Rev. Christi Taylor
Lead Pastor
Andrea Gillie
Office Manager
Andrea Gillie was born and raised in Upstate Western New York. She received a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and moved to North Carolina in 2015. She and her family love to go camping together. Her hobbies include reading, crafting, archery, and thrift shopping. Her favorite holiday is Christmas, and she enjoys collecting books for her personal library.
Beverly Burke
Director of Music Ministries
Beverly Burke has been involved in music since she was five years old when she sang on the radio in Canton, Ohio. Her love of vocal and keyboard performance and teaching is evidenced by her education and background. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio and a Master of Music degree from the College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati. Previously, she taught choir and piano lab at Rockingham County High School, and later choir and musical theatre at Bethany Community School. She continues to teach piano and voice privately. She is on the Board of the Theatre Guild of Rockingham County where she has also served as Musical Director for many shows. In 2022 she retired from Woodmont UMC after 30 years as Director of Music Ministries. After one year of retirement, she is thrilled to return to Woodmont and is hoping this is the beginning of another 30 years.
Emily Duckett
Contemporary Vocalist
She shared that she is so honored to be asked to serve in the position of a worship band vocalist. She began her music career as a fully-funded voice scholarship student at Lenoir-Rhyne University. After 2 years pursuing music the Lord guided her path into the world of English Lit (this later landed her the position of a high school ELA teacher). At the time, she thought this meant leaving the pursuit of music behind, but the Lord was just showing her his perfect timing. Along with the loving support of her amazing husband, Doug and perfect little boy, Dawson-Rhett, she can't wait to begin the daily grind of grading essays, nap times and date night, one key change at a time. In everything she brings to this position, she desires that it be for the glory of the Lord.
Charles Keens
Contemporary Percussionist
Charles shared that he is honored to be joining the staff at Woodmont United Methodist Church. He has been a member of this church family since the merger with First United Methodist Church 10 years ago. For the past 9 years, he has been a part of the Woodmont Praise Band, where he feels blessed to use music as a way to worship and connect with others. Charles considers it an honor to serve alongside this community and to praise Jesus through the gift of music. He currently works full-time as a Physical Education and Health instructor at Rockingham Community College. Charles is excited for this new opportunity to continue growing in faith and serving the church he loves.
Annie Braja
Director of Children & Youth Ministries
Annie grew up in Reidsville, NC and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She spent four years teaching elementary school before moving back to Reidsville. Upon leaving the classroom, she served full-time as the Director of Family Ministries for WUMC from 2015 - 2018 prior to beginning her current role with Cone Health as the Director of WCDC.
Annie enjoys coaching soccer, loves a good cup of coffee and values the time she spends with her husband, Misha and their three small children. She's very happy to be back on staff part-time to serve the children, youth and their families of Woodmont Church! She's excited for the privilege she has to lead the children and youth towards the One that loves them most!
Michael durcan
Media Coordinator
Michael Durcan grew up in Stoneville, NC, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Forensics from Western Carolina University. He also graduated with high honors in Information Technology from Rockingham Community College, where he now serves as the Evening Technical Support Service Assistant.
During his collegiate years, Michael was deeply involved in the music world, performing with the world-class ensembles Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps and Equinox Percussion in Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International, respectively. Since then, he has contributed to high school marching band programs as an instructor and worked with merchandise for major Broadway productions such as Hamilton and Mean Girls. Michael is very excited to bring his skills and passion to Woodmont!