Meet Our Staff

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Rev. Richard Moeller	Richard Moeller - Pastor A native of Redfield, South Dakota, after graduating from High School in 1969, Richard joined the US Navy. After two training schools in Brunswick, Georgia and tours of duty in Kodiak, Alaska and Barber’s Point, Hawaii (Honolulu) as an Air Traffic Controller he settled in Orlando, Florida and married a young lady he had met while stationed in Hawaii. Richard and Joyce were married in 1973 and both worked for Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. Joyce as a Head Cashier and Richard as an Assistant Meat Market Manager. Richard and Joyce both attended Valencia Community College in Orlando and Richard went on to receive a Bachelors Degree with a major in Business from the University of Central Florida (Go Golden Knights!). During this time three wonderful children became part of our family. Treva Kaye was born in 1976, Richard II was born in 1980, and Carrie was born in 1981. After becoming active at Grace United Methodist Church in Orlando and working with the youth and Joyce working as church secretary, the Lord began speaking to Richard about ministry. After working with two pastors and being mentored in the candidacy program for ministry by Dr. Jim Harnish, Richard responded to a call to the ordained ministry and both he and Joyce retired from Winn-Dixie, sold their home in Orlando, and moved to Ellijay, Georgia. Richard attended Candler School of Theology at Emory University while serving a two-point charge in Ellijay in the Northwest District (then the Dalton District) of the North Georgia Annual conference. Oak Hill UMC and Cartecay UMC were his student appointment while attending seminary. After graduating from Candler, Richard and Joyce stayed in the North Georgia Conference where they have been serving churches ever since. In addition to Oak Hill and Cartecay, they have served Winder First as Associate, Wood Station (Ringgold), Graysville (Ringgold), New Hope-Gainesville and for the last two years Chapelwood. Each of the churches have been unique in their character and ministries. Each have a special place in our hearts and memories. Chapelwood is the first “community” church we have served and it is a wonderful place in which to do ministry. It is a church steeped with a missional heart and a desire to do what God leads. Athens is a wonderful place to live and affords much the same opportunities as Atlanta, without the traffic!! Richard and Joyce are honored to be your parsonage family and look forward to a long and God-inspired ministry together with the wonderful people of Chapelwood and Athens.
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Blake Trent	Blake Trent - Director of Youth Ministries Blake was born in Dahlonega, Ga. He is from the mountains, but he’s definitely not a mountain man. Yes, he purchases his meat from supermarket just like everyone else. He just couldn’t excel when it came to hunting or gathering for that matter. However, Dahlonega did have a lot of perks in store for Blake. His conversion experience was overwhelmingly intimate and it took place in a small backwoods church a few minutes from his childhood home. Blake wouldn’t have had it any other way. Blake started his career in ministry by volunteering as a youth counselor at Dahlonega United Methodist Church. He transferred to the University of Georgia in that fall of 2008 and immediately began serving as a youth counselor at Athens First United Methodist Church. Blake’s primary desire is to challenge youth to not only believe that Jesus is who He said he was, but to challenge them to become doers of the word. Throughout the scriptures Jesus called on us to do as He did and Blake believes that allowing the youth to minister to others is a crucial part of their walk. Blake loves Jesus and youth. He lives in an old farmhouse that is short drive from Chapelwood with his roommate and their pet lizard Honky. If you’re in the neighborhood feel free to stop by for a chat.
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Harriett Dugger	Harriett Dugger – Organist I started playing the piano in the third grade. I continued taking lessons and played for my mother's VBS class. I also began playing for solos and other groups. I realized that this was something that I wanted to continue. I went to college and got a music degree. In 1996, Peggy Little asked me to consider being the organist for Chapelwood. The church had just purchased a new organ and needed an organist. I said yes. I took a couple of years off to be a mom, but couldn't stay away. I have enjoyed every minute I spend at Chapelwood and am so blessed to be a part of this wonderful family.
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Judy Gornes	Judy Gornes – Secretary I have been married for 35 years. I have one daughter and one granddaughter. I am a retired after working for the Government for 39 years. My husband and I moved to Athens from Clearwater, Florida 3 years ago. I have been working for Chapelwood UMC for 1 year.
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Mickey Montevideo	Mickey Yongue Montevideo - Director of Children's Ministries Mickey Yongue Montevideo is director of Children's Ministries. Mickey brings practical experience to her position; she grew up participating in Chapelwood's children and youth programs, and has been involved in various other church activities throughout the years. The mother of 8-year old Harrison, Mickey believes children should be nurtured with the basic biblical values exemplified by Jesus Christ. Outside of Chapelwood, Mickey is the owner and operator of MYM Marketing & Public Relations, Inc. Along with work, church, and motherhood, she is involved in Harrison's various school and extracurricular activities. She and Harrison live in Bogart with Jack, their beloved rescue dog. They enjoy spending time with Mickey's parents, Bob and Mike Yongue, who are active members of Chapelwood UMC as well.
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Susan McCormick	Susan McCormick – Music Director A member of Chapelwood since 1990, Susan is currently the director of our Chancel Choir. She has two music degrees (Georgia Southern and UGA) and 25 years teaching experience in elementary music and special education. Her volunteer experience in church music includes choir, hand bells, and children's music ministry. She has previously been on staff at Chapelwood as pianist, choir accompanist, and organist. It is important to mention that she came to the church because of a personal invitation from another parent who was also eating lunch with her child at Whitehead Road School. (Thanks, Kathy!)
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Wendy Smith	Wendy Smith – Worship Leader Wendy Smith is the new Worship Leader at Chapelwood UMC. She holds a B.A. in Business from Brenau University, Gainesville, GA and previously studied Vocal Performance at Truett-McConnell College, Cleveland, GA. From the earliest days, music has been a part of Wendy’s life. Before she could say her first word, she was humming jingles from television commercials. Since that time, she has grown up as a part of many singing groups and has taken a leadership role in helping those groups achieve success. For the last sixteen years, she has been performing extensively with two friends from college in a women’s trio, called “Voice in the Wilderness”. Wendy’s passion for Christian music is evident, as it allows her to share her love for Christ through music.