Our Staff
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Pastoral & Program Staff
Dr. Lynn Hill, Senior Pastor
ext. 101; lhill@franklinfumc.org
Dr. A. Lynn Hill came as Senior Pastor to Franklin First United Methodist Church in 2002 after serving as the Cumberland District Superintendent. Lynn has been a member of the Tennessee Conference since 1975. He and his wife Susan have been married for 30 years and they have one daughter, Emily. Lynn’s favorite phrase for the life and ministry of the United Methodist Church is “The Best Is Yet To Be!”
Rev. Vona Wilson, Associate Pastor
ext. 102; vwilson@franklinfumc.org
Franklin First has been Vona’s church home since the early 90’s. She came on staff as the Director of Youth Ministries in 2004 and was appointed as Associate Pastor in 2008. Her early career was as a Paramedic and then directing the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) that serves Williamson County. She received her Masters degree in Organizational Management from Trevecca University and worked as a coach in health care, for profit, and not-for-profit business environments, including some church projects. During that time, Vona felt a strong call to ordained ministry. She completed seminary at Vanderbilt Divinity School in 2005. Today she enjoys blending all these experiences to connect people to the transformational love of Jesus Christ. In her free time Vona loves hiking, reading, running, cycling and finding other excuses to be outdoors. She loves hanging out with her dog, Tiki, who also happens to be included in ministry visits and keeping the church staff “smiling” on days when he comes to work with her.
Rev. John Williams, Minister of Visitation
johnthemethodist@comcast.net
As a retired elder in the Tennessee Conference, John visits our home-bound members and serves in worship. John is a Vanderbilt graduate and fan and sings in the Nashville Symphony Choir. He and his wife Anne enjoy raising and showing smooth fox terriers.
Rev. Mark Coursey, Minister of Evangelism & Discipleship
ext. 103; mcoursey@franklinfumc.org
Mark Coursey joined Franklin First UMC as the Minister of Evangelism in 1994. His primary responsibilities include the Discipleship, Evangelism and Fellowship Ministries. He is a native of the great state of Kentucky and received a B.A. in Sociology from Lambuth College. He also has a MTS from Texas Christian University and is an ordained Deacon. He and his wife Judy have two children – Chris & Shelby – and a dog named Jesse who is ‘spoiled rotten!’ His favorite music groups are Hillsong United & Mercy Me and his favorite sports are UK basketball & St. Louis Cardinal baseball. He loves shooting basketball and taking long walks. Favorite Bible verse is James 1:22 “Be doers of the Word, and not merely hearers of the Word who deceive themselves.”
Sarah Carty, Children’s Ministry Director
ext. 116; scarty@franklinfumc.org
Seeking to lead and encourage others into a passionate, committed, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, Sarah has been an active layperson in Christian Education for over 18 years. A graduate of the Northwestern University School of Communication, Sarah has used her communication skills and enthusiasm to teach numerous adult, youth, and elementary age Sunday School classes, Small Groups, the Disciple Bible Study program, and the Alpha Course. She is a Certified Lay Speaker, and has served as a Stephen Minister. She joined the Staff of Franklin First in 2006 after serving as the Spiritual Director for the Children’s Ministry Team. Sarah is an officer of the Nashville chapter of Christian Educators Fellowship, a member of the National CEF, and has served on the Design Team and staff of several Children’s Ministry National Conferences. Before being in full time ministry, Sarah was active in politics, a Microsurgical Sales Specialist for Baxter International for three years, a Financial Consultant for Merrill Lynch for 7 years, and an Independent Consultant in Performance and Asset Management for 10 years. Sarah is a widow, and has three wonderful children: Shannon, Garrett, and Kate, and 2 very un-spoiled cats. In her very limited free time, Sarah loves to read, travel, and hike.
Cindy Bellini, Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry
ext. 117 ; cbellini@franklinfumc.org
Cindy joined Franklin First in June of 2004, shortly after moving from Marietta, GA, with her husband Mike and their two children Jonathan and Olivia. While living in Georgia, Cindy taught at Marietta Middle School, coached cheerleading, and served on church staff as Wedding Coordinator. Upon joining Franklin First, she quickly jumped into service in Children’s Ministry and has remained active ever since. She transitioned into her current position on staff in November of 2011. When she’s not busy coordinating activities or prepping lessons, Cindy enjoys going on dates with her husband, reading, and watching movies with her family.
