Rev. Tommy Sweeley, Senior Pastor
 
Tommy and his wife, Susan, came to Southern Pines in June, 2008 from Rosemary UMC in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., where Tommy served nine years. Tommy was ordained in 1983 at the N.C. Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and was ordained as an Elder/Full Connection in 1986 at Duke Chapel. In addition to Rosemary UMC, Tommy has served the following additional churches: Littleton UMC, Hatteras Charge UMC, Edenton UMC, and First UMC Siler City.

Tommy and Susan have six children: Brandon (Roanoke Rapids, NC), Laura Grace (Charleston, SC), Joshua (Greenville, NC), Meredith (attends ECU), Alice Hope (attends ECU), and Lee (attends Faith Christian Academy in Rocky Mount).

“Susan and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to serve and be in ministry with SPUMC.”

As our Senior Pastor, Tommy seeks to help our congregation define and live into a bold vision for ministry. As we seek to fulfill our mission, “Christ In Us, Christ Through Us,” our belief is that God has empowered us to fling open our doors and to serve not ourselves but our community and God’s world.

Rev. Judson Dunlap, Associate Pastor 

Judson, his wife Laura, and their 20-month-old daughter, Grace Elizabeth, join us as our new
associate parsonage family. Judson has been appointed as our new Associate Pastor, and Laura
has been appointed as Pastor of Doub’s Chapel UMC. They bring a wealth of experience and
leadership as pastors in the UMC. “This is a tremendous blessing from God to be your new
Associate Pastor here at Southern Pines Church and to work with Rev. Tommy Sweeley, the staff and leadership, and each one here at the Church. I thank Rev. Cleve May and his family for their gracious support to us during the transition and join you in appreciating their ministry here
over the past several years.”

Judson grew up in Humboldt, TN, (rural West Tennessee) which he says is “about 15 miles east of Frogjump, TN.” After graduating from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (B.A ’96), he interned at a campus ministry at UT for two years and then enrolled at Duke Divinity School
(M.Div. ’01). After Divinity School Judson took his first appointment at Hampton Memorial UMC in 2001 near Memphis about 1.5 miles from U.S. Navy Air Support Activity in Millington, TN. “Those retired and active Navy men and women and church members lovingly shepherded me as their Pastor in my first appointment! It was a great start to pastoral ministry in the local church.”

In 2004 Judson moved back to NC after marrying Laura Autry who was studying for the ministry at Duke Divinity (M.Div. ’05). Judson served Norlina UMC (2004-2006) and Sandy Cross UMC (2006-2011), while Laura served as Associate Pastor of Englewood UMC in Rocky Mount
(2006-2008) and Pastor of Elm City UMC (2008-2011).

“We look forward to getting to know you and worshiping and serving the Lord together in Christian community through the risen Christ in the sweet presence and power of the Holy Spirit!”

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
Torin came on board the staff of Southern Pines UMC in the fall of 1999 and feels blessed to serve as Choir Master for adults, children and youth programs. With 20 years of professional music related experience, including 12 years as a church musician and 15 years as a public school music teacher, Torin is committed to bringing the best worship
and musical experiences to our church and broader community.

Torin holds a Bachelors of Music Education degree from Northern Arizona University, with certification endorsement to teach kindergarten through 12th grade. Through being actively involved with his professional affiliations he annually serves as a high school adjudicator for state sanctioned choral festivals, has performed four times on the California Music Educator’s State Conventions stage, twice on the American Choral Director’s (ACDA) Western Division stage, twice on the ACDA National stage, and directed his high school choir on the North Carolina Music Educators Association stage.  Under his direction his public school choirs consistently receive superior ratings at state festivals. In addition, he has performed in over 30 musical theater productions at the community and collegiate levels in over 20 leading roles.

Torin and his wife, Susan, have two children: Samara and Tylor.

Alan Daubenspeck, Organist, Pianist & Handbell Choir Director
Alan has thirty plus years experience in worship Christ through music; piano, guitar, bass, organ, vocals, choral directing, arranging and composition. He graduated from Morehead State University, Morehead, Kentucky with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He earned his Master of Music/ Media degree from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida.

In addition to serving our church, Alan teaches music at Sandhills Theatre Arts Renaissance School in Vass, N.C. He also is a member of the Sandhills Community College Jazz Band, Heart of Carolina Jazz Band, Audio Engineering Society and the Vass Lion’s Club. Alan and his wife, Debra, have two children: Brandon and Bridget.

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."

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.