Church Staff

 

Rev. Robert Greene, Pastor

Rev. Robert Greene was appointed as pastor of Vidalia First United Methodist Church by Bishop James King in June 2009.  Robert is married to the former Kate Booth of Athens, GA and they have a 2-year old son, William, and a baby daughter, Lauren.  He has previously served churches in Covington, Macon, and Whigham, GA.

Originally from Macon, GA, Rev. Greene holds degrees from the University of Georgia and Emory University. Prior to entering the ministry, he worked in marketing and accounting for Norfolk Southern Corporation in Roanoke, VA and Atlanta, GA.

Robert’s passion is to see people experience the abundant life Jesus offers (John 10:10) and to help form a Christ-like world. (2 Cor 5:18)   Believing there is no greater joy than to be involved in God’s work in the world, Robert is thankful every day for the opportunity to serve the Lord through His Church.

Global missions have been a part of our pastor’s life for many years and he has led or participated in mission trips to Uganda, Russia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, New Orleans, South Texas, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Coastal Georgia.

In his free time, Robert enjoys traveling, golf, playing guitar, and cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs!

Other:

Trustee,Wesley Glen Ministries 
Member,South Georgia Conference Board of Ordained Ministry
Member,World Methodist Evangelism Order of the FLAME
Certified Peer Coach, Natural Church Development
Registrar,Dublin District Committee on Ordained Ministry
Heart of Georgia Walk to Emmaus

 Email Rev. Greene            

 

Pastor Emeritus,  Director of Older Adult Trips and Outings

Rev. David Blalock retired from active ministry in June, 1999 after serving 40 years throughout South Georgia in churches ranging in membership of over 1800. Throughout his active ministry, he has served in many leadership positions including nine years as chairperson of the District Committee on Ministry and eight years as secretary of The Conference Board of Ministry.  He received his Degree in Business Education from Georgia Southern University and his Master of Divinity from Emory University.  He and his wife, Patsy, have two children.

 

Director of Youth

Ashley Sasser is the Director of Youth Ministries. She has been investing in the future through her work with youth for the past six years. She has been a missionary for Youth with a Mission, worked as a staff member at Centrifuge, a youth camp sponsored by Lifeway Ministries, and taught Bible studies.  Most recently Ashley has been involved in every aspect of youth ministry at First Baptist Church in Franklin Kentucky.

Ashley has a vision for the youth at Vidalia First United Methodist Church. Over the years, God has developed in her a huge heart for helping youth understand and apply Biblical truths as they grow and mature in their Christian faith. She has a heart to serve God and to be obedient to His call on her life.

Please commit to pray for and support Ashley as she invests in our youth, the future.

Email Ashley

 

Children's Ministry Coordinator

Paula Corbin joined our staff in July 2009 after months of prayerful searching by the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.  Paula has a huge heart for Christ, His church, and our children who will one day lead it.  She has taught preschool for many years while also serving as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School instructor, and Girl Scout leader.  Paula and her husband Fletcher have three children.

Email Paula

 

Nursery Coordinator

We welcome Betsy Fabacher to her new role as nursery coordinator. Betsy’s experiences as a manager in the private sector, as a mother of three, and as a committed church volunteer make her uniquely qualified for this position.

 

Music Director

John Morgan is our part-time adult choir director and pianist since 2003. He is also the choral director for Swainsboro Middle/High Schools. He is also pianist for the Vidalia Community Chorus. He is a native of Cobb County, Georgia, is married to Rhonda Coleman, a Vidalia native, and has two Vidalia-born daughters, Hannah and Halli. Hannah is an RN working at Columbus Regional Hospital. Halli is married to Anthony Holder and they have a son named Miles.

John has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Shorter College, Rome, Georgia and a Masters in Post-Secondary Education (Instructional Technology) from Troy University He has previously served Ashburn United Methodist Church as organist/pianist and soloist and spent six years as organist/pianist/choirmaster at Pinson Memorial United Methodist in Sylvester. John also previously served two congregations in Vidalia, First Baptist and the Church of God.

Email John

 

Organist/Director of Youth & Children Music

Debbie Davis has been our Organist since August, 1993.  Debbie attended the University of Texas and Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri.  At the age of thirteen, she began playing organ for a small mission church in her hometown of Houston.  Since that time she has served as organist for several other churches and as music director at a private school.

Email Debbie

 

Church Secretary

Connie Brown serves as our Church Secretary. Connie has two children, Jonathan and Melissa who live with her in the Alston Community. She has completed her education at STC with a diploma in Business and Office Technology.  She attends the Uvalda First Baptist Church.

Email Connie

 

Financial Secretary

Beccy Champion - We welcome Beccy to our church staff.  Beccy has assumed the position recently vacated by Darryl Craft.  If you are in the church office and see Beccy, please make her feel welcome here at Vidalia First UMC.  

Email Beccy

 

Maintenance and Church Housekeeping

The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is pleased to welcome members of our church family to new roles as staff members.   Freddy and Paula Wolfe will serve in housekeeping and maintenance. There are no more highly qualified applicants than they, and they have been faithful members of Vidalia First for decades.

Email Paula and Freddy

 

Minister of Discipleship

Jose Caraballo will be a busy young man, helping Robert and us as we run to keep up with God's plan for our church, His church.  This Sunday we will officially welcome Jose as our Minister of Discipleship.  We have loved and valued Jose, his wife Julie, and his daughter Zoe for many years, and now they will officially return to us in full time ministry.  God's blessings are upon His church, and He is leading us in the race to be run for His glory!

Email Jose


Last update: 08/12/10

Local Church art by Gwen Davis. 

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