Ministers | Program | Music and Worship | Administration | Facilities
Jim Whedbee, Senior Minister
Extension 120; jwhedbee@fountaincityumc.org
A native of Knoxville, Jim was appointed to our church in June, 2002. Immediately prior to this pastoral appointment, he served as District Superintendent of the Knoxville District of the United Methodist Church, 1998-2002. He was ordained elder in 1969, after having completed his seminary education at Vanderbilt Divinity School in 1969 and receiving his B. A. from Tennessee Wesleyan College in 1966. (He distinguished himself only by graduating — no Sorority Sweetheart or Mr. TWC title or anything like that!).
Jim began considering ordained ministry as a child of five when his mother caught him preaching to the weeds in their backyard. He answered the call to ministry while a jr. in high school because of his love for the Lord and his desire to help people come to experience God’s love through Jesus Christ and then to share and live that love with others. Jim says, After eight years, I continue to be excited about working with the staff and congregation of such a vital congregation as FCUMC.
Jim met his wife, Judy Cox, while a student at Tennessee Wesleyan College. She, too, is a native Knoxvillian. In fact, she was a member of this congregation until Jim took her away in 1971 to travel around the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church with him. Jim and Judy have two daughters. Mary Beth and Gabe Evans live in Cleveland, Tennessee with their son, Spencer, who was born in January, 2010. Amy and Jason Gattis live in Knoxville, Tennessee, and have given Jim and Judy three of their grandchildren. They are Bradley, 11; Mary Haisten, 6; and Nick, 5. Pictures are available by insistence! Jim and Judy’s empty nest has been filled with two Maine Coon cats and an Indian Ringneck Parakeet. Jim is very humble about the fact that the other pastors are quite fearful of him around the Ping-Pong table. His skills, especially for one several years their senior, far outrank theirs.
Melissa Smith, Associate Minister
Extension 116; msmith@fountaincityumc.org
A native of Johnson City, Tennessee, Melissa made her way to Knoxville in 2001 after 10 brief years of living in Louisville, Kentucky. While living in Kentucky, it is widely known that she “bled orange” and was easily swayed to move back to “Big Orange Country.” Melissa has been in ministry at Fountain City UMC since 2001 in a couple of different ways. She first came as the youth minister in June of 2001 and she directed the youth ministry programs until January of 2006. After a brief sabbatical to add some more seminary classes to her experience, Melissa came back to FCUMC full-time in July of 2006 as an associate pastor. Her primary roles are providing missions, leading The Journey service, and working with various groups to strengthen the ministry of the church.
Melissa was ordained a full-connection elder in June of 2010. The most exciting part of her ministry at FCUMC is seeing how God is using the varied ministries of the church to allow people to connect with God and with this particular congregation of believers. She has a passion to make God very real to people so they can love him more and is excited about people loving and serving God together.
On any given day, you may find Melissa playing hide-and-go-seek with her cat Smokey, playing practical jokes on the other church staff members or just telling another one of her “hilarious” mission trip stories. Melissa is widely considered to be the best arm-chair sport critic in Knoxville and will readily give her opinion on the football Vols or the Lady Vols basketball team, especially when the opinion is not solicited. Unless she accepts the job as an analyst for ESPN or the Vol-Network, Melissa plans to continue to “make disciples of all nations” and help others find the joy in knowing and serving Christ.
Daniel Ogle, Associate Minister
Extension 110; dogle@fountaincityumc.org
Daniel was born and raised in Sevierville, Tennessee, and after attending schools in North Carolina and Georgia, and working in South Carolina, is thrilled to be back home in East Tennessee. After graduating from Wake Forest University in 2001, Daniel served as a sportswriter, covering high school sports for the Winston-Salem Journal and the Clemson Tigers for the Anderson Independent-Mail. After discerning a full-time call to ministry, Daniel attended the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in 2008, and, more importantly, met his wife, Erin Horeni-Ogle.
Daniel was appointed to FCUMC in June of 2010 after serving as the pastor of the Greystone Circuit in Greeneville, Tennessee. He loves the variety of people and passions at FCUMC, and of course, an office within walking distance of Litton’s Market. Daniel’s primary duties at Fountain City include developing ministry with young adults, community ministry and outreach, and whatever Jim and Melissa tell him to do.
