We have a passion for people, our city and our world. Our culture and leadership is characterized by worship, the love of God, and a genuine call to ministry. These core values have been shaped by our rich history of great co-workers and energy; always pressing forward in our call to love God and love others.
Staff & Leadership
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REV. KAREN EASTER-BAYNE
LEAD PASTOR
As Lead Pastor, Karen serves as the spiritual leader of FUMC, preaching and teaching the good news of Jesus Christ, leading the staff team and laity to carry out the mission of the church and share Christ’s love with the community and world, connecting with new people, and providing pastoral care. Pastor Karen grew up in Asheville. She earned a BA degree and Master of Regional Planning degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, and her MDiv degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She and her husband Nick Bayne have three adult children and three grandchildren. Pastor Karen enjoys hearing people’s stories and sharing how our own stories are part of God’s great story of love and hope.
Contact: Karen@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3528
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Erin Yow
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Pastor Erin believes wholeheartedly in living out Jesus's commandment to love God with all that you are and to love your neighbor as yourself. She enjoys helping other people live out that commandment through spiritual growth and service to others. God meets her most clearly while hiking in the woods, and in connections with people. Pastor Erin grew up in Connecticut, received a BA in Religion and Philosophy from Catawba College and a MDiv from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She has served in ministry in Western North Carolina since 2005. Pastor Erin, her husband, Jon and two daughters, Abigail and Sammy live in Hendersonville.
Contact: Erinyow@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3528
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Steven Coss
Associate Pastor
Steven is our Associate Pastor of Congregational Care and will be ministering to many congregational needs and prayer concerns. Steve was born in New Jersey, raised in Texas, and worked in the Tampa Bay area, first as a ship builder, later becoming an ordained United Methodist minister. He is a graduate of University of Houston, earning his pastoral degrees from Bethany Theological Seminary (MBS) and Asbury Theological Seminary (MDiv). Steve served as pastor of (5) United Methodist churches in Kentucky, Florida, and North Carolina, and spent 20 years in endorsed chaplaincy for both hospice and retirement communities. Steve has a passion for connecting with people and experiencing God throughout life’s journey. He and his wife, Geralyn, live in Weaverville where they live close to their daughter, Megan, her husband, Josh, and three very energetic grandchildren!
Contact: Stevecoss@hvlfumc.org; 8284353536
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Michael Stephen Brannon
Director Of Music
Beginning a career at the age of eight may seem strange, but that is just what Michael did. He started piano at the age of seven. Took his first organ lesson at the age of eight, played in church the following Sunday and has been on the bench for 50 years. As the Director of Music, he coordinates the music for traditional Sunday worship services and other special worship services, including leadership and direction of choral and instrumental groups. Michael also provides organ, piano or harpsichord accompaniments for traditional Sunday worship services. He and his husband, Dennis live in Tryon with their two Shih Tzu's Ming-Ho and Manchu. Skylar, their granddaughter, is the love of their life.
Contact: Michael@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3527
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Todd Henry
Modern Worship Leader - Ignite
As the Worship Leader, Todd coordinates worship for Ignite worship by planning music for services and directing the Ignite Worship Band. Todd has lived all over the East Coast, calling North Carolina his home for last 25 years. He has graduate and undergraduate music degrees from Stetson University and Florida State University, with a guitar and voice principle. Todd is active in the local music scene outside of church and has professional recordings on all streaming platforms under the project name “Secret Story”. He and his wife Missie have one daughter Abby, who serves as a law enforcement officer in Gaston County. Todd and Missie reside in West Asheville and enjoy walking the Haywood Rd corridor to experience all aspects of the eclectic community they call home.
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Drew Morton
Director of youth and young adult ministries
Drew, his wife Morgan, their daughter Rylee, and son Levi live in Hendersonville. Drew found his passion for ministry with children, youth, college students and young adults when he joined the staff of Camp Tekoa. He worked for Tekoa for a number of years and is still involved as a volunteer. Drew also brings his experience as the Director of Youth Ministry at Etowah UMC, and he brings business, organizational and supervisory experience in his work as Guest Services Manager at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville.
Contact: Drew@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3538
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Brianne Deusa
Director Of Children's and Family Ministry
Brianne implements curriculum and programming from birth through fifth grade, while mainly overseeing nursery through preschool programming. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Science from Messiah University. Since 2015 she has worked in Children’s Ministry and church administration in the Wesleyan Church in both the Chesapeake and Northeast Districts. Brianne moved with her husband, Tyler, and their son, Pierce, to Hendersonville in 2021.
