James Ross O’Neal will be the new pastor for Mt. Tabor and Christ UMC (he goes by Ross), effective July 1, 2023. He will be living in our parsonage and has adult children that are no longer at home. He comes to us from Trinity UMC in King, NC   We are thankful for the ministry we have shared with John, and we ask that you keep John, Aimee, Thea, and Henry in your prayers as they continue their journey with Christ.   Ross has been facilitating ways for people to connect beyond the Sunday Morning service. For example, there are quilting groups, groups going to the community Outreach Ministries to stock food every week, and their United Methodist Men have a firewood ministry by providing truckloads of wood to people in the community. Ross has also implemented a grief support ministry and has initiated a weekly senior ministry, called The Meeting of the Chronologically Gifted.  This brings the more senior members together on a more regular basis.   Grace is Ross’ guiding theological theme in his ministry. His personal mission statement is to help the church Worship God, Follow Jesus, and Grow in the Spirit. Recently he has become more involved with contemplative prayer practices which involve spending time in prayer listening to God. He is encouraging and beginning to teach these practices to interested individuals in the church.   Prior to serving as a pastor, Ross was a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Evaluator. He has also had specialized training in CPE (Continuing Professional Education), graduate level counseling, and training via the Lombard Mennonite Peace program. Ross sees his Pastor’s job as helping the church to be authentic to who they are and how God is calling them.   He views his job as empowering the laity to be the church, serve Christ, and do mission and ministry in the community.

Deena Tatum is our beloved Music Director! She grew up at Mount Tabor and began playing the piano as a girl. Deena has two adult children and one grandson. She is retired from full-time nursing, yet still helps so many when they have concerns or questions about their health. When not planning or preparing worship music, Deena enjoys watching her grandson (and all his friends) play baseball, volunteering at many organizations, and going to gospel music concerts in the area

Leadership Team

The Leadership Team meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7 PM and all are welcome to attend. It is essential to the continued success of our church that we encourage every member of our congregation to participate. You can speak to any of the Leaders listed below to get more info.

The Chairs are: Leadership Team Chair (Donna Wiseman), Secretary (Rose Simerson), Treasurer (Judy Sides), Witness Chair / Lay Leader (Lu Graham / Terry Fries), SPPRC Chair ( Bernice Hager), Nurture Chair (Angelia Bates), Outreach Chair (Melinda Hartman), Trustees Chair (Steve Mock), Finance Chair (Robert Shoe)