Blackshear
FIRST UNITED
Methodist Church
STAFF
Our staff is committed to the cause of Christ and shares a common goal: to reach others in a positive way through ministry and witness. You will find them to be friendly, caring, compassionate people who love the Lord, always striving to make a difference in the lives of those in our church, our community, and our world. If you have not met the FUMC staff, take a moment to learn a little about them.
Meet Our Staff
SENIOR PASTOR - Mary Ann Braswell
It is my great pleasure and joy to serve as pastor of Blackshear First UMC. As a newcomer myself, I've experienced firsthand the love of Jesus Christ through the people of this church and community. I am a graduate of the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and Erskine Theological Seminary. I am a lifelong Methodist, and my husband, Bobby, became a United Methodist the first Sunday I served under appointment. He is retired and enjoys participating in the various activities offered by the church. We have a blended family with five children, all grown with children of their own. In addition, we have Loofah, an older Malshi who still delights us daily. We love Blackshear 1st, and think you will too! "Come and see...." John 1:39.
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES - HEATHER RIOS
I have worked with the youth of Pierce County teaching Spanish at the High School since 2005. I was also the Sound of Silver Marching Band Colorguard Director for ten years, resigning in 2017 in order to devote more time to ministry. Most recently, I served as the Director of Youth Ministries at a sister church in Ware County. My husband Adrian and I currently relocated to Blackshear. I have a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA and an Associate of Science in Teaching from Waycross College. Teaching is my passion and I am excited and blessed to have the opportunity to teach the students of Pierce County both in the classroom and at FUMC! I love spending time with family & friends and spoiling my little 5 pound, 9 year old Yorkie, Marlee.
ORGANIST/PIANIST - TIM REMMEL
I have been honored to be the organist and pianist here at First United Methodist since September of 2017. I grew up in Waycross, Georgia and music has been a part of my life since as early as I can remember. It has allowed me opportunities I would have never imagined, including singing with a choral group in Carnegie Hall NYC in April of 2000. I am working towards my degree in Music in Voice with the aspiration to become a music teacher. I thank God for giving me the ability to glorify Him through music. I enjoy traveling, doing house remodel work on my home in Waycross, and spending time with my dog Ariah.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF- KRISTEN SLOAN
Nursery Staff Ms. Emily, Ms. Libba, Ms. Mandy
We are a group of women that are dedicated to keeping your children safe and nurturing them. Ms. Libba and Ms. Mandy work with the Infant nursery Birth to age 3. Ms. Emily is with the 3 year olds till first grade on Wednesday evenings. She also helps with the infants on a as needed basis.