Lorraine and I were married on July 17, 1992 and have three children, two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Lorraine was born in Newton, Massachusetts, and I am from Concord, NC. We met in Hendersonville, NC in 1991 while I was pastoring and Lorraine was working in a shelter for victims of domestic violence. While Lorraine and I lived in Boone, NC we became the emergency foster care parents for Watauga County and hosted some 40 children in our home over a two year period. Lorraine has also served over the years as a volunteer with Hospice.

During my twenty eight years of ordained ministry, I have served as pastor to churches in Ashe County, NC, Edneyville, NC, Appalachian State University, Friendship UMC in Iredell County, Park Street UMC in Belmont, NC. I have a B.A. degree from Western Carolina University and an Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to seminary,

I served in the Peace Corps in West Africa and worked with inner city youth at the Bethlehem Center in Charlotte, NC. Over the years I have also traveled to Alaska, El Salvador, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Mexico, and Haiti.

Lorraine and I have enjoyed being in ministry together over the years. It is a joy to become part of people's lives and grow together in grace and faith. We believe very strongly in the vital role of the church in the world and in the lives of believers and non-believers alike. It is wonderful to get up every day with the humble belief that on that day God might use us to make a difference. In that spirit, we are forever grateful to the United Methodist Church for giving us the opportunity to be in ministry at Wampee UMC. And now, Lorraine and I look forward to getting to know all of you.

God bless!

We are blessed to have Lorraine and Gary ministering to us.