Daniel has a passion for interesting books, great coffee, trying to save the world and helping others figure out how they can love and serve God more faithfully. If you like to talk and enjoy searching for Knoxville’s best coffee shop, give him a call.
Susan Todd, Preschool Director
Extension 105; stodd@fountaincityumc.org
“After receiving my MS in English Education from the University of Tennessee, I taught English at Halls High School for 5 years. After our son Matthew was born in 1978, I stayed home with him and his sister Becky (born 1979). Both of our children attended FCUMC Preschool. I applied for the position of part-time director the year that Becky was in the four-year-old class and again the year she went to kindergarten; both times, someone else was hired. A month after the second application, I was called to see if I were still interested. Here I am, 26 years later! The two staffs I work with, both Preschool and Church, are family to me; I am truly blessed to work at FCUMC!”
I love working with both the Preschool staff and the church staff – this family laughs, cries and works with me and supports me in my spiritual journey. The children and their parents are my ministry as we work together to grow relationships and support families. Children are so honest and loving – there is always laughter in the Preschool hallway.
I have been married for 37 years to my best friend, Dick. Our daughter Becky and husband Michael live in Fountain City and have a 17-month-old son, Samuel. Our son Matthew and wife Valerie live in Moshi, Tanzania where Valerie is Director of Amani Centre for Street Children. Our dog Lucy, sometimes known as “Speedbump” because she loves lying in the middle of the traffic flow, provides lots of hugs and is always looking for treats to motivate her good behavior. I love quilting, reading and mission trips/retreats with our youth group.
Sherri Smith, Director of Children’s Ministries
Extension 117; ssmith@fountaincityumc.org
Sherri came on board the staff in the fall of 2007 as the interim director, and accepted the call to full-time ministry – she does a fantastic job! She loves to do craft projects, organize events, and has a gift when it comes to talking to children about Jesus.
Sherri is originally from south Alabama. She and her husband Mark have three wonderful girls – Gibson (a graduate of Elon University), Kate, and Mary Pruett.
Andrew Cooper, Director of Youth Ministries
Extension 107; acooper@fountaincityumc.org
Coop moved from Lexington, KY to join the staff of Fountain City in June of 2006. A native Kentuckian, Coop grew up in Lexington and attended the University of Kentucky. He considers himself a big Blue missionary in big orange country. He began working with teenagers as a college volunteer in his home church and joined the staff of Youth for Christ while still in college. Coop has served churches in Georgia, South Carolina and in Kentucky prior to Fountain City.
Coop’s favorite things about youth ministry are lock-ins and free pizza. Not really, actually his favorite part of youth ministry is seeing youth fall in love with Jesus then helping them grow in their faith and sharing God’s love with others. This could be the person sitting next to them in school or with a child in Nicaragua.
Coop lives in Maryville with his wife Amy. Amy is a Tennessee native and works for the Denso Corporation. And yes – it is a house divided. Although UT has gotten the best of UK recently, Amy has not rubbed it in.
Audrey Deyton, The NET Director
Extension 119; adeyton@fountaincityumc.org
More information coming soon.
LeRoy Hatcher, Director of Family and Life
Extension 111; lhatcher@fountaincityumc.org
LeRoy and his wife Sandra joined FCUMC over thirty years ago. They have been active through worship, members of the Pairs and Spares Sunday School class, as youth workers and coordinators, as teachers, and as members of several committees. Leroy’s first staff position was that of Interim Youth Director, for a summer many years ago. The “Interim” became “Part Time” Director of Youth and Leisure Ministries, a position he kept until a full-time Director of Youth was hired. He continues to serve as Director of Leisure Ministries. His title is currently in the process of change to Director of Family and Life Ministries, a title more descriptive of the opportunities and ministry activities being offered through his ministry area.
In 2001, LeRoy retired after 38 years in public education. His experience includes teaching math, health, physical education, physics (one year), coaching baseball and football, and counseling (twenty-five years at Gresham Middle School). Some of his most gratifying time was in teaching adults, as they worked toward passing their GED. Through the combination of training, professional experience, life’s hard knocks, and church involvement, LeRoy has a very strong belief that family support and use of unscheduled time are critical to the success and happiness of any individual. It is this belief that drives him, as he works with other staff, church members, and persons in the community in offering ministry activities that provide personal spiritual growth, fellowship, and service opportunities.
