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CLERGY & STAFF
Abe Zimmerman
Abe has been serving as Senior Pastor at Shelbyville First United Methodist Church since July 2022. He has served in churches across Northeast Mississippi and Middle Tennessee since 2013. Originally from New Jersey, Abe graduated from Stockton University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and later earned his Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, where he met his wife, Izzie. Together, they are raising their son with a love for curiosity, kindness, and adventure. When he’s not at church, Abe enjoys reading, following college and pro football, and spending time outdoors with his son. He is passionate about sharing the Bible in ways that are heartfelt, accessible, and practical, and he believes the church is a place where people of all ages can find connection, hope, and belonging.
Korley Carson
Korley began answering the call to full-time ministry in October 2023 at Shelbyville First United Methodist Church where she is currently fulfilling the role of Associate Pastor focusing on Family Ministry and Discipleship. She is attending seminary at United Theological Seminary with plans to receive her Master of Divinity in May 2027. Korley was born and raised in Bedford County where she seeks to live out and help equip others fulfill John Wesley’s mission, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” She is an active member of the Highland Rim Emmaus community and enjoys running, antiquing, reading, and spending time with her family when not in school or serving the church.
Connie Boutwell
Connie is a native and lifelong resident of Shelbyville. She obtained a Master of Education from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and served as an educator in Bedford County Schools as a teacher and administrator. She is married to John Boutwell and they have 2 sons – John Amos Boutwell of Birmingham, AL and Everett (Kirstie) Boutwell of Smyrna, TN, and one granddaughter Morgan Boutwell. Connie’s hobbies include flower gardening, puzzles and reading.
Donna Brock
Donna Kay Massengale Brock was born in 1960 into a family of faith, the daughter of two United Methodist ministers. Growing up in parsonages and moving among multiple church charges, Donna was immersed early in the life and ministry of the church.
Donna and her husband, Jon, spent most of their working years as educators at Harris Middle School in the Bedford County School District. In 2005, they adopted their daughter, Sarah Morgan Fei, from China. Donna later returned to teaching, serving in elementary schools as an ESL teacher until her retirement in 2014.
After reading in the church newsletter that a receptionist position was to be determined, Donna felt called to apply. She began her service as Church Administrator in the Finance Office under the leadership of Rev. Lantia Monroe. In 2018, Donna requested to transition from administrative duties and continued serving on the count team and began as Membership Director, a role she continues to hold today.
Donna enjoys participating in the church’s activities throughout the year and helping wherever she is needed. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and proudly serving as a taste tester for her daughter’s culinary creations.
Rebecca Baker
Rebecca has been Caretaker of Shelbyville FUMC for 26 years. She loves her job and the people she works with. Has a heart for the homeless. She shares her God-given gift of singing with the church. When not working she enjoys fishing, puzzling, and going to the beach.
Jon Brock
Jon Brock has served as Director of Music Ministries at SFUMC since 1990, where he directs the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, and plays the flute. With a lifelong love of music, Jon dedicated 40 years to music education, retiring in 2021.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Tennessee Technological University, where he performed with the Golden Eagle Marching Band and Symphony Band, and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Middle Tennessee State University.
Jon is married to his wife, Donna Brock, and is the proud father of Sarah Morgan Brock, whom he considers the loves of his life. In his free time, he enjoys classic television and movies and is well known as a loyal fan of Vanderbilt sports.
Lori Schuler
Originally from Virginia, Lori graduated from the University of Virginia – Wise. Her hobby is Music.
Darlene Smotherman
Darlene is a native of Shelbyville. Mother of two daughters and grandmother of four, she had a career in Customer Service/Sales, the last 20 years of which was at Randstad Staffing helping people find jobs. She enjoys reading, watching a good ballgame and listening to music. She has a genuine love of people and a willingness to serve.
