Portia Bell amy moved to Charlotte in 2001 and attended several churches before joining MPUMC in 2007. She has been active in several ministries including single adults, fundraising for the shelter for domestic abuse, Journeys Sunday School class, the annual Women’s retreat, several Faith Formation classes, Contemplative Life and is serving as a Stephen Minister.

She is a ch ampion of small groups and the many blessings that come with being a part of something larger. She looks forward to helping new members connect and find their home in this wonderful church. Portia grew up in North Myrtle Beach, SC. She is a retired retail executive and lives in south Charlotte with her two cats. She enjoys gardening, history and travel.

Doug Caldwell joined MPUMC in 1998 after relocating to  Charlotte from Lakeland, FL. Shortly after that, while attending a Sunday school class for single adults, he met a woman who would become his wife, Laura. They were married at MPUMC in 2001, and had their daughters, Meredith (9) and Emily (7) baptized in the church, too.

The church plays an active role in his f amily’s life, given the variety of activities available through service, music and educational ministries. Doug currently works as a communications consultant for a bank.

Brenna Castelloe is a native North Carolinian; however, new to the Charlotte area. Prior to her relocation she was very active in the daily life the church, serving and participating in many areas including a New Member Ministry Te am.

Those fulfilling experiences, paired with an exhaustive search for a new church f amily in Charlotte, has strengthened her passion to help others find their ‘small group fit’ within the vast opportunities offered at MPUMC. Matthew 18:20 states it best:  “For where two or three are gathered in my n ame, I’m there with them.”

Buster Castelloe has lived in North Carolina all of his life and is grateful to have found a church home at MPUMC. He believes that foundational elements to continued spiritual growth is to engage in the ministries and learning experiences of a local church community, which is why he is excited about having the opportunity to serve in the Connect Ministry. A long time Methodist, he enjoys small group studies, and spent several decades in youth ministry, which has kept him young in spirit and heart.

After graduating from high-school in nearby Dallas, NC, Buster attended NC State and lived in Cary NC for many years before moving back to the Charlotte area. He joined MPUMC in 2018, and continues to find new ways to get involved at our wonderful church.

John Clarkson is a retired Ophthalmologist. He and his wife, Diana, joined MPUMC in 2007 when they moved to Charlotte from Mi ami, FL.  Diana’s sister, Tonia Fuller and f amily are long time members. John chaired the Finance Committee for 3 years and currently serves as co-chair of the Planned Giving sub-committee of the Wesley Foundation.

In addition, he is a member of the Chancel Choir, Intern Committee and the group on Racial Reconciliation.  John and Diana are members of the Builders Class.

Katie Crisp is a native Charlottean and life-long member of MPUMC.  Mom of two little girls, Anna Kate and Mary Charlotte. Proud to have participated and served in multiple ministries at our church. I am thrilled to be part of Connect Ministry where we can help others get connected to the church and the body of Christ!

Hayley Curry a native Charlottean, has been a member of Myers Park UMC since January 2018. This church has been very welcoming to her, and she is excited to help others get plugged in to opportunities for fellowship and service within the congregation. Hayley works as the digital advertising sales manager at a local television station and lives near SouthPark with her husband Drew.

David Dulin feels blessed in being a member of MPUMC. He has a real long connection being a third generation Church member. He actually sits in the s ame place in worship as his Grandfather did. That also explains why he likes to lead a tour of the Church called “A Little Art, A Little Architecture and a Little History” He teaches Adult Sunday School classes and Disciple Bible One.

He also desires that others feel that s ame sense of connection and blessing that he does as a member. He recommends everyone to take Wired 4 Ministry so they can discover and embrace their God given gifts and use in servant ministry. He is also excited to be a part of the Connect Engagement Ministry te am so people can be fully engaged in the life of the Church and the community.

J amie Rodway has been a member of MPUMC since 2003. He has been active in the life of the church through local outreach volunteering, participation in mission trips, worship support and led numerous Disciple classes. He recently started a new adult Sunday School class called Community Scriptures where class members review Bible verses and discuss their real life application.

He is excited about the Connect Ministry Te am and supporting others in their faith engagement at MPUMC. J amie and his wife Eleanor were married in the church in 2009. They have a son Max, a first grader, and two-year old twins Gus and Ben. J amie was born in Canada, raised in Indiana and has lived in Charlotte since 1998.

Sarah Sumner has been a member of MPUMC since marrying Thom (a life-long member) and moving to Charlotte over fifty years ago.  Although their three children don’t live in Charlotte, they always refer to MPUMC as “home” and returned to be married here and to have their own children baptized here.

Sarah recently retired from MPUMC where she had worked for thirty years, both in children and youth ministries.  She was the Director of Children’s Ministries for nineteen years and both she and Thom are members of the Builders’ Class. She notes that even when she joined many years ago, the church was big and, for her, intimidating!  “I wish there had been a Connect Te am when I joined.  Mentors can help members find places to serve and to grow spiritually in this community.”

Frank Turner has been a member of Myers Park since 2008. He is a Disciple Bible leader and a member of the S amaritan Sunday School Class.

Frank is excited to be a Connect Mentor and  believes in the real need to help connect people within their faith community.

Liz Wicker and her husband have been members of MPUMC since 2008. Her daughters’ f amilies and her five grandchildren are also members. She is involved as a Stephen minister, a Trinity’s Table server at South Tryon Community Church, a care te am member and a Goodness Gracious volunteer.

She believes that our church provides opportunities for everyone to become involved, whatever their interests might be.

Liza Zopp has been a member of MPUMC since 2005. She has 3 grandchildren all of whom have been baptized at MPUMC and still attend. She works as a RN part time. Liza is also very involved with many volunteer activities with the church. She has been on various mission trips and hopes to do more. Liza would like to see everyone find their comfort spot at MPUMC.