LeRoy and Sandra have three grown children, nine grandchildren, and three grand-dogs. He is an avid fan of college sports, especially those of UT. His thumb is anything but green. The little boy in him comes out as he plays with the grand kids in the back yard. He enjoys ball games, live plays, soft rock, and singing in the shower.
Jean Payne, Director of Singles and Senior Ministries
jpayne@fountaincityumc.org
Jean is a native of Fountain City and a life-long member of FCUMC. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee in secondary education and taught courses in United States Government and comparitive political systems in the local high school. After retirement, a second career followed when she was asked to initiate a six-month trial program for seniors at FCUMC. Now, some twenty-three years later . . . !
After thirty years of spending each day with 150 high schoolers, Jean enjoys being in ministry with the older friends in the church and community. With these groups, she serves as cook, program planner, trip coordinator, newsletter editor, cheerleader, nurturer, advocate and friend – all experiences she thoroughly enjoys.
Jean is married to a “Gene” whom she met in first grade at Fountain City Grammar School. They are parents to a four-legged challenge named Barkley. Travel has been a hobby, and for several summers, foreign travel with students occupied their time. Today Jean would like to take a trip that leads to nowhere in particular.
Leslie Graves, Director of Music Ministries
Extension 108; lgraves@fountaincityumc.org
A native Knoxvillian, Leslie has served as pianist at FCUMC for 10 years and is excited about her new position as Director of Music Ministries. Growing up with a mother who was a choir director and a dad who led the bass section with a booming voice, she had no choice but to become a church musician. Leslie is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Lincoln Memorial University. She is married to Jeff, who has also served as a choir director in the United Methodist Church but now is happy to be a member of the choir here at Fountain City. They have two children, Todd and Claire.
Mark Seals, Contemporary Worship Music Leader
Extension 118 (voice-mail only); mseals@fountaincityumc.org
I came to work at FCUMC in August of 2008 as the Contemporary Worship Music Leader. I was born and raised in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and graduated from Oak Ridge High School. I joined the U.S. Army in April, 1989 and left in December 1991. My “Monday through Friday” job is at Clinton Housing Authority where I do maintenance for 150 apartments and homes.
On July 12, 2008 I married the most amazing woman that everyone knows as the Financial/Membership Secretary, but I know her as my wife, and my best friend, DeLisa (Dee Dee) Seals. I have two children and two beautiful grandchildren. Joshua, my son, has a little boy, Daniel; Elisabeth, my daughter, and her husband Luke, have a little girl, Caitlyn.
I come from a very musical family and started playing the drums when I was 9 years old. It was also around this time that I started playing in a small Baptist church with my family. I have always had my musical roots in some form of Christian music and it has always been my source of feeling grounded. During the 34 years of playing music, I learned how to play the piano, bass and guitar, but playing the drums has always been my first love.
I am very excited to be here at FCUMC, and I am looking forward to and will work very hard to see The Journey grow and reach out to those who need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
Stephanie Wayland, Organist
swayland@fountaincityumc.org
Stephanie is a proud graduate of our own Central High School and returned to Fountain City after 25 years of living in Massachusetts. She began as a church musician at age 15, when a local church gave her the opportunity to play for early services and to do summer substituting. Sometimes sour notes were struck or the hymn was on the opposite page, but nevertheless the congregation set aside funds for her college tuition.
She did major studies at Indiana University in Organ and Music Education. Her post graduate work was at Harrt School of Music and Columbia University. After recently retiring from 32 years of teaching public school music, and 13 years as a member of the Knoxville Opera Company chorus, Stephanie is finding more time to spend with her supportive husband, Rick Miller, and their seven grandchildren.
Travel, gardening, and serving her 52nd year as a church organist are delights. Being a part of the ministry of FCUMC is a blessing.
John Patterson, Church Administrator
Extension 109; jpatterson@fountaincityumc.org
“I am truly blessed to be the church administrator for Fountain City UMC. My previous 25 years of professional working career has prepared me for what I consider the perfect job. I was born and raised in Charleston, SC where I was the eldest of three children of a lower middle-class working family with traditional Southern Baptist beliefs. After graduating from high school, I left home to work toward a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University. While attending college, I was very active in Air Force ROTC leading to a commission as an Air Force Officer. While at my first duty station, I met the most beautiful woman in the world, Angela, who eventually became my wife. Angela had to wait for me to finish an overseas tour in Korea for us to get married 22 months after we met. That was over 23 years ago now.
