Pastors Program Staff Administrative Staff Facilities
Office Phone: 865-689-5175 General Email: fcumc@fountaincityumc.org
Email: jwhedbee@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 120
Significant Other(s) Judy, wife of 40 years; Daughters: Amy Gattis (Jason) and Mary Beth Evans (Gabe), who have given me four delightful (most of the time) grandchildren: Bradley, 12; Mary Haisten, 8; and Nick, 6 (all Gattises); and Spencer Evans, will be 2 in January 2012. I am blessed!
How I relax and have fun: Read, work out, travel, be with family and friends.
Favorite Music: Most anything except opera or heavy metal
Favorite Food/Restaurant: The "Ch" food group: Chocolate, Cheetos and Chicken (mostly fried). Favorite restaurant which I haven't been to in quite a few years: Loveless Restaurant in Nashville
Biblical Character I identify with most: I had a hard time with this one. Trevor Freeman Tweeted the best one: Zacchaeus because he is fun-sized!
What I like most about FCUMC: All of it, except for the other two pastors. It is a strong, vibrant congregation that works in unity to help us all "love God, experience Christ and serve people." Really!
More: I am a Knoxville native (even married a FCUMC lass), having graduated from Fulton High School back in the 20th century. I received my B. A. from Tennessee Wesleyan College in 1966 and M. Div. from Vanderbilt University Divinity School in 1969. I have been at FCUMC since June 2002 and feel very blessed to be a pastor here. My wife, Judy, is Dean of Nursing at South College in Knoxville. We have two very independent Maine Coon cats (Nacho and Oreo) and a very talkative Indian Ring-Neck bird (Cicero). He is actually Judy's bird. I am the best ping-pong player on the church staff. No kidding!
Melissa Smith, Associate Pastor
Email: msmith@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 116
Significant Others: Smokey — my cat who LOVES me but hates everyone else!
How I relax and have fun: I am a huge U.T. sports fan — the best armchair quarterback there is and an annoyingly passionate Lady Vols basketball fan. I also enjoy reading mystery novels and watching suspense films. On my bucket list — riding the dragon, seeing the Grand Canyon, and being present when the Lady Vols when a national championship.
Favorite Music: Depending on my mood, I love Christian alternative rock (Fly Leaf, Disciple, Fireflight, Skillet) but also acoustic music as well (Tracey Chapman, Jack Johnson, and Needtobreath).
Favorite Food/Restaurant: Anything that is not served raw. I am on the search for the world's best chicken fingers.
Biblical Character I identify with most: David — He made some bad decisions throughout his lifetime but he was always a person who strived to be passionately in love with God.
What I like most about FCUMC: Most definitely the people — you love God, serve others in so many unique ways, and have been an incredible blessing in my life. I love the fact that FCUMC offers diverse worship styles, a multitude of ministry groups, and mission opportunities both here and beyond. We really seek to offer ministry to a wide variety of people.
More: God has brought me on an incredible journey of discovering my passion and gifts for doing ministry. I came to FCUMC as the youth director in 2001 and moved into the role of Associate Pastor in 2006. I began as a lay person in the Methodist church then eventually moved into the role of clergy. I was ordained as an elder in full connection in June 2010. I am passionate about creating contemporary worship experiences that allow people to connect to God and moves them to apply their faith everyday. I also love watching people be the hands and feet of God through serving in missions.
Email: dogle@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 110
Significant Others: My lovely wife, Erin. We have been married since 2010. Someone told us recently we were perfect together. I couldn't say it better.
How I relax and have fun: I love to read and drink coffee. Also have some guilty pleasure reality TV shows. If you want to know what they are, call me up and we'll get coffee and talk about it.
Favorite Music: Not ashamed, love me some Taylor Swift. Also Mumford & Sons, the Civil Wars, Lady Antebellum, among many others.
Favorite Food/Restaurant: Can't beat Litton's Market.
Biblical Character I identify with most: Paul. A great story of death to life. Paul reminds me that no matter how much I mess up, God can still do great things through me.
What I like most about FCUMC: I love the church's openness to new people and the passion for growing deeper in our relationship with God that seems to be springing up all over this place.
More: I graduated from Wake Forest University in 2001 and the Candler School of Theology in 2008. I was appointed to FCUMC in 2010 and spend a lot of my time in the areas of adult discipleship and spiritual formation. I love being a part of this worshiping community and getting the chance to work with people as they discover new ways to join authentic Christian faith with life in the 21st Century.
