Our Staff

 Pastor Lynda grew up in Mt. Holly, N.C. and is a life-long Methodist who loves the Lord and loves God’s people.  She believes that church can be a community where everyone is loved and accepted. She holds degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, Clemson University and Duke University and always pulls for the Tar Heels. Her greatest joy is being a pastor and a mom to two adult daughters. She welcomes conversations about life and faith and believes that we need each other in figuring out this gift of life together.

lynda@fumcasheboro.org

Pastor Edward was born and raised in Troutman, North Carolina and is a graduate of Pfeiffer University with a degree in Youth Ministry and Christian Education. Before coming to FUMC, he served at Fuquay-Varina UMC and Director of Youth and Family Ministries, and also at Central United Methodist Church in Mooresville, NC as Director of Youth.  At FUMC Pastor Edward oversees Adult Discipleship, First Adults, and Age Level Ministries. He is passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others. His door is always open, so stop by and say hi. Edward enjoys hiking and going on mission trips both locally and internationally. He is involved with Local chapter of the Western North Carolina Faith Formation and Carolina Cross Connection board of directors.

edward@fumcasheboro.org

Tim Clements has been the worship leader here at First UMC for 7 years, and is grateful for every minute of it. It was been quite the journey, from growing up not attending church in upstate New York, to playing in a rock band, to going to college for biology and giving up on music altogether to focus on a “real job”. But God’s plans are bigger, and now Tim loves nothing more than sharing his heart and love for Jesus every Sunday, as well as helping with youth, kids, and doing a bunch of other things around the church. He lives here in Asheboro with his wife Dana and two children Natalie and Elliott.

tim@fumcasheboro.org

Shannon was born and raised in Asheboro and is a long time member of First United Methodist Church. Since receiving an AAS degree in Early Childhood Education and a BS degree in Human Services, Shannon has acquired over 20 years experience in the field of early childhood; and she has worked both in the classroom and for non profit organizations. Shannon has a passion for young children and enjoys watching them learn and grow while exploring the world our God created.  Shannon and her husband, Walker, have two children, Samantha and Chas.

shannon@fumcasheboro.org 

Hollie Luther is a native of Asheboro, NC and graduated from UNC-Charlotte with a degree in Elementary Education. Hollie works with our youth from 6-12th grade. In her full-time role Hollie is a Student Advocate at Uwharrie Charter Academy in Asheboro. Hollie is currently working on her Master’s Degree in School Counseling and coaches varsity cheerleading.

hollie@fumcasheboro.org

Kathleen Gee is passionate about working with children, both here at first as music teacher ad McCrary Elementary school. She also joins the praise team on Sunday mornings, helping to lead worship each week.

kathleen@fumcasheboro.org

Laura King is a lifelong member of FUMC Asheboro. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Elementary Education. Her full-time role is working as a 4th grade dual language teacher at Lindley Park Elementary School. She loves serving God by working with the children at First

laura@fumcasheboro.org

Shannan Goss Morton is a native of Randleman, N.C. and grew up in the church as her father is a longtime AME Zion pastor. Shannan obtained her undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in Communications and Sociology; and she also received her Master’s degree in Adult Education from NC A&T State University. Shannan has over 15 years in the Human Services field and worked for 9 years with Randolph County DSS in the areas of Child Welfare and Adult Services. Shannan enjoys working with the Children’s Ministry as well as supervising the Childcare Department at FUMC. Shannan has a passion for helping others and working with both children and adults. Shannan and her husband, Jeffrey, have three children, Bailey, Jeffrey “JJ” and Ethan. 

shannan@fumcasheboro.org

Director of Music Sarah Downey is the Chorus Teacher at Asheboro High School for the majority of her professional life. She is a two time graduate of UNCG with Bachelor and Masters degrees in Music Education. She joined the staff at FUMC in early 2014 and loves helping to bring music to the congregation. When she’s not teaching or conducting, she likes to run, and spend time with her family.

sarah@fumcasheboro.org

gwen@fumcasheboro.org

Julia Del Grande grew up in Asheboro and found her way back here once
her family started to grow.  She has attended FUMC for many, many
years and has enjoyed witnessing all of the positive changes and
spiritual growth.  Julia enjoys preparing space and food for
fellowship at FUMC for all to enjoy and grow in their faith journey.
She is a graduate from Pfeiffer University where she obtained a
business degree.  Julia is married to Gifford and they have three
children:  Holly, Hayden & Andrew.

Julia@fumcasheboro.org

Donna Johnson  is originally from Gastonia, NC and has lived in Asheboro for 27 years.  Donna is a graduate of Saint Mary’s College and NCSU with a degree in Political Science.  Hobbies include golf, walking, reading and just being outdoors.  She and her husband Duffy have two grown daughters and are active members of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

donna@fumcasheboro.org