Nursing was Judy’s first calling, yet she admits, God has been calling her for many years to also care for people’s souls. After almost 50 years in nursing, God made it clear that His plan was for Judy to enter full time ministry. 

Judy joined Athens First Methodist as a Certified Lay Minister in May of 2022; however, the church was not new to her. She had worshipped at Athens First since 1980 and served in multiple roles throughout the years including a total of 14 combined years of teaching adult Sunday School classes. 

Judy is originally from Mississippi, where she grew up and graduated from Mississippi University for Women, before moving to Texas in 1975. Though she has lived in Texas now longer than Mississippi, she still considers herself a “Texa-sippian”. Her children, Audrey and Clinton grew up attending the church where Judy now has the position of Associate Pastor. 

Judy has a heart for Congregational Care and leads ministry teams for Visitation, Hospitality, GriefShare and Senior Adult Ministry “Come Alive”.

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Wes is a former Paramedic/Firefighter and spent ten years working in oil and gas. He felt a calling to serve others again and began volunteering as the Sound Engineer and Technical Director at Athens First. That calling grew and he came on full time overseeing daily business and operations along with church communications. Wes owns and operates Gain Stage Productions, an Audio Video and Lighting company specializing in assisting churches with technical systems for worship. GSP also provides equipment and engineers for live events around the area. Wes has a daughter Lexi and son Shelby with his loving wife Krystle.

Bonnie was the Choral Director for Athens ISD, grades 6-12, for 11 years and co-owner of The Cherry Laurel Bakery, Café and Catering business for 33 years.  She began singing in the choir at Athens First Methodist in 2015 and then in 2018 she felt God leading her to say “yes” when asked to take the lead in becoming the Director of the Chancel Choir and the Handbell Choir.  As well as directing the choirs, she also leads the music for the Traditional Worship Service.  Bonnie grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and earned a bachelor’s degree in All-Level Music Education from Pan American University, Edinburg, Texas.  She taught elementary music in Austin prior to moving to Athens in 1982. When asked, she will say that singing for the Lord, teaching and inspiring others to “love” music is her passion and what she considers her “gift” from God.  In 2023, she was called to not only share her “gift” of music, but also her love of children by being called as the Director of Children’s Ministry here at Athens First.  She is the mother of Ashley, Allison, and Austin, and the “Monnie” to 7 precious grandchildren.  

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Brittany graduated from Athens High School in 2012. Being a people person, she spent 12 years in the Restaurant Industry and knew she was being called to do something more alongside God.  She has now been a part of Athens First since 2019. She married her childhood friend Cody in 2022 and is a mother to four beautiful children ages 8,7,6,5. Her biggest goal in life is to shine Jesus’s light, to actively live her life in a way that reflects the teachings and character of Jesus Christ. Demonstrating love, compassion, kindness, and goodness to others in all walks of life, essentially letting her actions and words be a positive representation of his presence in the world.

Dr. Marylyn Wright, former music faculty at TVCC, and owner/instructor of MW MUSIC STUDIO, is pipe organist at First Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church in Athens.

Savannah moved to Athens Texas in 2009 and was introduced to the ministry Young Life. For the last 15 years she has had some involvement with Young Life from being a student, to leading, and being on staff. Through Young Life she had figured out her passion is reaching those who are hard to reach and introducing them to you Christ. Stepping out of Young Life and into youth ministry and as the Ark Director, Savannah is helping adolescence grow into discipleship and see the true value of having a deep relationship with Christ. 

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