About Tania:

I am originally from Havana, Cuba. There I completed my secular studies, until I graduated as a Technician in the career of “Protection, Automation and Operation in Electrical Energy Systems” (PAOSEE – its acronym in Spanish),at the Hermanos Gómez Technological Institute. But, with great joy, I keepalive in my memory that the greatest and most transcendental of all the events of my life, and the bearer of my true happiness, also took place in Cuba. This happened on a Saturday night, January 11, 1986; the day I surrendered my entire life to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, at the age of 19, in a Methodist Chapel in the small neighborhood of Martin Perez (Havana); and together with the Methodist Church of Guanabacoa (Havana), I grew in my Christian discipleship. In that humble, but wonderful place I began my Christian career, the most important of all.

I arrived in the US on Labor Day (September 4, 1995). In this country I had my “first new home” in the beautiful, but extremely cold city of Lancaster, PA. Years later, after having been accredited for my theological studies completed in Cuba, I began my pastoral ministry at the UMC in Milwaukee, WI, until 2010, when I was moved to my second appointment at the UMC

in KS, until 2021. In May of the same year, God assigned me my next mission field at Cordele First UMC, where I have worked very joyfully as an associate pastor for almost four years, alongside the wonderful family of faith, until 2024. After leaving the UMC, I now serve with all my love and devotion at Cordele First Church. My greatest passion is to work in the vineyard of the Lord Jesus Christ, rescuing souls from the kingdom of darkness, and turning them into disciples for the Kingdom of Heaven. That is the priority of my life. Preaching about the love of God and teaching His Word have become my greatest desire. I also really enjoy singing, I love music (the good one). Reading is another of my pleasures and interests. I have played chess since my childhood, I love it; and dominoes  as well. Cooking is another of my great fascinations and pleasures (and eating).

Favorite Food:  Lamb kabobs, lamb kibbeh, lamb chops (with mint jelly), Greek gyros…

Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:16  "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God"

As Youth Minister, Kody aims to guide students into a better relationship with Christ. Although he ultimately desires to assist all people, his focus is on students in particular. Students have different needs than adults, and these needs and experiences can affect them for the rest of their lives. One of the most important factors of his ministry is showing students that accepting Christ into their lives is the same as joining a family. His goal is to help them to reach a point in their walk with Christ where they are able to effectively state their beliefs, know why they have faith, and know how to share it with others. He desires for students to not only accept Christ into their lives but to be totally transformed by Him. This means that they resist sin, learn to pray effectively, study God’s Word, worship Him, serve others, and share their faith. Once they are able to accomplish these things they should be able to walk others through these processes as well.

About Kody: 

Kody aims to share the love of Christ with others, and to make disciples that make disciples. He recognizes that students today are under an increasing pressure from society to neglect their relationship with Christ. He looks to develop leaders in Christ that can impact their families, friends, churches, and entire communities. Kody is a lifelong resident of Cordele where he lives with his wife, Katy, and their cat, Leo. He graduated from Crisp County High School in 2009 where he played for the soccer team. After high school, Kody attended Georgia Southern University where he graduated with a degree in Biology in 2013. Soon after, he finally answered God’s call to join the ministry. He enrolled in SEBTS in 2015 to pursue a Masters of Divinity with a focus in Youth and Family Ministry. He was the Children’s Minister at Pinecrest Church in Cordele for 3 years.

Favorite Food:  Pretty much anything with rice and gravy.

Favorite Scripture:  1 Thessalonians 2:8 (HCSB): "We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the Gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us."

Favorite Stuff To Do: Be outside and play soccer.

The children's ministry of this church holds a special place in my heart. I have officially been a member since my 6th grade confirmation. My parents and sisters are also active members of the Nuevo Pacto congregation. I am thrilled to be able to work with the same children's ministry that helped raise me. I am excited to have the opportunity to work along side of many of my mentors. I pray that the children grow to love this church as I have. I have been volunteering with the children's ministry since high school and love working with them. I look forward to getting to know each and everyone of our children and their families. My main focus is striving to get our children and our church more involved in the community with a focus especially on local missions. Thank you for allowing me to opportunity to serve at Cordele First.

About Brenda:

I graduated from Crisp County High School in 2012. Before taking the position at Cordele First, I worked as a paralegal at Rainwater, Gibbs and Wright of Cordele. There I worked under the direct supervision of a Family Law Attorney. I am married to Taylor Farrow of Cordele and we have four dogs. 

