Rev. Dr. Greg Burgner
Pastor
404-877-2616 / 770-886-9662
Greg@orangemethodistchurch.org
A number of years ago, after my father had passed away, I asked my brother to describe what I was like early on. He replied, "You were very compliant and had a quirky sense of humor." I think that would be a fitting epithet for the 63-year-old version of me, too. Young Greg was the compliant one, and most folks would say the older version remains conscientious to a fault. Young Greg was socially anxious, and to manage all that, he learned to be a class clown. My older version has had to think about letting my more substantial self come out of hiding.
I think, because of the predictability and favor I experienced at home, it was easy to open my life to the love of Jesus. If I recall, at, say, twelve or so, I was offering a nightly prayer that went like this: Thank you that Christ died for my sins so I could receive forgiveness. And thank you that I've received that gift. I developed a habit of daily scripture reading, early on. And at fourteen I was baptised at Martha Brown UMC.
At Georgia State, I studied music, then psychology, and then counseling, before heading off to Asbury Seminary. I think that, in a way, I never wanted to graduate from there. There is still so much in the scriptures left to learn!
I met my wife, Ruth, when I was at Asbury. She is an editor/writer type person, and she's worked with what is now called TMS-Global, a missionary-sending agency, for three decades. You will soon discover: I am grateful for my calling as a pastor. But if you're going through a hard time, the person in our house with whom you'll most want to talk is Ruth.
As I consider the trajectory of our lives, let me close like this: As the providence of God has carried us wondrously over these many years, I'm absolutely trusting him for wisdom and grace for our next season at Orange. It is for just such a season as this....
Lisa Kinser
office manager
& Financial Secretary
Any time you have business with the church office, need to call for information, or are in the neighborhood and want to stop by to say “Hello”, chances are very good that you will be greeted by Lisa, the office manager for Orange Church.
Lisa & her husband, Jerry, have lived in Lathemtown since 1990, and members of Orange since 1992. Lisa grew up as an Army Brat, born in Ft. Campbell, KY, living also in Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina, and Alaska before her family settled in Georgia. She graduated from Rockdale Co. High School and obtained a Data Processing Technology degree from Dekalb Technological College. She retired in 2017 from SunTrust Bank as a Software Developer/Analyst. Lisa & Jerry have two daughters, 5 grandchildren, 3 dogs, and 4 draft horses. She loves horse-back riding, photography, gardening, and cooking. She is also a member of our adult choir, helps with the youth, and is active in our Orange Methodist Women’s group.
Joy Turner
Music Ministry Director
Joy was born and raised here in Lathemtown. Her love for music came mostly from her father, Ralph Gaither. He sang beautifully and also played the piano and was the music leader here at Orange Methodist Church for many years. She was surrounded by many other wonderful musicians here at Orange throughout her life. From talented pianists, organists, and instrumentalists, to fabulous vocalist—the influence on her was, in her words, life-changing! No wonder music became so important to her!
Joy has led the Adult Choir since she was a young adult. She also leads the Kids Choir and Hand Chimes Group.
Quote: "It is such a blessing to me. I feel like music is an important part of our ministry here at Orange UMC. I pray that it touches the lives of everyone in our Church and throughout the community."
Bethany Goode
Children's Ministry
Bethany also grew up in Lathemtown. She is the daughter of our choir director, Joy, and has attended Orange Methodist Church all of her life. She has fond memories of participating in VBS, Sunday School, Kids Choir, and other children’s programs at OMC. Her goal is to provide great opportunities for fun and learning to the current children of Orange. She is a member of our Adult Choir as well as singing in our smaller ensembles. Her husband, Brandon, operates the sound system at church and helps out with all the kids programs.
They have one daughter, Camille, who loves spending time with the other children at church, and a cute doggie named Foxy. During her free time, Bethany enjoys spending time at Lake Lanier, singing, and hanging out with her family and friends.
Please feel free to contact her if you have any questions about our Kids programs.
CONTACT
For more information, please contact the church office
(770) 886-9662 or visit the contact page.