Staff
Rev. Bradley Hyde - Senior Pastor
I am settling in here at Seymour U.M.C. after being appointed by the Bishop of the Holston Conference to serve God and this congregation 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, Tennessee from 2001 to 2007. I also served as pastor at Aldersgate United Methodist Church from 1998 to 2001.
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 soccer, karate, 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 and summer upon us, I can be found on the links on Fridays. I also like to play drums and will be in the recording studio this year playing for a friend who is recording his first C.D. My favorite movie 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 have also uncovered a new love for pleasure reading in the last two years, and I have been devouring some great stuff off my wife’s book shelf. I am starting the book Angels & Demons (I like thrillers and conspiracies) so that I will be ready for the movie when it hits the big screen this summer.
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 "Course of Study" work. I am 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 just recently completed The War That Made America by Fred Anderson and I am currently reading Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, & Switzler.
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 Franklin and I have been at Seymour UMC as Administrative Assistant since October 2007. I am currently reading “The Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation.” I live in Dandridge and am a member of Shady Grove UMC. I became a candidate in process in July and have served as a quarter-time supply pastor at McCampbell’s Chapel UMC in New Market since the end of August 2009.
sumc@korrnet.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 five 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 7th grade and a daughter in 12th grade. They keep me busy with track, 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 lead 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, 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. We have two grown children, a son in Michigan, a daughter in Florida. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, needlework, and bird-watching.
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.
Erin Webb - Director of Children's Ministries & Parents Day Out
I am Erin Webb and have been the Director of the Parent’s Day Out Program at SUMC for five years. Recently, I have had the privilege of moving into the position of Director of Children’s Ministries as well. I look forward to being more involved in all aspects of teaching and showing the love of Jesus Christ to children of all ages. As a member of SUMC, I feel a direct connection and responsibility in ensuring the spiritual development of all children who enter this church.
I am very blessed to have a wonderful husband, Brad, and four awesome children - Caden, Caroline, Conlin and Crawford. My husband and I both grew up in Oak Ridge but have lived in Seymour for the past 13 years. I enjoy playing sports and being with my family and friends.
I always feel as though I am truly a work in progress. For this reason, I rely on my favorite verse from Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” I know that if I continue to trust in God’s will for my life and His word, I will always be headed in the right direction. I am very excited about the coming year and all the fun opportunities that will be in store for the children of SUMC!
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
Bio Coming Soon!
Ashley.Lockridge@jbc.edu
Forrest Stokes - Church Chef
