Pastors and Staff

Pastor Beth is a native Floridian who has been in ministry for over 20 years. She’s a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Elementary Education and a Masters of Divinity from Duke University.  A few of her favorite things are: her family, friends, going to the movies, live theatre performances, FSU football, and, of course, Jesus! 

Pastor Harold is delighted to be re-joining as staff at First UMC although in a different role and under very different circumstances. Previously, he was appointed as interim Senior Pastor in January 2007, for six months which extended out five+ years to June 2012. The congregation had been in numerical decline for 25 years and the sanctuary was closed for major renovation until it re-opened as the beautiful worship space it is today. Today we face a different reopening and the challenge of creating a new “normal” post-COVID. Harold is excited to be part of that unpredictable process and Kathy is thrilled to be back in her home church. 

Michael holds a Masters degree in Music-Conducting from Texas Christian University and has pursued a Masters in Sacred Music from Southern Methodist University. 

Lorin is a graduate of University of Florida with a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and a mother of three. Lorin has over 15 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education field. She is also a United Methodist Association of Preschools (UMAP) Board Member at Large.

Janet has been an active First UMC member for several years. She has many years administrative experience in the non-profit sector, including Director of Adult Ministries at Genesis UMC in Cary, NC. A Boston-area native, her interests are history, reading, and family time with husband Carl, two dogs, and 3 rescue cats.

Linda was born in Chicago but grew up in Orlando. She received her accounting degree from St Leo's University and is married with two grown children. Linda is an avid reader of murder mysteries, and when not reading, loves to spend time with her husband and family, including her dog, Gideon and cat, Spencer. 

Larry and his wife, Cheryl, grew up in Maryland and recently relocated to Florida to escape the cold and dreary winters “up North”. Larry feels that his previous employment and ministry tech work in Maryland was God’s way of preparing him for his ministry here at First UMC. 

Tony is the longest-serving staff member here at First UMC and is the "font of all knowledge" for the campus.