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April Jackson, Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry
ext. 105; ajackson@franklinfumc.org
In 2010, April moved from Louisville, KY to Franklin with her husband John and their three children Blake, Kate and David. Before that, she was Director of Children’s Ministry at Middletown United Methodist for 8 years. April’s ministry has focused on making faith learning REAL through encouraging strong relationships, providing hands-on experiences, and making sure that learning is applicable and meaningful to the learner. She believes that children’s events should include “children” of all ages. April enjoys reading, storytelling, creative recycling, travelling and kayaking. She joined the Franklin First staff in 2011.
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Hank Hilliard, Director of Youth Ministry
ext. 104; hhilliard@franklinfumc.org
Hank joined the staff in 2011. Prior to becoming the Director of Youth Ministries, Hank served in Young People’s Ministries of the General Board of Discipleship where he helped local churches develop youth and young adult ministries through creating resources, training adult workers, and connecting people to the tools they need to do effective ministry. In all, Hank has over 16 years of youth ministry experience. He loves helping young people grow in their faith through building healthy relationships, engaging in God’s story, and serving others. Hank is perhaps best well known as being the dad to two sets of twins – Tanner and Kendall (7) and Connor and Will (5). He and his wife Amy moved to Franklin in 2008 from Memphis. Some of Hank’s favorite things are playing golf and soccer, reading, traveling, and spending time with his family. He also loves hanging out with youth. So let’s go to a ballgame, play some Frisbee, or just go grab some ice cream (because he likes ice cream a lot too!)
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Helen Lombardo, Assistant Youth Director
ext. 111; hlombardo@franklinfumc.org
After graduating from the University of Texas, Helen began varied travels along both coasts and most of the midsection of the U.S. When she finally stopped moving, she landed in the quaint little town of Franklin. Helen joined Franklin First UMC in 2006, and a few short months later started volunteering in the youth ministry. In 2008, God opened a door of opportunity into full time youth ministry. Today she is the Assistant Youth Director of Franklin First UMC’s 415 Student Ministries, and is humbled and honored to share Christ and His love with teenagers. Helen’s passions include leading and participating on international mission trips and reading.
Administrative Staff
LaVerne Sweeney, Business Manager
ext. 108; lsweeney@franklinfumc.org
A native of Franklin and Williamson County, LaVerne joined Franklin First UMC in 1994 after having been a member of Epworth UMC since confirmation. She was employed in the banking industry in Franklin for 20 years and later had a bookkeeping business for several small businesses prior to accepting the position of Financial Secretary of Franklin First UMC in 1997. The position soon became more than just an accounting job. During that first year the job title changed to Business Manager. When not attending church meetings, her hobbies are gardening, reading, crocheting, and quilting. She has three adult daughters and seven grandchildren. She and her dog Charlie live on Boyd Mill Avenue in Franklin.
Jody Todd, Communications Director
ext. 115; jtodd@franklinfumc.org
Jody joined the Franklin First UMC staff in September of 2010. She has a long history in helping churches communicate more effectively. She is married to Bill and together they have 3 children…Kaleigh, Hannah & Liam. Their family moved to Franklin in the Fall of 2008 from mid-Missouri where she and her husband both served on church staff. “It’s an exciting time in the life of the church. It’s a true blessing to be a part of such a great team.”
Debbie Miller, Membership Secretary
ext. 123; dmiller@franklinfumc.org
Debbie began volunteering at Franklin First UMC in 1995 as a money counter on Monday mornings. After seven years, she moved over to teaching 2 year olds in Parents’ Day Out. She has been the Membership Secretary since 2006. Some of her many responsibilities include keeping the membership records for Charge Conference reports, posting worship attendance and sending out letters and information to visitors. She and her husband Jim have been members of Franklin First UMC since November 1989. They have 2 college age children, Bryan & Kimberly.
Laura Lindquist, Office Manager
ext. 106; llindquist@franklinfumc.org
Laura joined the staff in June 2009 as Church Secretary. She is married to Colm Keenan and together they have two children, Gabrielle and Christopher. The family moved to Franklin, TN in 1997 from Kilkenny, Ireland. Prior to joining the staff at Franklin First UMC, she worked as a senior administrative analyst at the University of California, and in the health care field as a programmer and business analyst.
Jean Elder, Administrative Secretary
ext. 107; jelder@franklinfumc.org
Jean Elder joined the staff in November of 2010. She is married to Keith Elder and they have one daughter. She moved to Franklin from Birmingham, AL. Prior to joining the staff at FFUMC, she worked as an Administrative Secretary for a Construction Company in Birmingham, AL.
