Staff

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Rev. Randy Blanton, Senior Pastor

Randy became Senior Pastor of Aldersgate in July 2016. We are blessed that he has joined this congregation in his call to ordained ministry. Randy is an Elder in full connection with the United Methodist and has been in ministry for more than 16 years. Randy is married to Gina, and they have two daughters Madeleine and Lillian. Randy is charged with ministry of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service at Aldersgate. This means he preaches and teaches the Word of God, provides pastoral care and counsel, administers the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and orders the life of the church for service in mission and ministry. 

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Carrie Carpenter, Associate Pastor

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LouAnne Davis, Director of Youth

I am excited to be the Youth Ministries Director here at Aldersgate.  I moved to Shelby with my Puckett family in 1973 and we quickly joined Aldersgate United Methodist Church.  I regularly attended Sunday School, Youth,  Choir, and Handbells.  I am one of the original members of the Hunter Sunday School Class.  Jamey Davis and I were married here, and both of our daughters attended Sunday School, Youth, and Choir here at Aldersgate.
I have been an English teacher for over 30 years and continue to teach at Shelby High School.  I enjoy running, gardening, refinishing furniture, and taking care of my family.  
I began volunteering with the youth program a few years back and have enjoyed every moment.  I look forward to working more with the Youth and giving back to the community of people who have provided a spiritual home for my family.

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Anne Bowen Goss, Director of Music

After serving as a Choral Director in NC public schools for 33 years, I was excited to retire and enjoy the flexibility of the daily routine that retirement brings.  Little did I realize that God had other plans and directed me ‘back’ to Aldersgate.  I grew up in this church as a ‘charter baby’ as my parents are Charter members.  I was baptized and married here. (I married a Baptist and we were members of the Presbyterian church for 37 years.)  It was through the music ministry at Aldersgate that I found my career love and more importantly, my spiritual focus.  Throughout my life, I have continued to reference the many experiences within the Aldersgate family that encouraged that growth.  My prayer is that our music ministry will continue to inspire and enhance the worship experience as we share God’s word through rehearsal, anthem, and most of all through congregational singing.  

 I hold a Bachelor of Music degree from Meredith College and a Master of  Music degree from UNC-G.  My husband, Mike, and I have two children, Elizabeth and Troy.  Elizabeth is a former high school science teacher and now a nurse at Cone Hospital in Greensboro.  Troy serves as a Major in the Marine Corp.  He and wife Jana have blessed us with three wonderful grandchildren, Troy Jr, Tyson, and Tinley.

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Tommy W. Greene, Organist and Pianist

Passion and discipline - The most important reasons I’m involved in church music.! !
It seems as though I’ve been involved in church music my entire life. From the days of singing in the Junior Choir at LaFayette St UMC until today, I can probably say that I have been involved my entire life. My first experience playing the organ was for a Sunday night service at LaFayette St church when I was in the 5th grade - quite a long time ago. I was encouraged to do so by the organist there at the time and she continued to encourage me and teach me over the next 20+ years. Although I didn’t realize at the time, I was truly blessed by her encouragement. ! !
Because I’ve been blessed with a gift, my church role is a mechanism to share this gift and also keep me disciplined to practice for weekly services and keep the gift alive. I truly love my role at Aldersgate and considered this my role in ministry there! !
My ‘day job’ is in the accounting field at a local company here in Shelby. Interests outside of Church and work include cooking, travel, and good wine!

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Linda McGrath, Church Secretary

I am so happy to be at Aldersgate!  It is such a blessing to be able to serve in my home town.

I was born and raised in Shelby, but joined the Navy soon after high school where I served five years on active duty and 12 years as a Reservist.  I am especially proud of serving my country in Desert Storm.  Although most of my life was spent away from Shelby, I returned a few years ago to enjoy retirement and be near my family.

My professional background includes positions as Executive Assistant, Human Resource Management and Commercial and Residential Real Estate.   I have been a licensed real estate broker since 2007.  My advocacy for Animal Welfare is an effort for which I am most passionate.  My children are two Chinese Crested’s (both rescues) and one toy poodle (Ipsy, Rain, & Biscuit).  Besides spending time with my dogs, family & friends; I enjoy cooking, movies, and bargain shopping!

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Amelia Bumgarner, Bookkeeper

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Melissa Medlin, Sexton

Melissa is in charge of making sure everything is cleaned up after we all make a big mess. 

Aldersgate has a fairly large campus and Melissa makes sure the inside of the buildings are clean and ready for all who come to worship. 

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Burney Drake, Building Superintendent

My husband, Burney Drake, has been a member of Aldersgate UMC for 34 years. He retired from education as a teacher, coach and principal. Burney and I have been married for 44 years and I tell everyone that I am the “better half” even though he really is. Our kids are Bryan Drake and Carrie Drake. Bryan is married to Shannon and they have blessed us with two awesome grandkids, Lilt and Morgan. They live in Morganton and own the Mountain Burrito restaurant on Fleming Street. So if you are in Morganton or passing through, stop and try the food; we tell everyone that our grandkids need new shoes. Carrie has just moved back to Shelby and has taken a position at Gardner Webb University as the Director of Academics for Student Athletes; we are glad she is back at home.

Matt McNeary and Burney have been building superintendents at the church for the past 8 years. They are the “Dynamic Duo.” You need to know anything concerning the church than they are the Go-To-Guys. Burney has been involved with Habitat for Humanity and is presently the Executive Director. He loves his church, family, Shelby High, Shelby High Football, working in dirt with his flowers and plants, helping people, teaching Sunday school and bible studies.

From Cindy Drake,

The other “Better Half"

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Matt McNeary, Building Superintendent

I grew up in the college town of Orono, Maine.  I attended the University of Maine and graduated with a Bachelor of Science. My work life has included engineering and management positions.  I have enjoyed different things about all the places I have lived - Western Massachusetts, Central Vermont, Upstate of South Carolina and Shelby (two different times).  After retirement in 2003 from KEMET Electronics, Linda and I moved back to Shelby to be closer to our three children and seven grandchildren.  I have held the Building Superintendent position since 2007 along with Burney Drake.  I enjoy the job due to its variation and interaction with the folks.  Solving technical problems is my favorite part of the job. The job is never boring and generally is very rewarding.  By the way, I am a Mainer, not a Maine-i-ac!!

 

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Terrie Toms, Playschool Director

Need a break from the children to run some errands, or have some much needed personal time, Ms. Terrie and her staff will be glad to make it possible for you. Our playschool is filled with fun and excitment. The kids will spend the day learning through games, crafts, and other activities. There is never a dull moment. Check out more information about the Aldersgate Playschool on their website. 

http://aldersgateplayschool.weebly.com/contact.html