Jim Stringfellow, Senior Pastor

A southern California native, Jim joined our staff as Senior Minister on January 17, 2007. He has served North Alabama Conference Churches in Weaver, Talladega, Leeds, Midfield, Decatur, Florence, Hazel Green, Hokes Bluff, and Huntsville, Alabama. In 1998 Jim was honored as co-recipient of the Harry Denman Evangelism Award by the North Alabama Conference and the Northeast District. Jim is a 1974 graduate of Weaver High School, attended college at the University of Alabama and obtained a pre-law degree from Jacksonville State University. He graduated from Candler School of Theology in 1981.

Erin Hicks, Director of Student Ministries

Renee’ Rowse  - Director of Children’s Ministries

Renee’ was born and reared in Huntsville, Alabama.  She graduated from Lee High School and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.  Renee’ has been a member of Epworth UMC since 1995.  Before serving on church staff, she has served as a music teacher and Bible story teller on the Epworths Mothers' Day Out staff.  She has served Epworth in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and many other aspects of our church ministries.  Her husband Thomas works for the City of Huntsville.  They have two sons, Bryan who is a student at Calhoun Community College and Michael who attends public school in Madison County.

Judy Panucci – MDO/Preschool/Kindergarten, Co-Director

Valerie Jones - MDO/Preschool/Kindergarten, Co-Director

Leone Purser – Administrative Secretary

After retiring from teaching in the Huntsville City Schools, Leone joined the Epworth UMC staff in 2007.  She graduated with a B.S. degree in Secondary Education from Jacksonville State University and a M.S. degree from Alabama A & M  University.  Her husband Nickie is an accountant at Huntsville Coca Cola.  They have one married son and one grandson.  Leone has been a member of Epworth UMC since 1975.  She enjoys teaching  Sunday School, reading, walking, and Alabama football.

Dr. Eric Wilson, Director of Music Ministries

Eric Wilson graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 1997, where he studied with Amanda Penick.  He has served at several other churches, including Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa, at Alberta United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa, and at First Baptist Church of Enterprise, Alabama.  He studied conducting in college under Dr. Sandra Willetts and regularly sang with her premier choir (the University Singers).   Eric also served for five years as the accompanist for the Alabama Boyschoir, under the direction of Karen Nicolosi.  Other teachers of note that Eric has studied with include Rev. Terry Taylor, John Baker, and Hilda Hagins.  He works full time as a systems analyst for Delta Research.  Eric is married to Nicky Wilson.

Dr. Nicky Wilson, Organist and Primary Accompanist

Nicky Wilson graduated with her Doctorate in Piano Performance from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 2000, where she studied with Amanda Penick.  She has been playing organ at various churches in Alabama and Tennessee for almost 20 years.  Dr. Wilson teaches piano privately and has a studio of 18 students.   Dr. Wilson has also served as an Instructor for the University of Alabama-Huntsville, where she has taught music history.  She is an active accompanist in the Huntsville area, playing for several competitions and recitals each year.  Dr. Wilson is a member of the Alabama Music Teachers Association and is the chairman of the local chapter of the National guild of Piano Teachers.  She is married to Eric Wilson.

Carol Blevins, Nursery Worker

Carol is the mother of two grown daughters.  She graduated from Butler High School in 1975.  And joined the United States Air Force.  After a 4 year tour of duty, Carol worked as a civil servant for the Federal Government.  She retired in 1998 and worked for the State of North Carolina, working with mentally challenged children.  Carol worked in 2 churches in North Carolina as a nursery worker.  She also attended college in Fayetteville, North Carolina and in Omaha at the University of Nebraska.  Carol moved back to Huntsville in 2005 and was employed as a nanny for several families.  She became employed at Epworth in November 2006.

Kathy Kindred, Nursery Worker

Kathy grew up in Huntsville.  She graduated from Mississippi University for Women in 1980 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.  Kathy is currently a 1^st grade teacher with the Huntsville City School System.  She has worked in the city school system for 26 years.  In December of 2008, Kathy received her Master’s Degree in Library Media.  Kathy has three children.  And has attended Epworth for 42 years.  After volunteering for many years in the nursery, Kathy became a part-time employee in 2008.  Kathy enjoys working with children and teaching them.  Her hobbies are reading and talking!