Steve Breon

Steve was appointed to serve as senior pastor of Platte Woods United Methodist Church in 2005. Steve is married to Cindy and they have two grown children.

Before coming to Platte Woods UMC Steve served churches across the state of Missouri. He was founding pastor of St. Peter UMC in Blue Springs. He also served in Raymore and Joplin before spending two years in supervisory ministry in Southeast Missouri.

Steve graduated from Baker University, St. Paul School of Theology and has the Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. “Serving the local church is the greatest call a person can have. It is a joy to serve PWUMC.”

Read Pastor Steve’s blog.

Nancy Liston

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be in a profession to listen, reflect, and encourage.  I refined my goal when I discovered people struggle with the meaning of life and long for a sense of belonging.  I felt called to a helping profession where I could speak openly about God’s love and grace.

To achieve this goal, I attended Southwestern College, Winfield, KS as a religion major; Phillips Theological School, Enid, OK for a Master of Divinity degree; and the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago to earn a Doctorate degree.   I am also a Stephen Ministries trainer, Care Ministries trainer, and have completed my certificate as a grief specialist.

One of my mantras is “Everyone has a story.”  I love being a pastor because it gives me the opportunity to openly share the stories of Jesus and guide people towards connecting to the story of their life. For 34 years I have served as pastor, associate pastor, college chaplain, hospice chaplain, and Southwestern College adjunct faculty.  In every situation, I heard stories; some with a great deal of pain, some told only with tears, some shared through writing.

Platte Woods UMC is a congregation striving to follow Jesus.  One way we follow Jesus is by sharing compassion and listening to stories of pain, disappointment, and loss.  Another way is by visiting people in the hospital or in their homes.  Training for this caring ministry is provided.

The latest chapters of my story include marrying Buddy Liston December 11, 2011, moving from Kansas to Liberty, and becoming a grandmother.  I also love to sew and play the violin and piano.

I am excited to be an associate pastor at Platte Woods UMC, focusing on congregational care.

Jake Schneider

Jake was appointed to Platte Woods UMC as an associate pastor in 2014. Before arriving at PWUMC, he served as pastor for two congregations in Fayette, Mo., for two years. Jake is passionate about proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through word and action, and about helping others to grow in their knowledge and love of God. Jake is the primary pastor for the modern worship service. Jake and his wife, Keera, love the outdoors, taking walks, cooking, and watching their favorite shows together.

Reserving a Room for Your Event

• Platte Woods United Methodist Church has a number of classrooms, of varying sizes, available for use by outside groups.
• Some events may incur a building use fee. This will be determined upon receipt of the room reservation.
• Reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance. There are many activities and programs at the church, so your reservation should be made as soon as possible.
• To assist the church staff in accommodating your request, please complete and submit our online room reservation request form. You will receive an e-mail or phone call from the staff with your confirmation. Requests will be processed within three business days. If you have not been contacted within four business days of submission, or if your event is less than one week away, please call Mandy Phillips (816-741-2972).

Scheduling Your Wedding

You are encouraged to schedule your wedding at Platte Woods United Methodist Church as far in advance of the ceremony as possible. To schedule your wedding, contact Mandy Phillips (816-741-2972, ext. 210). Please note that tentative wedding dates may be checked by telephone, however, actual arrangements must be completed and finalized in person. Upon receiving a $100.00 non-refundable deposit, Mandy will reserve and schedule your wedding date on the church calendar. The check should be made out to PWUMC. You will be assigned a wedding coordinator who will help you with all necessary arrangements regarding charges and protocol for the rehearsal, ceremony and/or reception. Any changes and/or questions regarding your wedding plans should then be discussed with your assigned wedding coordinator. Your wedding coordinator will assist the pastor and your wedding party at the rehearsal and on your wedding day.

Inclement Weather Procedures

In the event of inclement weather, church closings will be made on a case-by-case basis. Changes in the church schedule, whether on weekends or during the week, can be found on the front page of the church Web site, by tuning in to KMBC-9 TV, or on the church’s answering machine (741-2972). Every effort will be made to send e-mails notifying those on the E-News subscription list as well. Please note that only under the most extreme weather conditions will worship services be cancelled. Sunbeams Preschool and Parents’ Day Out follow the Park Hill School District’s lead: when the PHSD cancels classes or dismisses early due to bad weather, Sunbeams and PDO will as well.