raises money in memory of a young lady who lost her life in the 2013 tornado in Moore. I also volunteer with Jedi-OKC, a cosplay/non-profit organization in which members attend different events raising money for different local charities. Our main charity is the Spencer’s Children Hospital in Spencer, Oklahoma.
My favorite verse of the Bible is Psalm 23:4 (KJV). “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
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J.D. Tatarian
I am a life-long Okie, born and raised in the OKC and Edmond areas. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from Oklahoma City University with an emphasis in piano and organ performance. I also earned a minor in Business Entrepreneurship.
I could not be more thrilled to serve as the Director of Worship at Wickline UMC. It is my honor and privilege to serve our special community by providing beautiful music and enhancing the overall worship experience that all may encounter God through the musical arts.
My favorite free time activities include spending time with my wife, Shelbi, my dog, Clara (named after Clara Schumann), composing music, embarking on outdoor adventures, and anything else that reminds me what a wondrous and loving God I serve.
My favorite hymns are “When in Our Music God is Glorified” and “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.”
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Jordan Brown
I am a graduate of Mid-America Christian University. I’m also a big sports fan and cheer for the Thunder, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals. I am married to Jessie and am the proud father of JJ who is almost two.
I was born and raised in WaKeeney, Kansas, a very small town. I teach at Van Buren Elementary. I love watching or reading about all different sports, watching movies, and playing games. One of my favorite verses is Philipians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
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Jessie Brown
The two most important things about me are that I love Jesus and I love kids! I am married to Jordan and mother to almost 2-year old JJ.
I was born and raised in Tulsa and moved Oklahoma City to go to college. I teach second grade at Midwest City Elementary and am the Whiz Kids teacher liaison for Midwest City Elementary and Wickline. Along with my husband, I am a big sports fan.
Two of my favorite things are kangaroos and anything neon green. I love to read and play games. One of my favorite verses is Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
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Bailey Waggerman
I was born in Okmulgee, OK, but grew up in New Mexico. I have been married to my husband, Dillon, for 12 years. We have three wonderful boys (9, 8, and 5 years old). I have been with Wickline Day School for four years. I have a background in childcare and the food industry. I love the joy children naturally bring to life.
My favorite Bible verse is from 1 Corinthians 16:14, "Let all that you do be done in love."
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Gloria Woods
My husband and I found our church home at Wickline in 2015. From birth we have had ties to the Methodist Church, and those ties continued through our years in the Air Force. I am originally from South Dakota, and my family is all still there. My husband, Don, retired from the Air Force in 1991.
I graduated with a BS in Education from Black Hills State College in Spearfish, South Dakota. After a few years of teaching in elementary schools, I returned to my first love - numbers - and joined the business world. I also returned to school and got an accounting degree. I joined the staff of the charity Leah's Hope in 2018, and will continue to work with them on a contract basis.
After retiring, I experienced some severe health problems, but prayer from many people resulted in a 100% recovery. Since that time, I thank God everyday for the extended life he has provided. I am very proud to join the Wickline staff. Working here means I get to serve HIM with the skills he has given me. My little family consists of my daugher, Emy, and her husband, Jerry; and my son, Eric. The light of my life is my great-grandson, Aron.
My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
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Jessie & Jordan Brown, Acting
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Vic Chretin
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Bill Knisely
I grew up in Midwest City and in the Wickline family. In addition to my audio/tech duties at the church, I am a band director at Midwest City Middle School. I live in Midwest City with my wife Tonya and 3 sons, Phillip, Matthew, and Andrew. I enjoy playing in the bell choir and playing trumpet with the choir.
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Ralph Duncan
I feel that the Lord led me to Wickline in 1983. One of the most time-consuming parts of being the Director of Music for Wickline is ensuring that the lyrics and spirit of the music contributes to and complements the message being preached. It is also one of the most rewarding.
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Karen Branstetter
I am a life-long resident of Oklahoma City. I graduated from Capitol Hill High School. I am a piano teacher and have been the pianist at Wickline since July 2021. I have been a Hospice volunteer since 2012. I have been married to Harold Branstetter for 26 years, and we have two children and two grandchildren.
My favorite Bible verse is Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
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Gary Butler
MAINTENANCE
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Roz Adams & Steve Riley
