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Staff
Rev. Bradley Hyde - Senior Pastor
My name is Bradley Hyde, and I was appointed by the Bishop of the Holston Conference to serve God and this congregation here at Seymour U.M.C. in June of 2007. Prior to coming to Seymour, I served as Associate Pastor and Minister to Youth at Asbury United Methodist Church in Greeneville, TN from 2001 to 2007. I also served as pastor at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Bristol, TN from 1998 to 2001. I am a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary where I received my Master of Divinity degree. Prior to that, I graduated from one of Holston Conference's fine United Methodist colleges, Emory & Henry College, with a B.A. in Religion. I am currently enrolled at Columbia Theological Seminary working towards a Doctorate of Ministry degree in the area of "Gospel & Culture." I believe in life-long-learning, and am always seeking to grow in my knowledge of God, the world, and how to lead towards faithful and just change in a culture that is rapidly changing before our eyes.
I am married to Mia Hyde, and together we have 3 sons who keep us filled with joy and energy on a daily basis. Between baseball, karate, swimming, golf, piano, violin and church activities, we are always on the go in several different directions all at the same time. Mia is The Greeneville City School System Reading Specialist and is doing incredible work with children and staff among the schools of that town. I am an avid golfer, and with spring HOPEFULLY coming soon, I can be found on the links on Fridays. I also like to play drum and will, every-now-and-then, play for Sunday morning or Wednesday evening worship services. My favorite movie of all time is Forrest Gump (I am accused of taking on Gump attributes on a regular basis). I am a big movie buff, and if you come to worship here at Seymour, you will find me using movie clips to illustrate points in my sermon. I also love to read. For pleasure, I am currently reading a book entitled God in a Cup (got it in my Christmas stocking) which is an informative and fun story about the author's quest (Michaele Weissman) for the perfect cup of coffee. In addition to golf and drums, I love to drink good coffee. As I have got into this book, however, I have learned how ignorant I truly am to the complexity of the coffee business. Everything from the farmers, to the process of how beans arrive hear in America, to the different types of coffee beans and how they are harvested, my eyes have truly been opened to this drink that many of us reach for first thing in the morning. Some people truly go out of their way and fork out a lot of money for rare and exquisite coffee.......and I thought Starbucks was expensive!
A scripture passage that continues to have incredible significance for me is Romans 12: 1 -2, knowing that I have been called to offer myself to God and His ministry as a LIVING SACRIFICE. So often, it is easy to get caught up in the “it’s all about me” attitude of our culture. Sometimes, this attitude infiltrates the church and we begin to quickly forget our purpose as a church, and we can also overlook the sacrifice that was made for us so that this world might be saved and restored to God. Every day, I seek God’s discernment for my life as one of His children, as a spouse, as a father, as a pastor, and as a mentor to others. I know God is faithful and overflows with incredible love; I seek to be a part of God’s abundant life as I continue to offer myself to His work and will!
pastor@seymourumc.org
Rev. Darren Kitts - Associate Pastor and Director of Youth
My name is Darren Kitts and I have been serving Seymour UMC since December 2004 and I received my Local Pastors License in June of 2008. I am a graduate of Johnson Bible College and I am currently working on my Master of Divinity degree at United Theological Seminary. I am blessed to be married to Amanda and we have three wonderful children – Parker, Dawson, and Lilah Grace. I enjoy playing computer games and coaching soccer and football. I am also a history buff! I enjoy reading historical and religious books for both pleasure and faith development. To see a list of some of my reading selections visit the "Pastor's Reading List" found under this item on the website menu bar.
I received my call into full time ministry while serving part time at my first church, Kern Memorial UMC in Oak Ridge. My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” This verse gives me hope and strength to always trust in the Lord and to remember that He is in control.
I am growing in my relationship with God one day at a time. The Lord is good and each day blesses my life with His love and grace. I pray that I will always share His sweet Spirit with those I meet. I look forward to the blessings the Lord has in store for Seymour UMC and myself.
dkitts@seymourumc.org
Sherri Franklin - Administrative Assistant
My name is Sherri Frankin, and I have been the church's Administrative Assistant since October 2007. My husband, Johnny, and I live in Dandridge. Johnny is in mechanical engineering at Mesa Associates in Knoxville. We have two children, Danielle & Derek. Danielle is married to Matt Settlemoir, and they have one son, "Zander". I have served as the pastor of McCampbell's Chapel UMC in the New Market area of the Morristown District since August 2009.
