Church Staff

Rev. Tommy Sweeley, Senior Pastor
 
Rev. Sweeley and his wife, Susan, came to Southern Pines in June, 2008.

 Rev. Cleve May, Associate Pastor
Cleve and his wife Amy came to Southern Pines from Durham where they both served on the staff at Aldersgate UMC. Prior to that they served together at Central UMC in Mount Airy.

Cleve and Amy have been married for six years and have two daughters, Mckenna Grace and Ellison Faith.

The May family is excited to be here. Cleve attended Duke University for his bachelor's degree. After graduating he went on staff with Young Life. In 2003 he returned to his alma mater to enter the Divinity School at Duke. While at Duke Cleve heard God's call to ordained ministry and felt led to the United Methodist Church. He is humbled and excited about what God has in store!

"God is good beyond our wildest imagining. I'm looking forward to our digging deeper into that goodness together and discovering more and more who we are in Christ, that we might grow into that true identity as beloved children of God."

Erin Shore, Minister to Children and Youth
Erin Shore began her life as a "Yankee" from New Jersey. She was transplanted as a part of God's plan to North Carolina during high school.

As a teenager she became an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Brevard. She later attended Mars Hill College and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Religion and a minor in Women's Studies.

Erin has spent much of her life nurturing the spiritual growth of children and youth and continues this work as Minister to Children and Youth at SPUMC. It is her prayer to plant seeds of Christian faith in the hearts of children and youth today so that they may someday reap a close relationship with Jesus Christ who will guide them always.

Torin Wright, Minister of Music
Currently, Torin is serving in his 4th year as Choir Master for adults, children and youth at Southern Pines United Methodist Church.

Torin has spent the last eight years as choral director of the Pinecrest High School Choirs, and in the fall, he will begin graduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Before moving to North Carolina, Torin taught in the California Public School System. Torin earned his Bachelors of Music Education from Northern Arizona University.

In addition to conducting, Torin is a freelance classical soloist and musical theater performer.

Torin and his wife, Susan, are the proud parents of two children: Samara, age 9, and Tylor, age 5.

Paul Long, Organist
Mr. Long is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School.

As a solo artist, he has performed organ recitals all over the East Coast, notably St. Thomas Church in New York, Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival and many dedicatory recitals.

He is past president of the Moore County Music Society, performs regularly with the Moore County Choral Society and the Music Society. He has been a church musician for nearly 40 years, over half of that in Moore County. His recordings are available from the Church or on the Amazon website. Mr. Long also has a Christmas CD which is available from the church.

Link to Paul's listing at Amazon.com

Alan Daubenspeck, Pianist

Nanette Martin, Administrative Secretary
Nanette Martin was born in East Meadow, NY, but was educated here in Moore County.

She has an Associate Degree from Sandhills Community College and enjoys her job as Administrative Secretary at the Southern Pines United Methodist Church.

"Working here is a blessing because I have a chance to utilize my Christian beliefs and practices. Working for SPUMC, a church that is very active in sharing Christ's Peace and Love is a wonderful experience."

We have so many things to count ourselves fortunate for here at Southern Pines United Methodist Church. We can safely travel the path the Lord has set for us thanks to the truly wonderful leadership, guidance, and friendship our staff shares with us everyday. We give praise for Gods' favor.

Ronnie Durant, Custodian
Ronnie Durant was born in South Carolina and comes from a very large family. He has 17 brothers and sisters. He's married with three
children and seven grandchildren.

He attended Butler High School in South Carolina.
He is a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Southern Pines, and has been a Trustee and Head Usher there. Ronnie loves sports, especially basketball, football, tennis, and racquetball. He is a "Special Friend" at Southern Pines Primary School.