Program Staff
Music Ministries
Leslie Graves, Director of Music Ministries
Email: lgraves@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 108
Significant Others: Jeff Graves, Todd, Claire, and Jesse Lynn
How I relax and have fun: I love to read, cook, and spend time with my family.
Favorite Music: Of course, I love choral music, but I also very much enjoy the jazz standards of a generation or two ago. Sammy Davis, Jr., Rosemary Clooney, and Frank Sinatra are tops on my list of favorites.
Favorite Food/Restaurant: Puleo's Grille and Chop House.
Biblical Character I identify with most: Martha. Sometimes, I just can't stop being busy and focus on the important things.
What I like most about FCUMC: I love the people that I get to work with every day and the positive atmosphere of the church at large. I believe that what we have here is truly a gift.
More: I have a B.S. and M.S. in Music Education from UTK and an Ed. S. in Educational Administration and Supervision from LMU. After 14 years as the choral director at Gibbs High School, I finally graduated from the education world and am so happy to be at FCUMC.
Mark Seals, Contemporary Music Leader
Email: mseals777@gmail.com
Significant Others: DeLisa Seals
How I relax and have fun: I like to play and listen to Music, travel to new places, watch HGTV, and spend time with my wife.
Favorite Music: I like all kinds of music, but my one of my favorite artists is Jadon Lavik.
Favorite Food/Restaurant: I love the manicotti at Louis, the haystack pasta at Aubrey's, and my favorite is the ale steak at Copper Cellar.
What I like most about FCUMC: I like the people. They are warm, generous, and willing to try new things.
More: I started playing the drums 37 years ago. At 9 years old, my Christmas was a brand new silver Pearl drum set. I immediately started playing in church with my brothers. Throughout my life I didn't always play in church but through the grace of God I met the most amazing woman. She is now my wife and encouraged me to get back involved with a church music program. Three years ago I joined the FCUMC staff as their Contemporary Music Worship Leader. God is awesome!
Children's Ministries
Sherri Smith, Director of Children's Ministries
Email: ssmith@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 117
Becca Pendergrass, Directory of Early Childhood Ministries
Email: rpendergrass@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 115
Significant Others: Bill Children Elly, Hayden, Brinley
How I relax and have fun: spend time with family, go to the lake, boat rides, read, run, eat (especially dessert)
Favorite Music: Enjoy almost all kinds of music, depends on the day
Favorite Food/Restaurant: Mexican food and any dessert
What I like most about FCUMC: The life long friends I have made, how much my children have learned, being challenged to grow as a disciple.
More: Bachelors in Nursing from The University of Tennessee. Work part time as a Registered Nurse. Enjoy working with children, growing spiritually with them and seeing things through their eyes as they learn of God's love for them. Children ROCK!!
Susan Todd, Director of Preschool
Email: stodd@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 105, 689-5518 (Preschool)
Significant Others: Husband Dick, son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Valerie Todd, daughter and son-in-law Becky and Michael Swanger, grandchildren Samuel and Adah Swanger
How I relax and have fun: reading, quilting, walking with friends
Favorite Music: a wide variety, depending on my mood at the time
Favorite Food/Restaurant: Mexican, Italian, Chinese, a great hamburger
Biblical Character I identify with most: Ruth
What I like most about FCUMC: My opportunity as Preschool director to work with Preschool families and staff and to be a part of a church staff that encourages me and keeps me grounded. This church has nurtured me and my family for over 30 years and provided many opportunities to serve others and grow in our faith.
More: Before my children were born, I taught English at Halls High School and earned my MS in English Education from the University of Tennessee. I enjoy shepherding the Kindergarten class on Sunday mornings, co-facilitating a Disciple I class with Chris Black, and the opportunities I have to work with the senior high youth – especially on weekend retreats and summer mission trips.
Youth Mininstries
Andrew Cooper, Director of Youth Ministries
Email: acooper@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 107
Significant Others: My wife, Amy, who is from Maryville, TN and is an administrative assistant at Denso Manufacturing.
How I relax and have fun: Spending time with my wife , hiking in the Smokies, reading, traveling, and following the winningest college basketball team of all time – The University of Kentucky!
Favorite Music: I like all types of music but mostly listen to Rock 'N Roll.