Angela and I are blessed with three wonderful and talented children. John is 21 years old and a senior at Trevecca Nazarene University majoring in Church Music. (Watch out Andrew, he could be the next music director.) Nathan is 19 years old and a skilled musician and song-writer aspiring to be a worship leader and/or elementary school teacher. He is currently attending Walter State Community College. Our baby, Megan, who by the way is told that she looks like her mother’s younger sister, is 17 years old. She is a senior at Seymour High School and dual enrolled in Walter State Community College taking college-level Math & English. She is active in school leadership & the music program but wants to be an orthodontist when she “grows up.”
My hobbies include camping, hiking, working outdoors, handyman or DIY projects, and singing. Those of you who have been to my office know that I listen to music that ranges from jazz to contemporary alternative Christian music.
We live in Seymour and are actively involved in many areas of our home church, Seymour UMC. I have been the Lay Leader for the past 3 years and a member of the praise team for over 5 years. Angela and I have been active youth parents for the past 11 years and are expected to continue for a while longer as we train the new and upcoming youth parents. We are excited to be connected with such a family-oriented church and look forward to meeting everyone!”
DeLisa Huffaker Seals (Dee Dee), Financial Assistant
Extension 104; dseals@fountaincityumc.org
I came to work at FCUMC in March of 2004 as the receptionist. As a ‘81 CHS graduate, I already had the privilege of knowing many church members, but I enjoyed getting to know everyone and felt a church family welcome from the very beginning.
I married an amazing Christian man, Mark Seals, this summer. I have two fantastic sons, Adam and Luke, and can add to that family recipe a wonderful daughter-in-law Heather, and beautiful granddaughter, Kadance Grace. God has richly blessed my life.
As of August 07’, I became the Financial/Membership Secretary. I am learning a lot of new things and continue to enjoy working and serving the sweet family of FCUMC. This church has a great community relationship that I am proud to be a part of. The staff that I work with on a daily basis is one of the key elements in enjoying my work. It is a family unit that is supportive through good times and bad.
I very much enjoy the contemporary worship style and support the The Journey as it is getting started this year at FCUMC. Contemporary Christian music is among my favorites along with the 80’s genre and country music. I love to scrapbook photo albums of family and friends memories’ and plan on doing a lot more of that as time allows. My life’s philosophy is, Live Simply, Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
Helen Jordan, Administrative Assistant
Extension 101; hjordan@fountaincityumc.org
A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Helen came to FCUMC from First Baptist Church of Knoxville, where she served for 12 years as Finance/Administration Ministry Assistant. She also served several years at Fifth Avenue Baptist Church and Immanuel Baptist Church in Knoxville as Pastor’s/Financial Administrative Assistant.
Helen approaches her job with a servant’s heart. She enjoys being able to provide support for pastoral staff and the church body, as well as meeting the challenges and opportunities for ministry that happen daily in a church office.
Helen has a wonderful husband, Bob, and together they have four children – Rob and his wife, Tammy, Jeremy and his wife Estera, Jenny and Joshua. They also have two beautiful granddaughters, Sarah and Sophia.
Kelley Flatford, Editor for “The Spirit” and “eNews”
kflatford@fountaincityumc.org
Kelley is a native of Knoxville. She is a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a degree in Computer Science. Kelley worked in the software development and e-commerce field for 16 years before deciding to stay at home and take more time with her family. In the fall of 2009, Kelley accepted the position of Newsletter publisher with FCUMC.
Kelley and her husband, Brad, were married at FCUMC in 1995. They have two wonderful girls, Brooke and Cameron, who keep them busy and inspired. Reading, gardening and enjoying the outdoors are some of her favorite activities.
Ralph Paden, Manager of Facilities
Extension 113; rpaden@fountaincityumc.org
Originally from Knoxville, Ralph Paden has been a member of FCUMC since 1996. He has an undergraduate degree in Personnel Management from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He was a member of the UT Pride of the Southland Band for four years. Previously, he was in restaurant management and also worked for a law firm. He is very passionate about FCUMC and his church family.
