OUR STAFF
Blaine Oliver-Thomas, Pastor
Welcome to Bethany UMC. If this is your first time here, a long-time member, or anything in between; I hope you find this place to be one that radiates God’s love into the world. My name is Rev. Blaine Oliver-Thomas and I am so humbly grateful to be the pastor here at Bethany United Methodist Church. I hope and pray that you find Bethany to be a welcoming congregation, where you can be your most authentic self. We gather together to build our relationship with God and one another; as we strive to be more like Jesus Christ. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, come check us out!
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about making disciples of Christ, enjoying the life that we have been given, and loving people from all walks of life. Blaine is a die-hard Florida State Seminole.
What is your favorite Bible verse? “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Favorite movies? Remember the Titans, Shawshank Redemption, Invictus, and Gridiron Gang
Who inspires you? I have countless mentors and family who inspire me every day, but when it comes to those who are well-known public figures the likes of Bobby Bowden and Mike Martin. Both of these Florida State University former football and baseball head coaches had a huge amount of influence on me as a child, and even now.
What was your first job? My first job, which was not recognized by the government, as a teenager, was an animal and house sitter. My first government recognized job, was being a runner for a private investigator.
What is the most influential book in your life (other than the Bible, of course)? “Running for My Life: My Journey in the Game of Football and Beyond” by Warrick Dunn.
How do you spend your free time? I love to be outside, in God’s beautiful creation with my wonderful wife. I also love to spend afternoons out on the golf course!
Laura Lucas, Office Manager/Treasurer
Laura was born the youngest of 3 girls in Eagle Rock, Va. Her father delivered her at home while her sisters sat on the stairs waiting for her birth. She attended James River High School in Buchanan, VA and moved to Bridgewater shortly after graduating. She was the Visitor Manager at Natural Chimneys her first summer in the Valley. Laura’s continued work experience includes secretarial work, computer work, and school classroom assistant to name a few. She married Gary Lucas from Weyers Cave where they raised their family of two adopted children. Laura has two granddaughters that are the joy of her heart.
Little did Laura know that God would lead her to the position of Office Manager at Bethany UMC. She served as a volunteer in the office while the church looked for a new hiree. She felt God’s calling and applied for the job. Laura is committed to performing her best as Bethany’s Office Manager and Treasurer.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about my family. I want the best for them and to see them happy.
What’s your favorite Bible verse? “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
Favorite movie? The Sound of Music
Who inspires you? My parents: Charles and Lucy Vaughn, my 3 older sisters: Susan, Leslie, and Rebecca. They taught me how to love unconditionally.
What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a math teacher.
What was your first job? I was a very busy baby sister. My first “real” job was the summer between my Junior and Senior years of high school. I worked in housekeeping at Wattstull Inn in Buchanan, VA. This was the time of shag carpet and the carpets in the rooms had to be raked so that there were no footprints seen when a guest opened the door.
How do you spend your free time? I enjoy long walks, sewing, crocheting, making paper/clay beads, and reading. Music is my therapy and you usually hear some playing in the background.
Dale Roller, Praise & Worship Leader
Dale grew up on a dairy farm in Weyers Cave with a brother and a sister. The family moved to Weyers Cave when he was 2 so he has been at Bethany most of his life. He started with piano lessons at age 8 and taught himself to play banjo at age 16.
Dale attended Virginia Tech for 2 years studying agriculture, then transferred and graduated from Longwood College (now University) with a degree in Music and a minor in Business. He played music as his main profession for 14 years and became involved in computers while on the road. He works now as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer at Jenzabar in Harrisonburg VA.
What are you passionate about? Music, my family
What is your favorite Bible verse? “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27
Favorite movies? Lonesome Dove (I know, TV miniseries), White Christmas, It’s A Wonderful Life
Who inspires you? My parents: Harold and Carolyn Roller, Dr. Bob Blasch – friend and piano professor from Longwood College
What was your childhood ambition? To be a radio disc jockey, a detective or a musician (not all at the same time)
What was your first job? First job: working on my family’s dairy farm, Kendale Jerseys
First jobs away from the farm: mowing grass one summer at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton, then playing banjo at one of the shows at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg.
What is the most influential book in your life (other than the Bible, of course)? Hard question – When I was much younger, my Mema Myers had some books at her house that belonged to my uncles, a series called the Sugar Creek Gang. I read those (a number of times) and got more as gifts between age 7 and 12. These were stories about boys growing up in the country who had adventures and loved Jesus. I recently reread a number of these books as I was reading them with my son when he was younger.
How do you spend your free time? Listening to and playing music, messing with computers, hanging out with my family, reading.
Kaitlin Bower, Youth Director
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about sports!
What’s your favorite Bible verse? “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” – Psalm 46:5.
Favorite movie? Mamma Mia
Favorite movie? Mamma Mia
Who inspires you? My mom inspires me because I grew up watching her be there for so many kids who needed her. She is a teacher and has taught me how to be the person I am today.
What was your childhood ambition? My childhood ambition was to work in pediatrics.
What was your childhood ambition? My childhood ambition was to work in pediatrics.
What was your first job? My first ever job was working at a local ice cream shop called AMO Gelato.
How do you spend your free time? I spend my free time running or reading.
How do you spend your free time? I spend my free time running or reading.
