Dr. Ken Freshour
Senior Pastor
E-mail: ken@toccoafirstumc.org
Ken was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and reared in Lenoir City. He is married to Chris and they have been married for 39 years. Ken and Chris have 12 children, all adopted. The Freshour family is a diverse family since the children are from around the world. The countries represented are the U.S., Korea, the Philippines, Columbia, South America and Mexico. Ken is a veteran of eight years in the AirForce and is an ex Federal Agent. Ken has been in the ministry for more than 23 years and has served in Dalton, Calhoun, Adairsville, Blue Ridge, Rome and Marietta. Ken has a BA from the University of Tennessee, and MDiv from Emory University and a DMin from McCormick Theological Seminary.
Ken loves St. Simon's Island, golf, books on CD, reading, cooking unusual food and spoiling his 9 grand children. Ken loves old westerns, especially John Wayne, funny old Cary Grant movies and the History Channel. His favorite movie is the Quiet Man with John Wayne (Chris says he can quote every line and it drives her crazy).
Why does Ken love Toccoa FUMC?
Ken loves being in Toccoa already after less than a week because everyone has reached out to the family as if we were family returning home. It feels great to be welcomed and appreciated. Ken and family look forward to many years getting to know everyone better and serving God with all the folks here.
Rev. Jack Lamb
Pastor Emeritus
E-mail: wjacklamb@hotmail.com
The second Sunday in February, 2009 marks the 65th anniversary of Jack Lamb's appointment to Flint Hill Methodist Church. That second Sunday in February, 1944, was the beginning of his itinerant pastoral ministry, taking him to 13 different appointments throughout the North Georgia Conference over the years until his official retirement from the Conference in 1984 at the age of 67. And of course, one of those 13 appointments was to Toccoa First United Methodist Church, in 1966.
Many of you have heard Jack say "The Lord called me to preach, but He hasn't told me when to stop," so he just keeps living faithfully, grateful to be of service to His Lord whereever and whenever he can be. That devotion to his call meant that when he and Marie officially retired to "the farm" over in Franklin County, he was open to new service, to serve as part-time pastor at Confidence United Methodist Church at the edge of Stephens County, in the community of Avalon. Eight years there, then back to Toccoa First to minister where he is honored with the title "Pastor Emeritus." And now, at the age of 92, he tends the 5th Sunday worship services at Carroll's Chapel, the oldest place of public worship in the area. His most recent ministry had been to Marie, tending her skillfully and tenderly throughout her bout with cancer, loving and cherishing her as he had for more than 67 years.
He gives thanks daily for his life, for his ministry, for his assurance of God's love, mercy and grace.
Rev.
Tom Fish
Associate Pastor
E-mail: tom@toccoafirstumc.org
Tom was born and raised in Greenwood, SC. He is married
to Gerri Sue, an Academic Coach at Level Grove Elementary School
in Habersham County. Tom and Gerri Sue have two children. Emily
is married to Clint Frady. They have our only grandchildren, Spencer
and Reese, and live in Mt. Airy, GA. Gerren is married to Kristen
and they live in Habersham. Tom received a BS in Sociology from
Lander College in Greenwood and a Master of Religious Education
from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has also completed
the Emory Course of Study at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta.
Tom has recently served as a hospice chaplain with Vista Care
Hospice, and has also served as pastor of Holly Springs UMC in
Jackson County. He was a youth, music and education minister for
27 years.
Tom loves music. He played professionally in rock bands for 14 years and still loves to "kick out the jams" occasionally. He loves to read, go to concerts, sporting events, and even likes to try and play golf sometimes. He loves to spend time with Gerri Sue and his family.
Why does Tom love Toccoa FUMC?
"I have already sensed the loving and caring community that FUMC has become. We already love it here and look forward to ministry together as we become better 'Disciples of Christ'".
Rev. Bill Mallalieu
Youth Pastor
E-mail: bill@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 has
four children: Matt,
Michelle, Paul, and Seth and is married to Tracy. Tracy has two
young children, Jessica and Matthew, which they are enjoying raising
together.. All four of Bill's children are grown.
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 five 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,
hiking, 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.”
Mrs. Gloria Mathews
Caldwell
Secretary
E-mail: gloria@toccoafirstumc.org
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 and two grandsons, Devin and Brody. Tracy and his wife Tammie live in Mt. Airy, with one 13-year-old son Devin. Rusty and his wife Jennie and their 1 year-old son, Brody, 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 and Brody. 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.
Why does Gloria love Toccoa FUMC?
“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.”
Mrs. Jennifer Thompson
Music Director
E-mail: jwdt@bellsouth.net
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.
Why does Jenni love Toccoa FUMC?
“The people! After living in the same town for 15 years, Vidalia, you seem to think that the nicest people in the world only live there. But since meeting the members of this church, I have realized that truly wonderful people exist everywhere. I also love the sincere dedication to “loving others” that exists in this church. At least that’s what I see – plus – I would have to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the AWESOME CHOIR that fills my soul with such sweet sounds. I sometimes feel like I’m in heaven.”
