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A North Carolinian by birth, Pastor Liza is a natural southern girl who enjoys her sweet tea, good country cooking, country music and a good rocking chair on the porch. With a strong Catholic rearing, her relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord continued to grow. She joined the Methodist Church in 1987 and found the theology that spoke to her heart.
Pastor Liza was born in North Carolina, the youngest of four children of Lorraine and Grover Taylor. In her younger days, the church choir was a strong part of her life. She grew to love singing and even sang with a local band through High School and beyond. After working for three years to purchase her first car, she attended Pembroke State University (UNCP) and graduated with a degree in Communications and Theatre Performance in 1984. Pastor Liza met her husband, Michael, while attending PSU and they were married in 1986. They lived in Nashville, TN for four years while Pastor Liza pursued a career in music. Realizing that family was more important, the two moved to Tucker, GA in 1989 and were blessed with a daughter, Taylor Michelle, in 1990. Taylor and Kyle Ewest, son-in-love, continues to bring such joy into their lives as they have blessed them with two granddaughters, Sawyer Brooke, in 2016 and Hayden James in 2018. Their family has grown and is filled and blessed immeasurably with God’s love and grace. Pastor Liza has served as the Director of Programs and later as a Ministry Intern at Tucker First UMC, the Director of Christian Education at Acworth UMC, and Ministry Assistant at Gulf Breeze UMC. All these areas of ministry were a blessing from God to prepare her for full time ministry as a pastor. She attended Emory Candler School of Theology where she graduated in 2004 and received her first full time appointment at Thomson First UMC. She served TFUMC for four years; Cokesbury UMC for two years, Mt. Zion UMC, Smarr for seven years, FUMC Pine Mountain for two years and Midway Auburn for two years. Pastor Liza and Michael are a package deal! When Pastor Liza received her calling, Michael was not too happy but over time God worked in Michael’s heart to accept “our” calling to serve God by serving God’s people everywhere and anywhere. She says, “God knew that I would need a man who loves God as much as I do and one who could keep me grounded as we share and serve in ministry together. Michael Marler is my partner in life’s entire journey with God’s help and blessing.” Michael is a high school math teacher and will continue serving at Social Circle High School in the fall. Pastor Liza and Michael are excited to serve God alongside each of you at Washington First United Methodist Church as we build new relationships and serve others for the glory of God |
Church administrator
Shelley Warrenfells Shelley is the "go to" person for information about what's going on at our church. She earned her Associate of Arts degree at Young Harris College and a Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Georgia. Contact her at 706-678-7116 or washingtonfirstumc@gmail.com |
Pianist and Co-Music Director
Janet Pharr Janet is a truly gifted and accomplished musician, having played piano since the 3rd grade and served as an accompanist since age 16. She has served as our church pianist as well as children's, youth, and adult choir accompanist since 1998. She is also the retired principal of Washington Wilkes Primary School. codirectorsofmusicwfumc@gmail.com |
Organist and Co-Music Director
Belle Guin Belle has served as our full-time church organist since in 1998, having served on a part-time basis since 1980. She also played piano for the church's Pharr Ficklin Sunday School Class for 40 years. Belle takes full advantage of the musical features of our magnificent pipe organ. and together with pianist Janet Pharr, adds great meaning to our worship services. She is the retired Math Dept. Chairman at Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School codirectorsofmusicwfumc@gmail.com |
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Wendy & Richard Swann
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