Our Staff Team

Rev. Eric Pone is dedicated to fostering collaborative, adaptive, and sustainable ministry that prioritizes spiritual growth over traditional, rigid hierarchies using practical teaching. Eric uses the "Mosaic" leadership model, an approach that honors the unique contributions of every individual to strengthen the collective mission. He brings a spirit of integrity and endurance to his work, striving to build a congregation where communities do not just survive, but truly thrive!

Nací en la ciudad capital de Guatemala, mi pasión por la evangelización, a través del ministerio de calle, me permite llevar un mensaje de sanidad, liberación y restauración. Dios me ha bendecido con la oportunidad de trabajar en el ministerio de Isaías 61:1 Ministerio. Como madre de cuatro hermosos hijos, el Señor me ha encomendado pastorearlos, caminar junto a ellos, guiarlos y enseñarles acerca del amor y la misericordia de Dios. Pastoro una iglesia en Monticello, Minnesota, donde nuestro enfoque principal es restaurar familias, expandir el evangelio y llevar a las personas al arrepentimiento en Cristo. Entre mis metas está establecer un centro de restauración para mujeres que han sufrido abuso psicológico, moral, verbal y físico. Adicionalmente, tengo proyectos planificados en África, Perú y Guatemala, los cuales aspiro a lograr con la bendición de Dios y en Su tiempo.

Born in the capital city of Guatemala, my passion for evangelism, through street ministry, allows me to carry a message of healing, liberation, and restoration. God has blessed me with the opportunity to work in the ministry of Isaiah 61:1 Ministerio. As a mother of four beautiful children, I have been entrusted by the Lord to pastor, walk alongside, guide, and teach them about God's love and mercy. I pastor a church in Monticello, Minnesota, where our primary focus is on restoring families, expanding the gospel, and leading individuals to repentance in Christ. Among my goals is to establish a restoration center for women who have suffered psychological, moral, verbal, and physical abuse. Additionally, I have projects planned in Africa, Peru, and Guatemala, which I aim to achieve with God's blessing and in His time.

La Pastora Marlin Good nació en Guatemala y el Pastor James Good nació en Minnesota. Están casados desde marzo de 2023. Su misión es seguir fielmente el mandamiento de Dios, predicar Su Palabra a nivel mundial, preparar discípulos, apoyar a los necesitados y ser instrumentos de restauración. En estos tiempos, su objetivo es ofrecer amor y esperanza, nutriendo a los jóvenes en Jesús. Oran para que Dios use sus vidas para dejar un legado duradero en esta ciudad y más allá.

Pastor Marlin Good was born in Guatemala and Pastor James Good was born in Minnesota. They have been married since March 2023. Their mission is to faithfully follow God's commandment, to preach His Word globally, to prepare disciples, to support those in need, and to be instruments of restoration. In these times, they aim to offer love and hope, nurturing young people in Jesus. They pray that God uses their lives to leave a lasting legacy in this town and beyond.

Jess grew up in Ellsworth, Wisconsin on a small dairy farm. She started playing the piano when she was six years old and discovered her passion for making and sharing music with all ages. She earned a B.S. in Music Education at UW LaCrosse, then spent 8 years on Whidbey Island in Langley, Washington, where she began her career as a middle school band director.  Jess has worked as a Music Together teacher, private music instructor, performer and music director at various churches.  The Holy Spirit led Jess into family ministry where her faith was strengthened and emboldened by a love to share the Word of God with children and people of all ages.  She and her husband, Dan, live in Otsego with their three children Theo, Belle, & Brooklynn and they are expecting a fourth child in May. As a family, they enjoy the outdoors and going on adventures to new places. 

Samantha Brown graduated from Monticello High School in 2023 and is currently a senior at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in St. Joseph, Minnesota. She is majoring in Music with minors in Secondary Education (Instrumental Music), Exercise and Health Science, and Psychology. She will complete her student teaching in Spring 2027 before graduating.

At CSB/SJU, Samantha performs with the orchestra as a violist and is involved with the Benedictine Sisters and Faith community. During her first two years in college, she participated in track and field, competing in high jump, pole vault, and discus as well as club soccer.

When she is home from school, Samantha works as a lifeguard at YMCA Day Camp Manitou, where she is spending her sixth summer on staff. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, skiing, listening to music, and being outdoors. She also enjoys coffee and sunny days.

After graduation, Samantha hopes to teach high school orchestra or elementary music in the local area and eventually coach varsity soccer and track and field.

From Battle Lake, Minnesota, Monica describes herself as "a small town girl."  She graduated from Augsburg College with a major in history and minors in English and Religion.  She has been very active in music and children's ministries, beginning that adventure at Community United Methodist Church in Columbia Heights.  (We're thankful she has found her way to the Monticello Community UMC!) In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Sitting at the table, sharing a meal together, and listening to the conversation fills her heart with joy.

Jakob Waller is a graduate of CSB/SJU. Jakob graduated with a major in choral education. Jakob currently works in Saint Cloud at Lincoln Elementary, teaching K-5 music. Jakob has sung in multiple choirs, singing with different artists, and has participated in creating multiple choral albums.

Over the summer, Jakob focuses on spending time with his family and friends as much as possible. Jakob works part-time over the summer as well as participates in singing with the praise team as much as possible. Jakob also enjoys going on bike rides, listening to music, playing video games, and meeting new people. 

Jakob continues participating in the church in any way that he can and looks forward to what lies ahead in the future.

Anne Harrison, Office Administrator. Anne grew up in Lake City, MN. Anne has been a member of Community United Methodist Church for 3 years and plays in the handbell choir.  Anne and her husband, Kevin, moved to Monticello 3.5 years ago from New Hope, MN. Anne has been a paraprofessional in the public schools for the last ten years. Anne and Kevin enjoy spending time with their adult children and doing house/yard projects. They are still figuring out the "empty nester" phase of their lives.

I grew up in Big Lake and have spent the last 10 years in the Monticello area with my three children: Owen, Paige and Oliver. We enjoy camping with family and friends, neighborhood get togethers, sports and traveling. I have enjoyed careers in residential drafting, real estate appraising and bookkeeping. I have experience working with a variety of business owners and am excited to work with members of CUMC.