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 the late Joyce B. Timmerman and 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.
Ken 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.
Jonathan was ordained an Elder in Full Connection in June 2011. His responsibilities at First Church including being the lead preacher and planner for the Monday night 6:35 service, leading liturgy and preaching on Sunday mornings, overseeing Stephen Ministry and other congregational care efforts, leading weekly chapel service for our Child Development Ministry, writing a monthly column called "Becoming More Vile" for the SC United Methodist Advocate, and is most proud of his recent achievement: winning the championship of the 2012 Shagging with the Stars. He is even prouder to be the father of Edward (born May 12, 2010) and Mary Elizabeth (born December 22, 2011) and truly enjoys living at the beach, running on the beach, walking on the beach, reading on the beach...you get the picture.
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.