Senior Pastor
Dan Money
Pastor Dan has been in ministry for some 27 years and has served many churches in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. He grew up in Davidson County, North Carolina, and graduated from North Davidson High School. He then attended High Point University and graduated in 1992 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology and Chemistry. After working a few years as a chemist, he discerned a call into ordained ministry and enrolled in seminary at Duke Divinity school. He graduated from Duke University in 2003 with a Master’s of Divinity degree. He was ordained as a Probationary member of the Western NC Conference in 2004 and an Elder in full connection in 2007. He is married to Kimberly W. Money which is currently an Associate Professor and the Program Director for the Masters of School Administration Program at Appalachian State University. They have one daughter, Kaylee that is a rising senior at Appalachian State University. She is a flutist and music education major.
Director of Children’s Ministry, Youth and Media
Tara Blake
Tara has taught theatre for over 20 years and currently teaches at West Caldwell High School where she also serves as Yearbook Advisor. As a member of the ministry staff of FUMC, Tara enjoys assisting Pastor Dan in worship services, teaching Sunday school, directing the after school CAST (Creating and Singing Together) program, as well as a varity of other odds and ends. Tara has two boys: Smith and Charlie, two dachshunds: Chili and Joey, and, according to her children, too many house plants.
Director of Music Ministries
Jonathan Beal
Jon is the son of the Honorable and Mrs. Beverly T. Beal. He and his wife live in Lenoir with their daughter Brianna and son Grainger. Jon was raised in Lenoir and attended the Caldwell County Schools; Lower Creek Elementary, William Lenoir Middle, and Hibriten High School. After graduating from Wake Forest University with a B. A. in Music Education in 1993, he became a teacher in the North Carolina Public Schools. Currently, Jon is the band director at Heritage Christian School in Hudson, NC. He is also a retired Band Director, general music teacher, guitar instructor, and bus driver from Caldwell County, North Carolina. In 2011, Jon received the Maxine Swalin Award for Outstanding Music Educator of North Carolina. He is also an instructor at the Harper School for the Performing Arts. Jon has served as the Music Director at Mt Hermon United Methodist Church, Hudson United Methodist Church, and now, the First Methodist Church in Lenoir.
REBECCA (Becky) POTEAT – ORGANIST
Director of Robbins Preschool
Erika Murphy
Erika has much experience with our preschool program, as both of her sons were Robbins students. During those years, Erika was extremely involved, both as a parent and a volunteer. Erika’s employment with Robbins began in August 2021, meaning that she has been an integral part of our program for many years. Erika is a graduate of Charleston Southern University where she received her B.S. degree in leadership and psychology. She also serves as a volunteer in the local school system and is an advocate for children in foster care.
Facilities Manager
Daniel (Danny) Clark
Danny is in charge of all the facilities at FUMC. He sets up our various groups and classes that use the church. He is also in charge of the church grounds as well as maintaining our equipment. Danny’s work makes a big difference in the way things run – and you’ll notice it!
Church Hostess
Kay Lanier
no email
Kay joined the FUMC staff in 1995. She has two children and four grandchildren. Kay’s responsibilities include hosting various meals throughout the year, such as Room at the Table, meetings, receptions, etc. Kay and her staff do an incredible job. The food and their wonderful attitudes make our kitchen staff one of the best anywhere.
Office Manager
Legina Walker
Joining the staff of FUMC in the spring of 2024. Legina and her husband live in Granite Falls. She has worked in various clerical and purchasing office positions.