Meet Our Staff

Rob Grotheer, Senior Pastor

Hometown: Savannah, Georgia

On staff since: June 2009

Family members: Wife Gayle, sons Joshua and Jacob

Primary responsibilities: the spiritual health and well being of College Place UMC; to provide opportunities to experience our loving God and to participate in active discipleship.

My favorite things: Listening to great Christian music, spending time with my family, creamed corn, Jeep Wranglers, Deep Creek in Bryson City, NC; the Florida Keys, sweet tea.

Usual work days: Sunday through Friday

Contact: 912-265-4883; rgrotheer@bellsouth.net

Jason Patton, Minister of Music

Born: August 31, 1975

Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee

On staff since: August 2005

Family members: Wife LeAnn, daughters Leah Michele and Emily Grace

Primary responsibilities: planning and coordinating the worship services, leading music and children’s choir as well as overseeing all technical aspects of events such as sound and visuals.

My favorite things: Hanging out with family and friends, going “out” to dinner as opposed to eating at home (cooks we are not), racquetball, and listening to all styles of music.

Something unique about me: I love meteorology and was heading for a career in it before going into ministry.

Usual work days: Sunday through Thursday

Contact: 912-265-4883 ext. 304; music@collegeplaceumc.org

Donna Bazemore, Family & Children's Ministries

On staff since: February 2004

Family members: Sons Michael, Christian and Daniel

Primary responsibilities: I plan Bible learning activities for children in preschool through 5th grade. My goal is to create a fun and nurturing environment with interactive Bible lessons for each event. Special, seasonal events are planned for the whole family to enjoy together.

I am also director of Noah's Ark Preschool, growing young children in Christ's love since 2005.

My favorite things: Books, movies, long walks, and family time.

Something unique about me: Narnia is my favorite place to visit!

Usual work days: Sunday through Thursday

Contact: 912-265-4883 ext. 303; children@collegeplaceumc.org, families@collegeplaceumc.org

Rachael Lee, Adult Discipleship

Hometown: Atlanta

On staff since: July 2009

Family members: Husband Jason, daughters Kendall and Jordan

Primary responsibilities: Provide group environments that help people grow spiritually and serve selflessly; match people to opportunities to serve, which magnify God, minister to others and mature them.

My favorite things: A day at the beach with my family and friends; Starbucks coffee; dancing with my girls; reading a good book or watching a romantic comedy.

Something unique about me: I was physically healed by God through prayer when I was 14 years old. Thus began my journey to know Him.

Usual work days: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday

Contact: 912-265-4883; rachaeldlee@yahoo.com

Trudy Jones, Church Secretary

On staff since: February 2001

Family members: Husband Robert, daughters Jessica and Frances

Primary responsibilities: answer phones, greet visitors to the office and handle matters or make referrals as appropriate, prepare newsletters and Sunday bulletins, maintain church calendar, perform general secretarial duties, order supplies, schedule weddings and ensure property-use guidelines are followed, and... keep the staff in line.

My favorite things: Traveling, golf, music, summertime, my flower garden, fishing, hunting, college football and being a taxi service for my children and their friends. Oh, and laundry!

Something unique about me: I can drive 90 miles an hour with my knees!

Usual work days: Monday through Friday

Contact: 912-265-4883 ext. 300; office@collegeplaceumc.org

Sylvia Drury, Financial Secretary

On staff since: March 2009

Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas

Family members: Daughter Kim, son Michael, granddaughter Kristin, grandson Louie

Primary responsibilities: all things financial — to keep the church informed of its financial health; keep the books; pay bills; record receipts; maintain confidential records of contributions; prepare payroll and tax reports, bank reconciliations, financial reports, and more.

My favorite things: Spending time with friends and family, gardening, walking the dog, cooking, painting, quilting, listening to Gaither Gospel music and others, Bible studies and reading interesting books.

Something unique about me: As a teen, I participated in debate and my team won, which piqued my interest in law. Always the defender of the underdog, I wanted to become a medical lawyer. That never happened, but I eventually had to stand my ground with doctors and vets over medical life and death issues with both my children and dog over the years. Guess who won?

Usual work days: Monday through Thursday

Contact: 912-265-4883 ext. 302; sdrury.cpumc09@live.com