Rev. Charles E. Ritter
Senior Pastor
E-mail: charles@toccoafirstumc.org
Charles was born and raised in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He is married to Jennifer. Charles and Jennifer have two children, Thompson and Charlie. Charles is the son of the deceased, Ed Ritter, a United Methodist pastor in the Western Carolina Conference, and Connie Ritter, a retired Art teacher in Winston-Salem. He received a BA in Speech Communication from the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He has served Saint Mark UMC (Atlanta), Embry Hills UMC (Tucker), and Dunwoody UMC as youth pastor, and was the Pastor in Charge at First UMC of Hogansville and County Line UMC in Acworth, Georgia.
Charles loves golf, soccer, traveling, cooking, playing with Thompson and Charlie and UNC Athletics (GO HEELS!). He loves Italian food, homemade chocolate cookies, chocolate cake with chocolate icing, coffee, Breyer’s mint chocolate chip ice cream, anything from Ben and Jerry’s, and cornbread in milk. His favorite movies are: The Graduate, the Sound of Music, The Bishop’s Wife, Caddyshack, the Godfather, Some Like it Hot, and High Noon. His favorite TV shows are: UNC 75-Illinois 70 (2005 National Championship Game), M*A*S*H, UNC 77-Michigan 71 (1993 National Championship Game), the Andy Griffith Show, UNC 83-Duke 76 (2006 Senior Day at Duke), Seinfeld, Cheers, Monday Night Football and older Saturday Night Live.
Why does Charles love Toccoa FUMC?
“Before we even moved to Toccoa, we heard people say things like: "You're going to LOVE Toccoa." "It has always seemed to me that people who move to Toccoa never leave because they love the town so much." "It's a great place to raise a family." Since arriving here in June of 2004, we have found these statements to be true…and then some. First United Methodist Church is, without a doubt, the most loving and caring church I've ever been a part of. There is a desire to follow God's leading, and a joy for living for Him. For my family, and me First UMC is more a family than a church.”
Rev. Jack Lamb
Pastor Emeritus
E-mail: wjacklamb@hotmail.com
Rev. Lori Blocker
Associate Pastor
E-mail: lori@toccoafirstumc.org
Lori was born in Texas, raised in Florida and moved to Georgia in 1976. She lives with her rescued greyhound, Button. Lori is the oldest daughter of Curtis and Shirley, who live in St. Pete, FL near Lori's sister, Penny and her family. Lori's other sister, Marty, and her family live in Hickory, NC.
Lori received her BSED from the University of Georgia. She received her Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology in May 2005 and was commissioned at Annual Conference this past June (2007). She served Mt. Gilead UMC in Woodstock part-time prior to coming to Toccoa FUMC.
Lori loves anything to do in and around the water. She enjoys cooking and baking, reading, swimming, Sudoku puzzles, knitting, crocheting, and being around people. She says if she had to pick a favorite food it would be anything "cheesy." Her favorite authors are Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock, and Karen Kingsbury. Her favorite movies are: Sabrina (both versions), American President, Sound of Music, and just about any romantic comedy. She loves Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Extreme Make-over: The Home Edition and most of the C.S.I. shows, particulary C.S.I. Miami.
Why does Lori love Toccoa FUMC?
"It felt like home the first time I drove into Toccoa. I told my dad, "I could retire here." Although many have come to this town, few really want to leave. First UMC has poured out their hearts and souls to welcome me. Family is super important to me and since all of my family is scattered elsewhere, the people of the church are my local family. I look forward to many years together really "getting to know" one another."
Rev. Bill Mallalieu
Youth Pastor
E-mail: billmallalieu@toccoafirstumc.org
Bill was born and raised in Derry, New Hampshire. He was stationed in New Jersey for nearly 10 years where he served in the Air Force. Bill ha four children: Matt, Michelle, Paul, and Seth.
In 1992, Bill moved to Toccoa to attend Toccoa Falls College, where he graduated with a B.S. in Christian Education. After graduation, Bill returned to New Hampshire and served as the teacher and principal of a Christian School. In October of 1999, he returned to Toccoa, and has worked at various churches and ministries in this region. He has been serving at Toccoa FUMC for two years and is beloved by the students and parents.
Bill enjoys long distance running, coaching cross country at Stephens County High School, watching the New England Patriots and other sports, hanging out with students, and reading theology.
Why does Bill love Toccoa FUMC?
“The love of the people. The longer I stay at Toccoa FUMC, the more I see Christ reflected in the people here.”
Shelley Martin
Children's Director
E-mail: shelley@toccoafirstumc.org
Shelley was raised outside of Augusta in Martinez, Georgia. She is married to Ryan and they have a 10 month-old son, Miles. They are expecting their second child in September, 2007. Shelley graduated from LaGrange College with a degree in middle school education and then went to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky where she earned a Master of Divinity. She served as a full-time youth minister at Newnan FUMC prior to seminary and later served Clayton FUMC as an associate pastor and youth minister.
Shelley loves reading, golf, tennis, writing, and spending "family time" with her husband and son. She loves steak, seafood, pizza, peanut butter, and orange Gatorade. Shelley and her husband often stay up late watching Lost, 24 and Criminal Minds.
Gloria was born in Toccoa, graduated from Stephens County High School and came to work at Toccoa First UMC in September 1972. She has two sisters and two brothers.
Gloria married Roger Mathews right out of high school. They have two sons, Tracy and Rusty. Tracy and his wife Tammie live in Mt. Airy, with one 13-year-old son, Devin Mathews. Rusty, her youngest son and his wife, Jennie, and their boxer dog, Buddy, live in Shelby NC.
Gloria’s first husband, Roger, died in 1993. She eventually met and married Tony Caldwell. She and Tony enjoy the outdoors, working in the yard, and spoiling Devin. Twice a week she teaches an aquatic class for fibromyalgia at the local indoor pool. They are both avid fans of UGA, the Atlanta Falcons and Braves.
“Working at Toccoa First UMC has been a great experience, and I truly enjoy my job. I’ve worked for many pastors, associate pastors, music directors, organists and other personnel. I’ve seen children grow up into young adults with children of their own. I’ve loved and lost great friends over the years, but I’ve always felt that this is where God wants me to be. The challenges of the job grow each year, but with each challenge God gives me extra strength to deal with each one.”
Jenni was born and raised in Vidalia, Georgia. She is married to Rick and they have two daughters, Loree Anne and Darby Sullivan. Jenni graduated from Vidalia High School (with honors), earned a BFA in Piano Performance and Music History, and received a MM in Music Education with an emphasis in Choral/Piano from West Georgia College.
Although raising two children and teaching takes up almost “all her time”, Jenni loves Harry Potter books and movies and John Grisham books and movies. She loves to eat Pizza and laments over the fact that her two favorite TV shows “West Wing” and “Alias” have been cancelled. She loves to play tennis and watch any sport that involves her children.