I have an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration from Walter State Community College. I have been involved in many things from supervisor of the loan department at First Peoples Bank to eight years service as county commissioner serving on budget & zoning committees, from collections department at Sevier Co. Medical Center to office manager for ten years at a dental practice. I served as Morristown District's Lay Leader for eight years and was a member of the Holston Conference Board of Laity. I've served in local and district offices with the United Methodist Women and on the Conference Calling All Men Event task force. I am currently serving on the Holston Conference Committee on Episcopacy, attending course of study at Hiwassee College and will be participating in the Holston Leadership class beginning in August 2011.
I know that there is no possible way that I could have made it this far in life and done all the things that I have done unless Christ has carried me. I offer Him thanks and praise! I make lots of mistakes, but He picks me up, dusts me off, and holds my hand. He never leaves me, and I love Him with all my heart.
office@seymourumc.org
Michelle Hurton - Director of Congregational Care and Outreach
Hello, my name is Michelle Hurton. I have had the pleasure of working here at Seymour UMC for over six years. I have a B.A. in psychology from Messiah College in Grantham, PA, and an M.S. in psychology from Shippensburg University, also in Pennsylvania. My husband and I have two wonderful children: a son in 8th grade and a daughter who is a freshman in college. They keep us busy with golf, Bible Studies and more, but when I have spare time I enjoy reading suspense novels and catching up on Facebook.
One of my favorite books in the Bible is James because it contains such practical instructions for Christian living. As Director of Congregational Care and Outreach, perhaps the most meaningful scripture to me comes from James 2:15-17: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead." (NIV) May we each remember to act as the hands and feet of Christ.
mhurton@seymourumc.org
Gaile Todd - Director of Choirs
I am the Director of Choirs here at SUMC. I direct the Chancel Choir and the Children’s Choir. I began the handbell ministry in November, 2001, and have worked with them ever since. We now have adult, youth and children’s bell/chime choirs.
I received my B.S. degree from Western Connecticut State University, and Masters in Music Education from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. I taught public school music in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and worked in church music in many capacities. I have directed children’s and adult choirs, children’s, youth and adult handbell choirs, a handbell festival, children’s choir festivals, Orff instrumental ensembles, and recorder ensembles. I have also done much solo singing, had leads in musicals and cantatas, and been part of many vocal ensembles.
I firmly believe that “We go no where by accident. Wherever we go, God is sending us.” My husband, Herb, and I feel very blessed to have been sent to live in Seymour. No where else can compare to the beauty of this area, and the hospitality, love and caring of the people. Our son and daughter-in-law live in Michigan. Our daughter, son-in-law and first grandchild live in Florida. In my spare time I enjoy reading, sewing and needlework.
gaile@seymourumc.org
Candy Fansler - Contemporary Worship Leader
My name is Candy Fansler. I have been a member of Seymour United Methodist Church since 2001. I became involved in the music program when we started our first Praise and Worship Team several years ago. I have lead music on several spiritual retreats such as Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis and Kairos Outside. I am currently on the council for East Tennessee Kairos Outside. I have been involved in music all my life. My father owned Tucker’s Record Shop in downtown Knoxville for over 25 years. I sang professionally with a regionally popular band for 11 years and was cast is several local theater productions. It is a privilege and honor to be the Worship Leader for our Contemporary Service. To quote my sister, “What a wonderful opportunity to bring the focus of people you know and love to God’s presence in the midst of worship.” AMEN!
I am married to the most awesome guy, Larry, and we have two fantastic kids. Leslie, my daughter, has blessed us with two grandsons, and our son Chris who is a senior at Seymour High School.
Angie Stafford - Director of Children's Ministries & Parents Day Out
Angie is the newest member of the church staff. Her bio is coming soon.
John Bawcum - Organist
I have been an organist in various churches since age 19, I have been at SUMC since Jan. 2005. I enjoy most styles of music. Music speaks to my heart and I hope that I express that when I play the organ and piano. I have many favorite songs such as Come Just As You Are by Joseph Sabolick and Oh I want to Know You More by Steve Fry.
I live in Seymour with my daughter Sarah who is attending ETSU. I have a step daughter Christy who lives in west Knoxville with her husband John. Christy has three children who call me Papa John.
Currently I'm reading a series of books on restoration by Terri Blackstock. I use the online version of the Upper Room daily devotional as well as other Christian books to help me grow.
bawcumj@yahoo.com
Ashley Lockridge - Youth and Children Choirs Intern
Ashley.Lockridge@jbc.edu
Forrest Stokes - Church Chef
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