Serving Trinity
Pastor Joe Phillips has been serving in a pastoral ministry role for 18 years. First as a student pastor, while he attended Asbury Theological Seminary. Then as a Provisional Elder within the Holston Conference and then as an Elder in Full Connection since 2012.
Over those 18 years, he has developed a passion to help others grow closer to Christ by encouraging them to live out their faith. He does this through his personal testimony and through his preaching, teaching, and fellowship. He has been married to Alana, an University of Alabama graduate (Roll Tide!) since 2008. They have 2 children, Luke and Tillery.
He loves to read, hangout with people, and drink coffee.
He is a firm believer that God is Awesome, always.
Feel free to drop by or just say “Hey!” at any time. He would love to meet you and hear your story.
Click HERE to view our welcome to Joe
Donald is Trinity’s Youth Director working with Trinity’s middle and high school youth, members and non-members in Trinity’s Youth Group Ministry. Donald is a Roane County native and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Tennessee. He also has an Education Specialist Degree in Administration from Lincoln Memorial University. A classroom teacher for 15 years, a high school basketball and baseball coach for 15 years during his public education career. He has been an administrator for the past five years.
Donald is married and has one son who is an architect in Atlanta, Ga. He loves to spend quality time with his family, traveling, being outdoors boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, working around the house, and having a good book in his hands.
Donald has been a member of the UMC for over 25 years, and has always been involved with youth and children ministries. He has served on SPR, Trustees, Finance, Administrative Council, Lay Leader, VBS coordinator, Sunday School teacher for children, youth, and adult classes, and many other ministries, as well as being a certified Lay Speaker.
Donald hopes every child and youth feels the love of Christ and their special place in His world.
Sheryl Lawrence Howard is originally from New Jersey (Exit 38A.) She has a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Tennessee with an emphasis in woodwind performance. With a double major in Flute and Oboe and a double minor in Saxophone and Clarinet, you will often find her in various pit orchestras in East TN. Mrs. Howard has served as the Director of Music Ministry at Trinity for over 25 years; she has brought her various skills to children, youth, and adults through Trinity’s music ministries. Mrs. Howard directs our adult choir, our praise team and praise band, children’s “Music in Motion” and other programs with music or drama that lift up Christ through song and word. She brings a blended selection of music to Trinity’s worship services so there is always something to stir your soul.
Mrs. Howard is also very active in local theater, including the Word Players. She has used her many talents to music direct actors in the community and also in high school, private school and local productions.
Mrs. Howard fell in love with a “southern” boy (Mike Howard) and married him and stayed in TN. She is a loving mom to two beagles, “ Zu Zu” and “Gatsby”. Her human son (Josh) has blessed her with 4 grandchildren. She, of course, is grateful for FaceTime because they live in another state.
Sheryl wants Trinity’s music and worship services to raise Christ high so that all may see the beauty of His world and Divine Creativity through music and song.
Mike Ooten
Mike Ooten is the custodian for Trinity UMC which includes the TCDC. Mike has been a member of Trinity for many years but only took on the role of custodian in 2019. Mike is a valued volunteer on the worship team, managing the technical aspects of video recording and posting our worship services on social media.
Mike is married to a lovely lady who is the volunteer church cook, preparing delicious meals most Wednesday nights and overseeing the volunteer kitchen staff. Mike loves banana pudding and brownies, and maybe often gets extra of both.
They have one son, one grandson and a robot vacuum named Barbie.
Mike hopes Trinity continues a vibrant presence in the community for many years showing the community a friendly, holy place to share with friends and family the love, hope and peace of Christ Jesus.
Carol Williamson is the co-director of the Trinity Child Development Center. She began as a teacher in TCDC in 1984, working over the years with many age groups. She became assistant director in 2006 and director in 2012.
Carol is married and has three grown children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She absolutely loves spending time with her family and supporting all the children who participate in a variety of extracurricular activities.
She feels very thankful and truly blessed that she is able to be a part of a ministry like the TCDC that provides a safe and loving environment for every child. Her goal, as a part of this ministry, is to show the love of God to every child while helping them to grow emotionally, physically, academically and spiritually.
Beth Williamson is the co-director of Trinity Child Development Center. She started working at TCDC in 2002 as a college student. After completion of a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tennessee and a short career in Social Work, Beth joined the staff as a preschool teacher. She became part of the administrative team in 2014.
Beth is married and has three children. Her family is very involved in school activities and Beth is there to support them. The family also enjoys travelling and spending time on their boat.
Beth loves the TCDC and understands having the center in our community is a mission of Trinity. Her goal is to serve each child, parent and staff member and make them successful.