Rev. Ken Timmerman
Senior Pastor
Education: B.A. History, 1980- University of South Carolina (Columbia and Aiken Campus)
M. Div., 1985- Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, SC.
Family: Married to Sara Dee Cooper of Lane, South Carolina- June 16, 1984. Son- Cooper B. Timmerman, born June 26, 1999 in Greenwood, SC. Ken is the son of Joyce B. Timmerman and the late Kenneth F. Timmerman of Graniteville, SC.
Ken served as the Associate Pastor at First Church, 1993- 1998 and was appointed Senior Pastor in June 2002. He was ordained in 1982 and has served the following congregations:
Greeleyville- Lane Charge: 1982-1985
The Fairfax Charge: 1985-1989
Gramling UMC: 1989-1993
First Church (Associate): 1993-1998
St. Mark UMC (Greenwood): 1998-2002
First Church (Senior Pastor): 2002-present
Hobbies include: golf and reading
Rev. Jonathan Tompkins
Associate Pastor
Jonathan grew up in a small town in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York but quickly converted to “Southernism” when he moved to Columbia, SC after graduating college. He taught seventh grade English at Crayton Middle School for three years, then felt called into youth ministry.
He served Shandon United Methodist Church as Director of Youth and College Ministries for five years and loved being involved in ministry to, with and by some of the most fantastic youth he’s met. It was during his time at Shandon that he joined the United Methodist Church, met a wonderful woman, Rebecca Neal, who would a few years later become his wife, and ultimately felt God’s call into ordained ministry.
In August of 2006, Jonathan got married, moved to Atlanta, and began attending Candler School of Theology, Emory University. While at Candler, he volunteered as a student host for visiting potential students, worked with senior citizens at a community outreach, interned at Emory Hospital as a chaplain, participated in the young adult ministry at Decatur First UMC, and worked for Candler’s Office of Worship. In May of 2009, he graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree and was commissioned as a Provisional Elder at Annual Conference and appointed to First UMC.
Being a hard-core “Parrothead,” living at the beach is quite Jonathan’s style. He loves to run, walk, read, and relax on the beach. He especially loves that he now has a true “beach baby” in the family. Jonathan and Rebecca welcomed Edward Douglas to the world on May 12, 2010, and are thrilled to be first-time parents.
Rev. Jean O. Osborne
Minister of Education
Jean came to First United Methodist Church in April 2001. She is an advocate for children and their families and has helped First Church become designated as “A Church for All God’s Children” in the South Carolina United Methodist Conference. She is responsible for the teaching and learning ministries for all ages and especially enjoys leading Disciple Bible Studies and coordinating the confirmation experience for sixth graders.
Jean is a graduate of Ohio State University and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. As an Ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church, she seeks to empower laity to be the hands, feet and voice of Christ in the community.
Jean is married to Ron and has two married sons, Robert and Daniel, and had proudly welcomed her four grandchildren into her life in recent years. She shares her thoughts and reflections in a blog, the Pilgrims Perspective .
Rev. Thomas N. Brittain
Pastor Emeritus
“Big Tom” as he is affectionately known here at First Church has been a part of this church for many years. Presently he is active with our Snowbird and Seagulls ministry. He works with our Stewardship Committee during our Stewardship emphasis in the fall. Big Tom also has been known to preach a sermon or two during the year.
Tom has served the United Methodist Church in many capacities including District Superintendent, Vice-President Epworth Children’s Home, Chairman Minister Education Fund, Board Minister Registrar and Wofford Trustee.
Big Tom is married to Jean and his two children and five grandchildren. His presence at First Church has blessed so many during the years.
His hobbies include yard work and helping others.