Carmen Greenwald, Receptionist
ext. 100; cgreenwald@franklinfumc.org
Carmen has been an employee at Franklin First UMC for four years as the front desk receptionist. She helps the office staff with various tasks such as mailings, bulletins, flower calendar, and many other things. In her younger years, she worked in the medical field. She has been married for 49 years and has three wonderful children and two grandchildren. She enjoys reading and cooking (sometimes).
Sarah Evins, Sanctuary East Music Director
sevins@franklinfumc.org
Sanctuary East Music Director Sarah Evins has been a member of Franklin First UMC for over 20 years. She was raised in St. Louis and graduated from the University of North Texas. She has worked in music all of her life, from singing jingles to teaching private piano lessons. Presently, she plans the music every week for the blended services in Sanctuary East, which includes arranging charts for the singers and band. She also directs the youth choir which sings once a month. “I am fortunate to be a part of such an amazing church and congregation. The musicians I work with are so gifted that it makes “working” not seem like work at all. I am blessed to be a part of the staff at Franklin First UMC.”
Jim Kimmel, Historic Sanctuary Music Director
kimmelaj@comcast.net
Jim Kimmel began his role in music ministry with FUMC in l999, just one week after Mary Philips, organist, joined FUMC. As director of both FirstSong and Chancel Choir adult choirs, his tenure has been most rewarding and diverse. Highlights include many memorable cantatas, the FUMC bi-centennial celebration, 100 Years of Broadway, special music for Christmas and Lent/Easter, Rally Day concerts, Last Supper dramatic presentations, a multitude of anthems and special men’s music activities. He serves as Associate Professor of Music at Belmont University, and is an active and popular clinician and adjudicator. Anne, Jim’s wife, teams with him behind the scenes. Their two daughters and three grandchildren reside in Milwaukee, WI.
John Knorr, Music/Media Specialist
jknorr@franklinfumc.org
John is an integral part of our music ministry. You will most often find him on keyboards and vocals with the Sanctuary East praise band. John enjoys writing and making music and is a big MIZZOU fan. He and his wife Christy live in Thompsons Station.
Mary Phillips, Organist, Bell Choir Director
phillips.mary95@yahoo.com
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Amber Wakefield, Nursery Coordinator
ext. 120; awakefield@franklinfumc.org
Amber Wakefield is the Nursery/Childcare Coordinator at Franklin First United Methodist Church. She has worked in the Nursery for 12 years and in the PDO program as a teacher for the youngest class, 18-24 months. Amber has three wonderful boys Nicholas is 13, Connor is 10, and Ryan is 5. “I think I have the best job in the church being able to play with and take care of the youngest part of our Church. It is amazing to watch as the babies that I once had turn into wonderful teenagers.”
Brenda Kessell, Director of Pre-School
ext. 109; bkessell@franklinfumc.org
Brenda was born in Asheville, North Carolina. She has a Bachelors Degree, several hours towards her Masters, and her teaching certification. She has been married to Jon for 37 years. They have two daughters, Laura and Bethany. Laura teaches Advanced Placement English at Ravenwood High School and Bethany works for Gene Burton & Associates, a local medical planning company. She also has a geriatric cat named Purrfect, who is approaching her 20th birthday. “My family and I love to travel. My husband and I lived in Southern Italy for two and a half years before discovering Franklin, Tennessee! We have been to all but four of the fifty states and have traveled to many countries. Every journey is a new adventure!” I have been associated with Franklin First United Methodist since 1976 but did not come to work here until 1987. I have worked with the Preschool since that time, ten years as a teacher for Parents Day Out and Pre-K, and twelve years as Director of the program.
Bert Miller, Custodian
Bert is one of the ones who keeps our facilities in tip-top shape and always ready for our many members and visitors. When he’s not working hard at the church you can usually find him working on something in his woodworking and painting workshop at home. He and his wife Evelyn are members of Franklin First United Methodist Church.
Juanita Hill, Custodian
Juanita is part of our weekday custodial team. She helps keep Bert and Roy in line. When she’s not busy making Franklin First UMC beautiful and clean, she is traveling and shopping with her daughter and friends.
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Sid Bradley, Jr., part-time Custodian
Arthur Polk, part-time Custodian
Sid and Arthur are our Sunday morning and Wednesday night custodial team. They are the people that keep us smiling and energized. They each have a way of ensuring that we never lose sight of why we’re here. Need a smile? See Sid or Arthur!