Staff Directory
Chris Denson, Senior Pastor
We are Glad to be Here at Forest Lake
I am glad to be here as your new Pastor here at Forest Lake. As we begin our ministry together let me take this opportunity to introduce myself … in the spirit of getting to know one another … and I look forward to getting to know you as well.
I first answered the call to ministry while I was a student at the University of Alabama in the fall of 1974. Though I transferred to Birmingham Southern College to complete my undergraduate work, I’ve continued to be an active fan of the University and, of course, the U. of A. athletic program. I’ve attended many games through the years, and I’ve had plenty of practice cheering, “Roll Tide!”. So it is a joy in more ways than one to be coming back to live in that wonderful environment. I am excited about being an active part of the Tuscaloosa and University communities. I believe it will offer many great opportunities.
My wife, Rita, and I were married in June of 1978, and we have been blessed with 3 wonderful children: Lindsey (Mrs. Drew Holland) who lives in Northport & works at Express Personnel; Jonathan who lives in Hoover, is married to Brittany (Godfrey), & works at Electronic Health Systems in Birmingham, & Ryan who lives with Rita & I and has applied to attend Shelton State. We love our family dog, Maggie; a collie who is at the ripe age of 14 (so she’ll soon be 100 in dog years), and we also have welcomed 2 grand-dogs into the family, Tucker & Indiana Jones, in the last couple of years. Well, there’s much more that could be said, but I’ll stop bragging for now. Having a loving family is a great blessing. I’d love to give you equal time and get to know you and your family.
I could also say a great deal about being in God’s family. What an incredible privilege to be included that circle of love! To think that the Creator of the Universe would create each of us is truly amazing. I know this doesn’t exempt us from the realities, challenges and problems of life, but through Christ I find a genuinely hopeful perspective on life. I appreciate the fact that the Bible is very candid about this. It doesn’t try to paint merely a rosy picture, but rather it shows God’s people with all their ups & downs trying to find God’s way. For this reason I can see myself in that family picture. I hope you do too.
I will cherish opportunities to get to know you … and be a resource to you so that your faith in Christ offers profound meaning and strength in your life.
Chris
Jane Darden, Pastoral Assistant
Jane Darden has served Forest Lake United Methodist Church since 1983 in the areas of outreach ministries, older adults and pastoral care. Raised as the daughter
of a Methodist minister, she has been active in the local, district and conference levels of the United Methodist Church all her life. She attended college with the aim of full-time Christian
service. Raising three sons with her husband, Joe, was the priority until the position at FLUM became available in 1983.
Tommy Flowers, Director of Youth Ministries
Tommy has been the Youth Director at Forest Lake since August, 2002.
He has over 25 years of experience in youth ministry. From “Music With a Message” to “The Gospel According to Spongebob”, Tommy enjoys
creating fun and unique programming for today’s youth. Tommy is also a 5th grade teacher at University Place Elementary School. He is married to Erin and has two children, Will and Katie. In his spare time, Tommy loves camping and bicycling.
Erin Flowers, Director of Children’s Ministries
Erin served as the Assistant Youth Director at Forest Lake from
September, 2005 to April, 2008 when she became the Children’s Director. A native of Hartselle, Alabama, Erin moved to
Tuscaloosa in 2004 to pursue a career in education. She is a kindergarten teacher at University Place Elementary School. Erin loves Auburn football, camping, cleaning, and organizing.
Velma Williams, Director of Weekday Kids Program
Velma Williams has directed Weekday Children’s Ministries at Forest Lake UMC since 1982, including 17 years directing the After School Enrichment Program and as director, since 2000, of the Weekday Kids Programs – which includes My School Preschool, After School, and Summer Camp. She serves on the Founder’s Council of the Alabama United Methodist Preschool Association of the North Alabama Conference.
Other work experience includes teaching various age levels from
preschoolers to adult learners. Velma has a B. S. degree from Southern
Illinois University in Home Economics and a M.S. from the University of
Alabama in Human Development and Family Studies.
Velma has been married since 1974 to Dr. Vergil Williams, retired from U/A, and they now travel frequently. Her daughter Colleen, son-in-law Bob and grandchildren Lauren and Alex live in Atlanta. In addition to travel, she enjoys spending time with her family, cats, reading and a variety of crafts.
Janet Scott Edwards, Assistant Director of Weekday Kids
Janet has been on staff at Forest Lake United Methodist Church since
1995. She began working with the After School Program while attending the University of Alabama. In 1998 she graduated from the University with a degree in Secondary Education Social Science. When the After School Program, the My School Preschool Program, and the Summer Camp program were combined into the Weekday Children’s Ministries Program in 2000, Janet became the Assistant Director. Janet was married in 2005 and has a step son.
Jan Chesnutt, Assistant Director of Weekday Kids
Jan has been a member of Forest Lake United Methodist Church since 1985. She has a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Learning Disabilities from the University of Alabama. She taught in Selma and in the Tuscaloosa City School Systems before staying home to raise four children, Callie, Mary, Jamey and Patrick. Jan has worked with Weekday Kids since 1996, first as a teacher of Four Year Olds, then as Assistant Director. She has been active in helping develop the Alabama United Methodist Association of Preschools and presently serves on the ALUMAP council.
Shundre Nevels-Bishop, Nursery Coordinator
Shundre’ is married to Nikia L. Bishop and they have a
daughter, Demi Nikia Bishop. Shundre’ has been a member of the Forest Lake staff since 2001. She and her family enjoy being a part of the Forest Lake Family.
