Kelli is the Director of Contemporary Worship and Children's Choirs. She is a native of Asheville and studied Vocal Performance at Mars Hill University and Sacred Music at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. As a cancer survivor, she believes God is calling her to live out Matthew 25:35-37 especially “I was sick and you took care of me.”  Kelli is a candidate for ordination as an Elder in the United Methodist Church and is a full-time Master of Divinity student at Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, NC.  She and her husband Jeff Messer live in Asheville with their children Nicholas, Latham, and Mary Grace. They like to play board games and four-square, go to concerts and plays, and eat ice cream. 

Jeremy and his wife Laura moved to Hendersonville from Black Mountain, NC. Jeremy attended Pfeiffer University where he majored in Religion and received his M.Div from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He has a passion for forming disciples of Jesus Christ and equipping the church to serve the needs of a diverse and changing society.  Jeremy and Laura have one daughter, Juniper, and in their free time can be found riding mountain bikes, running the occasional ultramarathon, or walking their rescue dogs, Blake and Colby around the mountains of WNC.

Contact:  jeremy@hvlfumc.org   828-435-3530

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. 

Drew, his wife Morgan, and their 3-year-old daughter Rylee 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. 

As Director of Elementary Ministry, Lauren implements curriculum and programs for Kindergarteners through 5^th graders. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Education in Community Counseling. Previously, Lauren worked at Birmingham-Southern College in the Counseling Center and at the YWCA of Central Alabama in their domestic violence shelter. Lauren moved with her husband, Grey, to Hendersonville in 2010. They have two children, Emme and Bennett.

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 his wife a retired executive assistant at Raytheon.  They are the proud parents of three Siamese rescue cats. 

Caroline's manages all general accounting functions, including contributions;  payroll-related transactions, cash receipts, accounts payable transactions, and coordinating bank transactions.  She is a graduate of East Henderson HS and Mississippi State University.  Caroline has one daughter.  She enjoys all sports but closely follows MSU baseball, football and basketball.

As Administrative Manager, Gloria’s focus is maintenance of church office equipment, procurement of office supplies and miscellaneous purchases, church communications via weekly e-connect and the church website, maintaining church electronic files and other administrative duties. She has 46 years of extensive administrative experience upon which she draws to assist visitors, members, ministers, and staff with needs and requests. Prior to coming to FUMC, she retired from Duke Power with 33 years of service.  She and her husband, Jimmy, are native North Carolinians and have one daughter.  Gloria’s free time includes organizing and coordinating home and family projects, DIY projects with her husband, cooking, reading, and going on walks. 

As the Administrative Assistant, Cindi provides support to the Clergy and Church Administrator; coordinates the church calendar, membership tracking and a plethora of “other” duties as needed.  She is a seasoned Executive Assistant with 25+ years in the executive legal and medical fields. Cindi is an Asheville native has and a gallery-worthy mixed media folk artist, teacher, and published author, home renovation blogger and flipper.  Cindi and her husband, Dave, currently live in Skyland and have an adult son, Eli.   

As the Food Service Manager, Colleen oversees all kitchen operations including creating menus and preparing meals for the Gathering and Meals4Missions 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 - age 9. She enjoys kayaking, off-grid living, homesteading, and playing in the forest where they live with their two dogs. 

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. 

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.  

As a facility assistant, Sherry does everything from cleaning the sanctuary, classrooms and bathrooms 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 a 16 year old son, Caleb.  

As a facilities assistant, Steve's duties include custodial and maintenance tasks on all the buildings and grounds.  He was born in Germany and is a long-time resident of Asheville.  Having worked in a variety of trades, he brings many skills with him for the task here at FUMC. He is happily married to his wife Anita, with 2 adult children and 1 grandchild. Steve enjoys hiking, sailing, canoeing / kayaking and making giant bubbles that spread smiles to others.  His favorite quote:

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou