Staff

 

 

 

The Reverend Emily Freeman Penfield primarily works with Discipleship ministries and small groups.  She also has responsibilities in worship, community ministries, and working with the office staff.

 

Emily grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, strongly influenced by her loving family and the congregation of First United Methodist Church.  [Read more]

 

Reggie Holder is our Director of Ministries.  He has been in lay ministry here at Highlands since 1989.  [Read more]

 

 

Kathy Burdette is the director of Highlands' Handbell Choir.

 

Henry Gibson is the Youth Director.  He has been working with the youth since June of 2008.

 

Lauri Soong is the director of Children's Ministries.  Lauri's primary responsibilities will be to coordinate the children's Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and education program, and to organize the numerous children's events that occur at Highlands throughout the year.  Lauri and her husband, Weily, have been active members of Highlands since 1997 and have one daughter, Katie.  Lauri has been working on a part-time bases with our Child Development Center  teaching enrichment classes in math and Spanish.

 

Anita Gray, Secretary, can be found in the church office Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Anita answers the telephones and processes all membership changes. Part of Anita's duties are to get the orders of worship ready for services on Sundays and the now monthly newsletter together and mailed out, in addition to sending out an e-mail version to those who request it, and posting the newsletter to the web site each month.  Anita also helps the Children's Dept. and the Child Development Center with their monthly children's newsletters .  She lives with her husband, Jerry, along with 4 cats and a dog.  Anita & Jerry have one daughter, Andi, who is married to Bradley, and one granddaughter, Victoria. The Grays are members of Pinson UMC.  Anita & Jerry are also active in the Emmaus community.    

 

Jerry Johnson, Financial Secretary, is in the office Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  She is a member of Canterbury UMC.  Jerry is always in a great mood and has a kind word for all.