Faces Of Union
Roy and Merle Guthrie

Birthplace: Roy was born in Marissa, Illinois.
Merle was born in Dongola, Illinois.

Education: Roy has a Master's Degree with majors in Accounting, Secondary and Elementary Education, and Guidance.
Merle has a Master's Degree with majors in Math, English and Speech.

Home Life: Roy and Merle enjoy reading, working cross-word puzzles, and watching TV.

Some of their favorite programs are Law and Order, Gaithers, Dr. David Jeremiah, Laker Ball Games and the Crystal Cathedral.

Favorite Food/Resturant: Roy's favorite foods are chili, potato salad, baked beans and chili mac.
Merle enjoys strawberries, sweet potatoes, and lemon pies.

Their favorite restaurants are Fischers and Cracker Barrel.

Favorite Music/Band:The Guthries enjoy big bands that play danceable music. Some of their favorite local bands are The Noblemen, Don James and Stan Fornaszewski.

They also enjoy Broadway musicals and, of course, the anthems at church.

Favorite Movie/Book:The Guthries favorite movie is "The Ten Commandments", directed by Cecil B. DeMille.

Roy enjoys westerns by Louis L'Amour and mysteries.

Merle's favorite book is "The Robe" by Lloyd C. Douglas. It had a great effect on her.
She also likes "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini.

Favorite Place:In the past, Merle's favorite place to be was the Belleville West Gym.
Currently, the Guthries enjoy just being at home.

Perfect Day: We get up, no pain, work cross-word puzzles at breakfast, have plans for the day that we can complete, and end the evening with Breyer's ice cream.

Why I Worship At Union: We enjoy the small groups (Bible Studies, Circles, Covenant Disciple Groups, and Sunday School); we love the music both choral and instrumental; we feel moved by the sermons -- and never feel degraded but uplifted by them; we like the friendliness of the people and their acceptance of us who were not reared in the Methodist Church.

Current Service At Union:Roy serves on the Evangelism Committee, the Visitation Team, and United Methodist Men. He is President of the Wesley Sunday School Class and a member of the Choir.

Merle serves on the Worship Committe and the Alter Guild. She is President of the United Methodist Women, a Volunteer Receptionist, and Covenant Disciple Chairperson.

Community Activities: Roy and Merle are members of the Optimist Club, BEACON, Turkey Hill Grange, and volunteer at the Shelter Shop.
Roy is also a member of the Elks and the American Legion.
Merle is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Surprise:Roy chaired the Building Project at First Baptist Church. He announced the radio service each Sunday. He was a deacon and treasurer for 25 years.
Merle was the first cheerleading coach in the Hall of Fame at Lansing. She sang in a mixed gospel quartet. With a gymnast partner, she did demonstration ballroom dancing.

Ask Me About: The next time you see Roy, ask why he doesn't like chicken.
Be sure and ask Merle what she likes to do best.