Lesly is a native of Leedey, Oklahoma, and was appointed as the Sr. Pastor of Polk Street in 2021. Lesly holds an Agricultural Communications degree from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and served in three different appointments in Oklahoma before coming to Amarillo. A dynamic and relatable communicator he has expertise in church size dynamics, developing healthy leadership team behavior, downtown church ministry, and church growth targeted around gospel-centered ministries. Lesly and his wife Amy have been married for over 25 years and have two adult children, Morgan and husband Drake, and Lawson and wife Mackenzi. Lesly is passionate about Oklahoma State University athletics, hunting and fishing, and working on his family’s farm and ranch in western Oklahoma.   

Stephania became a part of the Polk Street staff in June of 2022. She has a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and was ordained in 2022. After retiring from the Air Force Stephania started serving in pastoral ministry in 2006 and has served as the pastor of Sagerton, Grace, Trent, and Clarendon United Methodist Churches.

Stephania and her husband Gerald, also retired from the Air Force, have four sons, one grandson, and two dogs in their family. She is passionate about serving the Lord, fishing, traveling, and enjoying sports.

Joshua was born in Texas and raised in North Alabama. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies and Preaching from Point University, a MDiv. from Duke Divinity School, and two certifications in Youth Ministry from the National Association of Youth Ministry. Joshua has been involved in youth and young adult ministry for over a decade as a traveling youth event speaker, youth pastor, and campus pastor. As Director of Youth and Young Adult ministry Joshua works to disciple and build relationships with 6th graders through young adulthood within and outside of the church and to navigate the congregation of Polk Street UMC toward intergenerational ministry opportunities. 

As the children’s director Merri oversees Sunday School, Wednesday night, and special activities for children from birth through 5th grade.  She is also involved with the Child Development Center by leading Chapel for the pre-k children who attend the childcare.  

Merri and her husband Isaac have been married for over 20 years. They have 4 daughters, Savannah, Alexandra, Isabel, and Victoria. Her oldest daughter Savannah and her husband Joseph have made Isaac and Merri grandparents since welcoming Zoey in March of 2021.  Merri enjoys, exercising, eating (somewhat) healthy, watching (really) old movies, learning more about the Bible, and spending time with her family.  

Anthony Vickery joined the Polk Street staff in 2022 and has been involved in the leadership of church music since he was 13 years old. He has served in various churches across the Texas panhandle in his short career as well serving as the high school choral director at Borger High School and the Assistant Choral Director at Canyon High School. Anthony holds a Master of Music: Choral Conducting from West Texas A&M University.

Anthony brings a wide range of experience to Polk Street from church and school choral direction to orchestra conducting to contemporary worship leadership. His passion for learning and his commitment to leading others into the presence of God through worship are an inspiration.  

Anthony married the love of his life Nakita, in June 2022.

George Biffle, DMA, has been a music educator and a church choral director for 56 years. He has taught in the Amarillo school system (Austin Jr. High School, Amarillo High School), at Amarillo College, McMurry Univ., U of Western Alabama, and WTAMU in Canyon, as well as the Director of the Amarillo Symphony Chorus and the Amarillo Civic Chorus (Renamed as the Amarillo Master Chorale). He served as the Director of Music Ministries at Polk Street for 10 years before entering an emeritus status in 2022.  

Dr. Biffle is an active golfer, hunter, and fisherman, resides in Canyon, is married to Nancy, and together they have five children and thirteen grandchildren. 

Noel-Paul Laur, born in Ontario, Canada, joined the Polk Street staff in 2004 and the Amarillo Youth Choirs staff in 2001 as the regular rehearsal and concert accompanist.

Dr. Laur has the following music degrees: an Associate of Music Performer’s Diploma (Organ) from Western Conservatory of Music, London, Ont. (1977); a Bachelor of Music Performer’s Degree (Organ) from Wheaton College-Conservatory of Music, Wheaton, IL (1978); a Master of Church Music (Organ, Conducting) from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ (1980). Also to his credit are the following certificates from the American Guild of Organists, New York, NY: the Service Playing Certificate (1981); the Colleague Certificate (1983); the Associate Certificate (1993); the Choir Master Certificate (1996); and the Fellowship Certificate (2006). He also earned a Doctor of Worship Studies from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, Jacksonville, FL (2008).

