Our Ministry Team
Pastor:
Rev. Dr. Shawna VandeLune
Rev. Dr. Shawna Darnall VandeLune is an ordained Elder in the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Shawna came to Trinity UMC after serving her first appointment at Saint Mark UMC in Seneca, SC.
Shawna received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Degree from Furman University, her Master of Divinity Degree from Duke Divinity School, and finished her Doctor of Ministry Degree through Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Spring 2024. In the year between graduating from Furman and starting at Duke Divinity, she served as a missionary throughout Central America and Asia with Adventures in Missions through the World Race program; and she continues to have a strong passion for God’s workings around the world. She considers it the great privilege of being in ministry to help connect real life and deepening faith.
Shawna is originally from Greenville, South Carolina, and grew up in the Five Forks area of Simpsonville. She enjoys Orangetheory workouts, music and playing the flute, and considers herself an ice cream connoisseur. Shawna and her husband Chris have a four-year-old golden retriever named Larkin, and are expecting their first child.
Office Administrator:
Shannon Morrison
I am so thankful to serve as Office Administrator at Trinity UMC. I have felt such a warm and loving welcome to this wonderful family. I am blessed.
I grew up in Greenville, SC attending Washington Avenue Baptist Church. I was raised by two of the most wonderful, God-fearing parents who blessed me with ensuring that I had a strong foundation in the Lord. I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was very young. I have two wonderful sisters, one of which presented me with the Gospel and led me to Jesus.
I have been married since 1995 to a loving Christian man, Scott Morrison, who is the Human Resource Director with Prisma. I have two handsome sons, Jackson (25 yrs old) and Cameron (22 yrs old), and a beautiful daughter, Abi (16 yrs old). We are members of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley and live in Powdersville.
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administrator from Anderson University in 1994. After graduating I became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. I worked in that field for more than 20 years when I decided to leave the health care industry and stay at home with my family. Once I decided to go back to work, God opened this door to me. I couldn’t be happier. I look forward to serving God and the Trinity family for a long time.
Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord."
I am so very blessed!
Director of Youth Ministries:
Emma Rivers
Hey y’all! My name is Emma Rivers, and I am so excited to be the Director of Youth Ministries here at Trinity UMC!
I am originally from Florence, South Carolina. I grew up in the Methodist Church and am thankful for the many ministries such as Asbury Hills and Salkehatchie Summer Service that have helped me grow in my personal faith with God.
I graduated in May of 2023 from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership. During my time at Clemson, I was an active member of Clemson Wesley and was truly blessed by the community and “family” found in this ministry. I also held many jobs while at Clemson, which included an assistantship on campus and making ice cream and coffee at Spill the Beans in Downtown Clemson. In addition to these jobs, I also served as the Children and Youth Ministries Intern for both Saint Mark UMC in Seneca, SC and Clemson UMC. Both of these jobs led me to where I am now, excitedly serving as Youth Director for FITUMC!
I love spending time with my friends, whether it is a planned weekend trip or a spontaneous fun evening. I love listening to music, especially Taylor Swift, but any music makes me happy! I have the biggest sweet tooth, and ice cream is my favorite treat!
My favorite bible verse is Romans 8:18: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Children's Minister:
Harley Cochran
Harley Cochran came to Trinity when her oldest started in the Mom’s Morning Out program in 2014. Since then, Harley has found a home in the church community and now serves as our Children’s Director. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they have three wonderful children. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her family and hobbies include crafting and DIY projects.
Harley is a graduate of Hillcrest High School and Spartanburg Community College. She is passionate about helping children learn and grow in their relationship with God, and she loves incorporating music, crafts, and hands on projects into lessons to engage children in the Bible stories each week.
Favorite verse
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Chancel Choir Director:
We are prayerfully in search of Director for our Chancel Choir. If you are interested, or you know of someone who may be interested, please email our Pastor, Rev. Shawna VandeLune.
Mom's Morning Out Lead Teacher:
Carla Underwood
I'm the lead teacher at Trinity's Mom's Morning Out. I've been working in the program since it began in 2000. I currently teach the four year old children but I've taught in every class at some point during the last 19 years. I love my job and feel privileged to be able to connect with the children and their families and tell them about Jesus. I've made lots of friends throughout the years and that is something that I truly treasure about my job.
About me personally, I am originally from West Virginia. I grew up on a farm with my dad and mom and my brother and sister. I went to college at Marshall University and worked in retail after college. My husband and I met in 1992 and married in 1993 and moved to Virginia with his job for 3 years. After that we moved to Fountain Inn, SC in 1996 and have been here ever since. I have two daughters. My oldest is Emily and she is a pharmacist in Columbia SC. My youngest is Jo and she attends Charleston Southern University. We stay busy with different interests but we love to spend time together as a family as much as possible.
My Favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."