Favorite Food: I am a foodie but authentic mexican food tops it all.

Favorite Scripture:  Isaiah 54:10  "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken not my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

About Makinsey: 

Makinsey is the Music Director at CFC. She is a graduate of Valdosta State University where she majored in voice and music education. She taught in the public school system working with middle and high school level bands and choirs for two years before joining CFC. She greatly enjoys her job here, planning music and events, directing the adult choir and childrens choir, leading the Emerge band, leading Handbells and just worshiping God. Makinsey believes that when it comes to dealing with music, people and God, its “The More, The Merrier”. She is always looking to grow and expand our music ministry and put everyone's talents to good use.

Favorite Food: Jamaican Oxtails with Rice, Peas and Gravy.

Favorite Scripture: 

“So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.”

1 Corinthians 14:15

I put together and print a weekly bulletin and a monthly newsletter with a calendar and birthday/anniversary list. I assist those who come in requesting help with their utility bills. I answer the phone,  take reservations for the Wednesday night suppers and prepare a reservation list for it.  I compile and complete monthly and yearly reports for the district and conference. I tend to the needs of church members who come in with questions, concerns, or need assistance- mainly to be the hands and feet of Jesus and show his love as much as I can. 

About Cindy: I graduated from high school in 1980 and attended Middle Georgia College in Cochran, GA. In 1982 I began working at First State Bank where I worked in bookkeeping, as a Customer Service Rep., and as a teller for a brief time. I left there on June 17, 1998 and began working at First United Methodist Church on June 18, 1998. I have been here since and love waking up every day and coming to work. 

Favorite Food: Apple crisp

Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 3:5 & 6 " Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."

I am responsible for the finances of the church, including Offerings, Accounts Payable, Payroll, & Benevolence Assistance. I also maintain employee records, insurance files, and computer information. I assist the janitor with buildings and grounds issues and I assist in keeping membership records current. 

About Tricia: I grew up in this church as a child and youth and Cordele FUMC was instrumental in my spiritual development. As a young adult, I joined other Methodist churches in other cities where I lived. I re-joined in 1994 with my husband Joe at the same time we baptized our son, Alec. We also have one daughter, Lexie. I have a BBA degree in Accounting from Georgia Southwestern University and had experience in retail, government, and industry accounting before coming to work at Cordele First.

Favorite Food: Chocolate, Watermelon, Okra

Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

I am responsible for selecting and preparing for the Prelude and Offertory music for the 11:00 Traditional Service. Selection comes from a study of the subject matter/sermon the pastor is presenting. Preparation includes private practice at the church and joint practice with the pianist. Tune selections and composers or arrangers are given to the church secretary in order that they may be listed in the printed Sunday bulletin. Congregational songs/hymns are selected for the service by the Choir Director and these songs are prepared and performed during the worship service. As needed, the organist accompanies the Adult Choir during rehearsal on Wednesday night and accompanies the choir on Sunday during their special music. 

About Barbara: I began my study of music when I was 6 years old. I took private piano and flute lessons for 12 years and following graduation of High School attended college at the University of Georgia on a dual music scholarship. I am presently a member of the Redcoat Alumni Band and occasionally attend Homecoming in Athens where we, once again, march between the hedges. In 1969 I moved on scholarship to Samford University, Birmingham, Al. where I studied music for 2 years, being the first instrumental major at that University. My professor was a member of the then known Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Due to a death in my family, I returned to Ga. and attended Ga. State University in Atlanta continuing my music education. In 1971, I meet a young man from Dooly County, Vienna, Ga. who was visiting a friend in Atlanta. He swept me off my feet, married me within a few months and moved me to South Ga. He is the father of my three children, Tripp, Holly and Lynn Stripling. I was privileged to be the church pianist and organist in Vienna, Ga. both in the Baptist and the Methodist church, for approximately 15 years. In 1988 we moved our family to Cordele and I became the full time organist at the First United Methodist Church where I served under the direction of Scott Hearn for 6 years. Incidents in my life took me back again to Alabama, however, I came home in 2008 and began attending church again at FUMC. I accepted the position of part time organist to substitute services with the regular organist. I enjoy being part time as I am now a grandmother and also the caretaker of my parents who still live in the Atlanta area.

Favorite Food: BBQ Ribs

Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!