The Reverend Alvin J. Horton is the Senior Pastor. Al graduated from The College of William & Mary with a BA in English (was certified to teach English & Physics), then went on to earn an MDiv and ThM at the Divinity School, Duke University. Al is former conference director of communications & editor of the Virginia Advocate and, to help communicate the gospel, he loves to dress up and pretend he’s someone out of the Bible (Some say he is a character!).

Al and his wife Cheryl have three sons: Matthew, Michael and Jesse.

The Reverend Ashley Abarca-Mitchell
Associate/Youth Pastor

The Reverend Ashley Abarca-Mitchell was born and raised on a cattle farm in Bedford County, Virginia, graduated from Liberty High School in 1999, and Longwood University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. She then worked as a Foster Care Social Worker for Campbell County Department of Social Services for a little over a year before taking her first appointment on the Winchester District and entering Wesley Theological Seminary in 2004. In 2007 she graduated from Wesley with a Master of Divinity degree and took her third appointment as pastor of the South Fluvanna Charge. Ashley is passionate about youth ministry and feels blessed to be on staff at FUMC!

Ashley and her husband David, who comes from Costa Rica, live in Spring Creek with their dog Sweet Pea and are expecting their first child in December.

Patricia (Tricia) Garnett, a member of First Church, and life-long Methodist, joined the staff in 2000 as Church Administrator. and now holds the title of Facility Manager. Prior to taking this position she was a legal secretary for eighteen years and then a sales representative for local television.

Tricia and her husband, E.N., both grew up in this area and now enjoy living in peaceful southern Albemarle County. She enjoys reading, gardening, and flower arranging and they both enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Nellie Williams has been a member of First United Methodist Church since 1994 and joined the church staff in March 2008. As FUMC's Administrative Assistant, Nellie helps all staff members with a variety of tasks and duties. Among her many responsibilities are coordinating the office volunteers, preparing the weekly worship bulletins and announcements, and keping the office running smoothly.

Nellie and her huband, Tim, have lived in Charlottesville since 1979 and have two children, two dogs, and two cats. Nellie enjoys reading, playing the piano, and spending time with her family, friends and pets.

Martha Murray
Director of Discipleship for Adults

Martha Murray graduated from Eastern Mennonite Seminary in 2009 earning a Master’s Degree in Church Leadership with a concentration in Spiritual Direction. Among numerous church leadership positions, she has served as an Alpha Administrator; Stephen Ministries Leader; and Chair, Leadership Council. She was part of a healing prayer team and has been a Lay Speaker for many years, serving on one church staff as Director of Pastoral Care. Martha brings to this position a love of Christ and a deep commitment to personal discipleship.

Martha has a daughter, Tracy, who is married to Josh Arbaugh. You are likely to see Martha in the company of their two little girls, Corena and Lila.

Paige Lindblom
Director of Discipleship for Children &
Director, First United Methodist Preschool

Paige Lindblom is a native of Alabama, where she attended Auburn University. She is married to Sam Lindblom and has two sons, Caden and Carter. Paige attended graduate school at James Madison University and has an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education. From 2001-2006, Paige lived in Thomasville, Georgia where she was the preschool director at Thomasville First United Methodist Preschool and taught classes at Florida State University. After moving to Charlottesville in 2007, Paige became the director and two-year-old teacher in the preschool. Hobbies include hiking, running, reading and yoga. She began her additional duties as Director of Discipleship for Children on August 1, 2010.

Andy Shelden
Director Music Ministries

Andy Shelden comes to us from high in the mountains of northern California. Andy started playing in church when he was 11 and had served organist at Yreka United Methodist Church since he was 14. In addition to his church music position, Andy also served as staff accompanist and adjunct instructor at College of the Siskiyous in Weed, California, where he spent four years as director of the Mt. Shasta Vocal Jazz and Show Choir Clinic. He has also spent the past 7 years teaching piano and classroom music at Bogus Elementary School, a one-room, K-6 school serving rural families deep in the mountains. Andy met his wife Diane in choir at College of the Siskiyous. Diane is assistant office manager at a Ford dealership, and loves to bake and make chocolates. Andy and Diane have two children, Madeleine and Nicholas.

Carolyn Polson
Children’s Music Ministries Director &
Celebration Singers Director

Carolyn Polson has served as Director of Children's Music Ministry at FUMC in the past after serving as the church’s Creative Director of Contemporary Worship for the past several years. She also serves as the Director of the Fine Arts for the Covenant School in Charlottesville. After graduating from East Carolina University School of Music with a degree in Music Therapy and a degree in Music Education, Carolyn taught music education in the public school system and operated a private Suzuki Flute and Piano studio. This was in addition to serving as church organist and choir director. Along with directing SPIRIT BOUND, a contemporary Christian vocal ensemble, she is a professional flutist. Carolyn has two college-age sons, Cameron and Kyle.