Favorite Food/Restaurant: My favorite local restaurants are Tomato Head, Pancho’s and Lemon Grass. Other favorite restaurants are XOCO in Chicago and Hominy Grill in Charleston, SC (the most amazing shrimp and grits).
What I like most about FCUMC: What I like most about FCUMC is its desire to serve God and others.
More: I grew up in Lexington, KY, and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.A. in History with a minor in Psychology. I have served churches in Georgia, South Carolina, and Kentucky prior to coming to FCUMC. I have been serving at FCUMC since June of 2006.
Email: cblack@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 119
Significant Others: Julie Paxton
How I relax and have fun: I relax best with a good book and a cup of coffee. I also love relaxing with good conversation over good food. The best way that I have fun is being physical. I love ultimate frisbee, mountain biking, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and anything Kettlebell related.
Favorite Music: Classical
Favorite Food/Restaurant: Pizza at Barley's in the Old City
Biblical Character I identify with most: John the Baptist
What I like most about FCUMC: It's home to me.
More: I graduated in 2004 from Central High School here in Fountain City. I then went on to attend Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens TN. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Religion in 2008. After some time off to earn a little money, and experience the world, I am planning on attending seminary for fall 2012. This, along with my candidacy work in the conference, will prepare me to become a minister within the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Congregational Care
Email: lhatcher@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 111
Older Adult Ministries
Phone: 688-4165
Administrative Staff
John Patterson, Church Administrator
Email: jpatterson@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 109
Significant Others: I have been married to an amazing woman, Angela, for over 26 years. We have three adult children and are currently expecting our first grand child in October of this year. Angela and I both are looking forward to spoiling our special grand baby.
How I relax and have fun: I have been a singer in my home church praise team for several years. When I turned 50, I started learning the electric bass fulfilling a life long dream. Along with singing and playing in our praise band, I am in a band with five other "40-something and up" guys who share the same christian beliefs and enjoy playing classic rock and blues. We are what some people affectionately call an "old guy" band. I also enjoy working with my hands in our yard and on our cars.
Favorite Music: I love all genres of music, but I tend to listen to secular and christian forms of alternative, jazz, blues, and rock.
Favorite Food/Restaurant: I love to eat most foods. Sadly enough, I am not supposed to eat most of what I love. My cardiologist would not be happy to hear me saying this.
Biblical Character I identify with most: I think I identify most with Joseph. Some of the things I have learned include: God’s plans and purpose are greater and better than ours; Patience and perseverance in the time of troubles; Honesty, strong work ethics; Fear of God and Faithfulness to God.
What I like most about FCUMC: I really like the people and the work environment here at FCUMC. Working in a church has been the best.
More: – Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University – Master's of Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology – 10 years service in the US Air Force as a Civil Engineering Officer – 11 years experience in manufacturing – 4 years experience in Banking industry as a loan officer.
Dee Dee Seals, Financial Secretary
Email: dseals@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 104
Significant Others: Mark – My best friend and husband. Adam, my oldest son, has gifted me with a sweet daughter-in-law Heather, and precious granddaughter, Kadance. My other blessing, Luke, is a hard working confirmed bachelor. Bella is my adorable Maltese that provides lots of puppy fun for the family.
How I relax and have fun: I love to read, scrapbook, shop and just hang out with my family. In the past three years I have discovered that I enjoy gardening. I am the baby of 5, I have 3 sisters and 1 brother. We are close and love to do everything together. We have a very strong family bond that was instilled in us from our parents, and I hope I have passed that on to my sons.
Favorite Music: I listen mostly to country music, christian contemporary is a close second. I love the oldies, like the 50's and 60's style. Music is a very important part of my life and home as I am married to a contemporary worship leader, and get to hear live music all the time.
Favorite Food/Restaurant: Italian food is my most favorite, but you can't beat some sweet chocolate just to make you go ahhhh! Coffee is a must in my morning, so of course it's in the top 3. Restaurants range from Carrabba's to Louis to Puleo's Grill. See a theme here?
Biblical Character I identify with most: I am a total Martha! I love to plan and host parties of any kind. Being from a large family I get to do that frequently and it tends to spill over to other aspects of life. Sometimes the message Jesus spoke to Martha rings clear in my head to sit and listen, rather than to do and prepare.
What I like most about FCUMC: The best aspect of working at FCUMC is the common love for the Lord, which is the driving force for the church family, and the staff. We all share a main goal and through all the different ministries and programs, it a blessing to be able to work in a place that is God centered and share that with others.