Contact: Brianne@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3542
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robert doughty
church administrator
As Church Administrator, Bob provides managerial support to all church staff and committee functions. He grew up in eastern North Carolina and graduated from University of South Florida with a BA in Business. Bob worked 34 years at Hughes Aircraft and Raytheon, directing various Radar Systems Manufacturing Operations. He is an avid golfer and sports fan of UNC and UGA sports teams. Bob is married to Maggi, a retired executive assistant at Raytheon. They are the proud parents of three Siamese rescue cats.
Contact: Bob@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3528
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Heather Westin
FINANCIAL MANAGER
As the Financial Manager, Heather oversees all financial transactions for the church. She is a native to Hendersonville, having attended East Henderson High School and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a BS in Business Administration. Heather enjoys the outdoors and can be found camping, hiking, or snowboarding in her free time. She is also an avid reader and lover of great food and meaningful conversation. Her family consist of her husband, Devon and daughter Sophie. She also acts as a faithful servant to her dog Charlie and two cats, Jaguar and Chloe.
Contact: Heather@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3529
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TYLER DEUSA
coMMUNICATIONS & IT DIRECTOR
Tyler and his family come to us after pastoring a church in New Jersey. He has been serving in ministry along with his wife since they met at a kids camp (as counselors not campers). Tyler loves spending time with his family hiking, biking, and playing board games. He and his wife Brianne have a son named Pierce who insists that he is Batman, and a dog Avie who also insists on being Batman. Outside of his family and playing Batman, Tyler finds joy in helping others share their story.
Contact: tyler@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3539
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SHERRY LINDSEY
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Sherry does everything from managing the church calendar, working on copiers and phonelines to setting up for most events held at FUMC. Sherry has been on staff for thirteen years. She was born in Asheville and has lived in Henderson County her whole life. She is a breast cancer survivor and participates in local awareness events. She is married to Keith and has one son, Caleb.
Contact: Sherry@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3531
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ERIN HOLBERT
DIRECTOR WEEKDAY SCHOOL
Erin Holbert is our Weekday School Director. Erin started at the Weekday School as a Lead Teacher. Erin believes that children are a gift from God. Her mission is to give children the support to create their own relationship with God. Erin has worked in early childhood for over 20 years. She has worked in both the classroom and in administration. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Birth Through Kindergarten with a teaching license from Western Carolina. She has an Early Childhood Degree from Blue Ridge Community College with an Early Childhood Administration level III and Graduate work from Western Carolina University in Special Education. Erin lives with her husband Josh and three children Cameron, Brooke and Quinn in Mills River and enjoys the small-town friendly feel of Hendersonville.
Contact: Erin@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3532
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SADIE CRUM
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR WEEKDAY SCHOOL
Sadie Crum is our Weekday School Assistant Director and Lead Teacher. Sadie has been with FUMC for five years as the Lead Teacher in the Transitional Kindergarten Class. Sadie was born in South Florida, but moved to the mountains of WNC in 2010. She has always known that she wanted a career in education. In addition to being a camp counselor and camp director, she has worked as a teacher in public, charter, and private schools both in Florida and North Carolina in kindergarten, first and second grade classrooms. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University, and obtained a teaching license in Florida and North Carolina. In addition, Sadie furthered her studies in order to be certified to teach ESL learners kindergarten through 12th grade. Sadie lives in Hendersonville with her husband, Sage, and her three children Lily, Josie, and Roddy. She loves being outside, getting her hands in the dirt, and having adventures with her family.
Contact: Sadie@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3531
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JOHN WATTERSON
FACILITY MANAGER
John oversees the Facilities Department and is responsible for all housekeeping, building maintenance and landscaping. Following his service in the US Air Force, John spent the last 30 years as the Plant Operations Director for several retirement communities and a 9 – 12th grade boarding school. A former rock climbing instructor, John now prefers ballroom dancing and cruiser bike riding with his wife Janice. They have two beautiful adult daughters, Desiree and Candis.
Contact: John@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3533
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COE RAULERSON
FOOD SERVICE MANAGER
As the Food Service Manager, Colleen oversees all kitchen operations including creating menus and preparing meals for the Table and Curbside Café as well as many other special events. Colleen hails from San Diego, California and now lives in Hendersonville with her husband, Michael and son, Finn. She enjoys kayaking, off-grid living, homesteading, and playing in the forest where they live with their two dogs.
Contact: Coe@hvlfumc.org; 828.435.3541
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JASON GARDNER
AUDIO/VISUAL TECHNICIAN
Jason's responsibilities include directing, overseeing, planning, implementing and running the various equipment involved in our worship service audio and video production. He has worked professionally in the audio/visual field for 25+ years and has the necessary experience and expertise to run this important department effectively. Born and raised near Atlanta, GA, Jason obtained a degree in the applied science of electronics. He has lived in Hendersonville since 1999. Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, as well as 'tinkering' with anything that needs to be repaired.
Contact: Jason@jlprosound.com 828.692.5705