Dr. Laur and his wife, Debbie have four married children (Texas – Chrysler to Amy, California – Carter to Myrna, New Hampshire - Carling to Alex, and California - Caitlin to Carlos ), 3 (Carter, Carling, and Caitlin) of whom are AYC alumni. There are seven grandchildren amongst them (Grace, Gwen, Troy, Nora, Allie, Charlotte, and  Liam). They live in Lake Tanglewood with their pet Maltese dog, “Bubbles”.

Nakita was born in Queensland, Australia and moved to America in the 9th grade to Midland, Tx. While in school she developed a love for music in choir and band. Nakita attended West Texas A&M University, answering the calling on her life to be a musician by attaining her bachelor’s degrees in Music Performance and Education. Throughout college, Nakita served as a staff singer at Polk Street United Methodist Church and became the Director of Student Music Ministries in 2021. She is so excited to lead students in praising God and growing in their musical skills. Nakita married the love of her life Anthony in 2022.

Mike Jones joined Polk Street at the age of 6 months. Mike and his family have been a part of the family of Polk Street all these years. He became the Youth Director in 1994 and later became our Business Administrator in 1998. Mike teaches Sunday School and has been a singer with the Sanctuary Choir for 48 years. 

Austen has been a member of Polk Street UMC her entire life. She is the fourth generation of Joneses currently at Polk Street. Austen is a student at WTAMU, pursuing a degree in Music production. She has been the Polk Street media intern since 2020. She assists with the slides and placement for our website and live stream productions. Her hobbies include singing, performing in our local community theater and the Polk Street choir, spending time with her friends and family, and shopping. 

Melissa was born and raised in Amarillo and has been a member of Polk Street UMC her entire life. Currently, she has 4 generations of her family attending Polk Street. She is married to Daryl Stovall, and they have 2 wonderful children, Austen and Noah.  Her hobbies include spending time with her family, reading, and shopping. Melissa has been on staff since 2019. As the Pastor's Secretary she handles the bulletin and inserts for worship, schedules church and outside events and activities, oversees the membership database, and gives administrative assistance to other staff members.   

Carol has been with Polk Street since 2017 and she is the first person in the front office to help anyone that walks thru our doors whether they are a member or just someone in need of assistance. She oversees all the attendance reports and is an assistant to Mike Jones by filing and sending memorials and honorariums to our members and families.

Spending time with her family is where you will find her outside of work. In addition to time with family or friends, she can be found getting in a workout and finding ways to stay as healthy as possible. 

Tisha was raised in Amarillo and has spent most of her life working in restaurant and retail management. She started at Polk Street CDC as a teacher in 2018 and is now the Director.  She and her husband Billy have a young daughter Faith. She enjoys watching racing or relaxing at home. 

Trenda was raised in Wellington, (Go Rockets!), and moved back to the area in 2010. She has two teenage daughters, Tesslyn and Imogen. She has been at Polk Street CDC since 2013.  She started teaching in the toddler room and is now the Assistant Director. When she is not at the CDC you can find her spending time with her daughters or baking. 

Blaine was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. He joined the Polk Street Staff in June 2022. He brings a wealth of knowledge including a background as an electrician. He has one dog (Moose) and one cat (Keanu). When he is not spending time with his two sisters he can be found restoring automobiles, golfing, camping, and trail riding on his dirt bike.

Henry is originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico. He has worked at Polk Street since 2021. He has enjoys working with such a friendly staff and congregation. He has three children and five grandchildren. Henry enjoys spending time with his granddaughter outside of work. 

Randy moved from El Reno OK. to Amarillo, TX in 1980. He first worked for the Santa Fe Railroad then started at Polk Street UMC in November 1984. He has enjoyed working here for many, many years. He has 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Randy’s hobbies are trivia, riding his bike, reading, and watching TV. 

Bob is originally from Rainier, Oregon. He spent many years in the Airforce as a Jet Engine Technician. Bob recently started at Polk Street UMC in June 2022. He has enjoyed working around so many different groups of people involved with the same single goal. He has 2 children and 5 grandchildren. Bob's hobbies are fishing, yardwork and camping.