Ralph is in charge of overseeing the maintenance of the FCUMC facility. His daily duties include making sure that the building spaces are available when requested and in good working order and also supervising facilities staff. Occasionally, there are days when this can be a difficult task. One of Ralph’s most memorable days at FCUMC was Easter Sunday, 2007, when there was a huge flood of water from the second floor raging in the early childhood ministry area of the church. Unfortunately, due to the flood, there were over 1,000 worshippers in the building without restroom facilities. From this experience, Ralph still does not like the sound of gushing water, except from a gentle mountain stream.
Ralph has an incredible wife, Tracey. They have been married for over twenty-seven years. They have three children, Clint, Kathryn, and Patricia. Clint, a doctoral student at Emory University, lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Katie. Kathryn is a graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tennessee, and she is employed at The Goddard School in Farragut. Her twin sister, Patricia is a graduate in Psychology from Berry College in Rome, Georgia, and she is a case manager with The Helen Ross McNabb Center.
Doug Shipman, Director of Food ServicesExtension 114; dshipman@fountaincityumc.org
Doug is a native of Knoxville and was raised in Fountain City. He grew up in St. Andrews Methodist Church. He is an alumnus of Central High School and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. While studying music education in college, he worked for a new restaurant concept in the university area. While in college, he was offered a part time job in management. Upon completion of his education, he went to work for the company for 9 years.
He spent 13 years at The Episcopal Church of the Acension as the church cantor and 8 years as the church caterer. He spent over 25 years in the restaurant management experience from training staff to opening new restaurants, unit manager, and company chef. He has worked in marketing sales for a major food distributor. He owned and operated The General Earth Store (Natural Food Store) on the UT campus in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Doug served as Director of Catering and Special Functions for Knoxville Convention Center and Coliseum. He is a licensed insurance producer since 1985 and works as an associate funeral director for Gentry-Griffey Chapel.
Doug married his wife Susan in 1991, while serving as music director at Farragut Presbyterian Church. He joined FCUMC in 1992. He and Susan have three lovely daughters: Sarah, Molly, and Rachel. He has held the position as Food Service Director at FCUMC since 2003.
John Fine, Facilities Staff
jfine@fountaincityumc.org
John Fine has served on the custodial staff of FCUMC since 1991. He grew up in Fountain City and currently lives in Maryville with his wife, Jamie. They have three children Chelsea, Timmy and Zachary.
As a child, he attended Vestal UMC. John’s Christian walk began at the age of fourteen. He and his family currently attend Bright Hope Tabernacle.
John graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College with a degree in business administration. He also has a degree in paralegal studies from Knoxville Business College.
John considers employment at FCUMC as a blessing. He also regards the church members to be a loving and caring family. We are pleased that John serves Jesus with us at Fountain City United Methodist Church.
Melissa Miles, Facilities Staff
mmiles@fountaincityumc.org
Melissa Miles has served on the Facilities staff of FCUMC since 2007. She grew up in Halls and currently lives in Halls. Her children are Tabitha and Nathaniel.
As a child, she attended Nazarene Christian Church. Melissa’s Christian walk began at the age of five. She and her family plan activities together, love to travel, and play games.
Melissa truly considers her employment at FCUMC as a blessing. She also regards the church members to be a loving and caring family. Like other staff members, she approaches her job with a servant’s heart. She enjoys being able to provide support for the church body, as well as meeting the challenges of the workplace. We are pleased that Melissa is able to serve Jesus with us at Fountain City United Methodist Church.
Tyler Smith, Facilities Staff
Tyler Smith has served on the Facilities staff of FCUMC since 2009. He grew up in Halls and currently lives in Halls. He has a sister, Mallory.
As a child, he attended Fountain City UMC. Tyler’s Christian walk began at the age of five. Tyler grew up in the youth program at FCUMC. He loves basketball. If there is an outside sport, Tyler loves it. Tyler loves to fish, anywhere and everywhere. He and his family love to travel.
Since Tyler has been a member all his life, he also regards the church members to be a caring family. Like other staff members, he approaches his job with a servant’s heart. He enjoys meeting the challenges of the workplace. We are truly blessed to have Tyler serve Jesus at Fountain City United Methodist Church.
