First United Methodist announces two new staff members: Rev. Rachel Witt, Seth O’Kegley

 

First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge has announced that two new staff members will be joining the church’s ministry team on July 1. The Rev. Rachel Witt will be assuming the position of associate pastor, and Seth O’Kegley will begin serving as music director. Their first Sunday in worship with the congregation will be July 3.

Originally from Kingsport, Witt has a bachelor’s degree in religion and a minor in music from Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia. She graduated in May with a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. She has served as a clergy intern at Church Street United Methodist in Knoxville and at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Waxhaw, North Carolina.

Her experience also includes working as a counselor at Buffalo Mountain Camp outside Johnson City and as a summer youth ministry intern with the Holston Conference United Methodist Church based in Alcoa. Witt will be sharing in preaching and pastoral care responsibilities and will also provide leadership in outreach to young adults as well as various other ministries, a press release said.

A native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, O’Kegley has a bachelor’s degree in music education from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. He graduated in May with a master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Previously, he has served as the director of music at Luminary United Methodist Church in Ten Mile, Tennessee. He has also served as director of music at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City and as the director of traditional music at the East Tennessee State University Catholic Center. He has served as an accompanist for the UT Singers and the UT Women’s Chorale, and as the principal pianist for the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra. He has sung with the UT Chamber Singers, the UT Singers, and the UT Concert Choir.

A reception to welcome Witt and O’Kegley will be held in the fellowship hall at First United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 10, following the 11 a.m. worship services.

Traditional worship services at FUMC are held on Sunday mornings at 8:45 and 11 a.m. Contemporary worship is at 11 a.m. The church is located at 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike. More information may be found at www.fumcor.org.

 

This press release was submitted by Kathy Gillenwaters.

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