For nearly 200 years, Panama Methodist Church has been a part of the Panama community. Through all of the changes over the years, by the grace of God and with the unending support of the residents of this area, our church has grown stronger.
We seek to blend traditional and contemporary worship forms so that people of all backgrounds and generations can experience the presence and power of God in their lives.
Leadership Team

Originally from Northern Illinois, Paul met his wife Melissa of twenty years at SUNY Potsdam, where both of them studied to be secondary social studies teachers. Paul taught in different schools for about five years, and then spent some time working with at risk youth in Tompkins County, New York. Paul then started seminary in 2010 and graduated from United Theological Seminary in 2014. Paul has served as the Lead Pastor of five Methodist Churches, prior to becoming the Lead Pastor at the Panama Methodist Church. Paul has a deep love for Jesus, for people, for the church, and for the Bible.

Ashley Taraska
Ministries Assistant/Administrative Assistant to the Pastor/Financial Secretary
Ashley Taraska is from Russell PA. She is married to her Husband Jason; they have two dogs that are so precious as if they are their own children. Ashley attends a Baptist Church, she is active in the praise team, Sunday school, Bible studies, and enjoys taking part in VBS. Ashley is so excited to expand her learning and growth, as well as her love and faith that she has for God and all people.
Ashley has been employed part-time at Warren General Hospital, as an Emergency Room Care Technician for eighteen years. She enjoys taking care of people and making a difference in people’s lives. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, baking, cooking, and outdoor activities. She loves Christian music and to sing.


Jon Cable
Facility Manager

Julie Nagel
Music Director
PMC has been my church family since I was a child. My childhood years are heavily infused with memories of attending Sunday school and church, youth group, and playing the piano. Throughout the years, I have served in various roles, including choir member, Sunday school teacher, Junior Choir director, and accompanist, and I have been the Music Director for the past dozen or so years. God blessed me with a mother who had a deep love for music that she instilled in her children, as well as a Christian piano teacher who fostered my development as a church musician.
I am married to my husband of thirty five years, Richard, mother of two adult daughters, Jenna and Olivia, mother-in-law to Jay, and grandmother to our granddaughter, Sloane and grandson, Beau. I work full-time as a social worker for Chautauqua County Hospice & Palliative Care.

Krista Odell
Music Accompanist

Joan Monroy
Connections Teacher

Sandy Crossley
Connections Teacher

Tara Hosier
Connections Teacher

Maddie Post
Kids Ministry Director