Staff
Dr. Sandra Matthes
Minister of Music
What is your favorite thing about music ministry at Heritage UMC?
I cherish the opportunity to work with talented people of varied ages and having the ability to encourage them to use their talents to serve the Lord.
How did you end up as a music minister?
I was invited to Heritage as an interim minister of music in spring of 1997 and was invited to take the permanent position later in that year. I would not say that I ‘ended up’ in music ministry but rather that God directed my life to serve in these positions.
Don Ogle
Discovery Music Leader
How did you come to music ministry leadership?
After many years of being a church singer and musician, I felt that I could offer even more as a leader. It has been a great experience.
Jennifer Leavitt
Nursery Care Worker
What is your favorite thing about your role as the Nursery Care Worker?
My favorite thing about working in the nursery is simply getting to see the children every week. I’ve grown to know their individual personalities and can begin to predict what they’ll ask for and what they want. Each one is unique and such a joy to be around.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I don’t have much time for hobbies but I think my favorite thing is just to be outside. I love to go for walks, sometimes by myself and sometimes with my family. I like to go places that I’ve never been before, to see new things.
Pat Poff
Director Heritage United Methodist Preschool
What is your favorite thing about preschool at Heritage UMC?
My favorite thing about my position centers around building team relationships with parents, children and teachers. I am able to take part in the joy of teaching the children the academic and social skills needed to navigate kindergarten in a nurturing, Christ centered environment that reinforces each child’s value as a unique creation of God.
Cindy Harding
Accounting Administrator
What do you love about your job?
I love my job for many reasons: I love serving in ministry. I love working with numbers. I also love the flexibility in my schedule. More than anything, however, I love God’s church and all the people in it.
What’s your favorite part about life in Lynchburg?
We are blessed to have extended family in the area and we also love to travel. Our dogs, Silas and Ritzy are also a big part of our lives.
LaVonne Van Aalsburg
Administrative Assistant
What do you love about your job?
I enjoy helping the many ministries of the church by being a support to the staff. I also love the chance to get to know members of the church family at Heritage UMC.
