Shirley Bickel has been our Director of Christian Education since September 1994. She attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio and majored in Speech and Drama. While doing her student teaching, she decided to give Seminary a try. She felt it was where God had led her. She graduated with a Master's Degree in Religious Education. Shirley's first job was in a large United Methodist church with 700 in the Church School.

Early in her life, Shirley discovered a love of music which she has pursued to this day. She teaches piano and plays the organ and sings in the choir at her husband, Carl's, church, United Parish of Bowie. Before joining our staff, Shirley took some courses in the counseling program at Loyola College and believes they have enriched her and her ability to minister. She has said, "I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing than sharing the Christian faith with other people because it's God who gives our lives meaning and purpose. I feel blessed that I can do work in both churches."

Shirley is the mother of four and proud grandmother of one.