More: I have lived here in Fountain City all my life and graduated from Central High School. I was blessed to be a stay at home mom and raise two wonderful sons. I have been here at Fountain City United Methodist since March of 2004 as receptionist, and then began my position as financial assistant in August of 2007. God has richly blessed my life by placing me here and I look forward to many more years with this great church.
Helen Jordan, Administrative Assistant
Email: hjordan@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 102
Significant Others: I am married to Bob Jordan. Together we have 4 children: Rob (Tammy) and granddaughter, Sarah; Jeremy (Estera) and granddaughter, Sophia; Joshua (Megan); and Jenny. We are animal lovers and have a dog, Cole and 2 cats, Winston and Arwen.
How I relax and have fun: I love to spend time with my family, as well as knit, read, walk, and garden.
Favorite Music: Celtic, big bands of Glenn Miller & Harry James, 50's and classics.
Favorite Food/Restaurant: Steak and seafood.
Biblical Character I identify with most: David - He loved the Lord – loved to worship and praise Him. In spite of his love of God and his desire to do right and please Him, he was a flawed individual. In spite of his flaws – God loved him still.
What I like most about FCUMC: I love the people. They are a loving, caring, giving, mission minded group of people with the desire to share Christ with people here in Knoxville as well as the far corners of the earth. I see FCUMC as a church with a servant heart.
More: I have been serving in churches for many years and received more blessings than one can count because of that work. I am forever thankful for God's call upon my life.
Email: mengle@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 101
Significant Others: Stephen-son, Crystal-daughter.
How I relax and have fun: Go on picnics and do the Virginia Creeper Bike Trail.
Favorite Music: Anything by the Crabb family.
Favorite Food/Restaurant: Pizza/Olive Garden
Biblical Character I identify with most: Daniel-always being fed to the lions.
What I like most about FCUMC: All the people I work with are great, and love the Lord.
More: Originally from Colorado-moved here in 1983-love the Vols-Go Big Orange!
Kelley Flatford, Newsletter Editor, Web Communications
Email: kflatford@fountaincityumc.org
Significant Others: Husband Brad, and two wonderful daughters Brooke and Cameron. We also have a dog named Beatrice that thinks she is the youngest sister and deserves all the attention.
How I relax and have fun: I love to read, spend time in my flower beds or garden, exercise, play sports with the kids, and just about anything outside.
Favorite Music: Just about any music, depends on the mood.
Favorite Food/Restaurant: I love trying new foods, but Mexican and a good hamburger are my favorite. So our favorite restaurants are Salsarita's and Sam & Andy's.
What I like most about FCUMC: The people at FCUMC are amazing and passionate. I am always inspired when I witness what those around me are doing. Especially when its our youth and children that have taken action!
More: I was born and raised here in Knoxville, graduated from Central High and then on to East Tennessee State University. After a career in software development I decided to stay home with my kids more and starting volunteering then working in the church office. It has been a blessing to be a part of the staff here at FCUMC.
Facilities
Ralph E. Paden, Facilities Manager
Email: rpaden@fountaincityumc.org
Phone: ext. 113, ext. 202 (Facilities)
Significant Others: My wife, Tracey. Clint, my son, lives with his wife, Katie, in Atlanta, Georgia; Kathryn and Patricia who live in Knoxville. Family is everything to me.
How I relax and have fun: Sitting on Isle of Palms beach, listening to the waves, letting the wind blow. It's heaven for me. Plus I get to eat! Love New York City, love mission trips abroad.
Favorite Music: I know I should say "Hymns" and Classical music, but it's Elton John [It's true] and 70's music.
Favorite Food/Restaurant: I like all foods. I didn't get to be this size by not eating. Cheddars is definitely one of my favorites.
Biblical Character I identify with most: Noah, maybe. Remember the flood?
What I like most about FCUMC: The staff at Fountain City United Methodist Church is very caring and loving. The exceptional staff that I have the pleasure to work with always goes above and beyond the call of duty. Above all, there is the FCUMC commitment to missions; diversity and openness to people in all stages of their life. FCUMC has so many folks trying in real ways to serve a real God who challenges us to love like He loves.
More: Born in Knoxville, raised on a farm in Corryton; Undergraduate degree in Personnel Management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Met my wife, Tracey, in the Pride of the Southland Band, of which I was a member for four outstanding years!
