Meet Our Lead Pastor + Music Director
Rev. Stephanie Dodge
Lead Pastor | she/herI am a 2012 Graduate of Memphis Theological Seminary. I entered into ministry because I believe that everyone should be a part of the loving, supportive community that Christ offers each of us. In my free time I enjoy riding my bikes, working out, reading, and watching movies.
Aleksey Porcelli
Music Director | he/himI was adopted from Moscow, Russia and grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I moved to Nashville in 2018 and currently live in East Nashville with my pup, Thunder! I’m a member of Crossfit E Nashville, love songwriting and am into anything fast (motorcycling, roller coasters, running, etc).
Glendale’s 2021 Leadership Team
Alan Whitley
Lay Leader | he/him
Caddie Woodroof
Children's Education | she/her
Steven Adair
Communications + Worship | he/him
Bud Hamblen
Finance | he/him
Ashley Pyne
Mission + Service | she/her
Carol Pitman
Prayer + Nurture | she/her
John Adair
Property + Maintenance | he/him
Paul Gómez
Staff + Pastor Relations | he/himWorship + Technology
David Charlton
Worship + Technology | he/him
Iz Ortiz
Worship + Technology | she/theyUnited Methodist Clergy at Glendale
Rev. Stephanie Dodge
she/herOrdained Deacon
Tennessee Conference
Current Appointment:
Lead Pastor, Glendale UMC, Nashville, TN
Rev. Matthew Charlton
he/himOrdained Elder
Tennessee Conference
Current Appointment:
Development Officer,
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary,
Evanston, Illinois
Rev. Hong Duk Kim
he/himOrdained Elder
Tennessee Conference
Current Appointment:
United Methodist World Mission Office,
Seoul, Korea
Rev. Larry Hollon
he/himOrdained Elder // Retired
Great Plains Conference
Most Recent Appointment:
General Secretary, United Methodist Communications, Nashville, TN
Rev. Cherie Parker
she/herOrdained Elder // Retired
Tennessee Conference
Most Recent Appointment:
Senior Pastor, Hillcrest UMC, Nashville, TN
Rev. K.C. Van Atta-Casebier
she/herProvisional Deacon
Tennessee Conference
Current Appointment:
Associate Pastor, Director of Family Ministries, Foundry UMC, Washington, D.C.
Rev. Peter van Eys
he/himOrdained Elder // Retired
Tennessee Conference
Most Recent Appointment:
Senior Pastor, Crievewood + Glendale UMCs, Nashville, TN
Some of the People You’ll See…
Mary Kate Allen
she/her“After 14 years out of church, I never knew I’d find the most perfect fit at Glendale. Our church is open, affirming, and we love everyone no matter where they’re from and who they love. God works within the walls our church, but also outside in the community as well.” – Mary Kate
Ryan + Courtney Bell
he/him + she/her“We weren’t necessarily looking for a church, but immediately felt at home at Glendale. Through some of the hardest times of our lives, the Glendale community always found a way to support us right when we needed it most. After having complicated relationships with church in the past, we have found a community of faith that we weren’t sure was ever going to be a part of our lives.” – Ryan + Courtney
The Caccese Family
he/him + she/her“Our family came across Glendale while searching for a church that is welcoming to everyone. We planned on attending our first service with every intention of visiting another church the following weekend. But, from the moment we walked through Glendale’s front doors, we knew we were home.”
– The Caccese Family
Sophie Dukes
she/her“I was born in Mississippi to a lineage of Southern Baptist Ministers but eventually left the church due to the cruel and vengeful image of God portrayed. Through friendships formed with Glendale members, while playing sports in Nashville, I decided to give the church a try. From my warm welcome at the front door, the mid worship sincere greetings, to the foundational gestures of friendship as I departed…I knew I’d found my new home.” – Sophie
Krassi Mira Garbett
“I am a native of Bulgaria. Left all of my blood relatives there, but found a new spiritual family at Glendale. Glendale UMC is a place where even the black sheep feel welcomed and valuable.” – Krassi
Kellie Hargis
she/her“I was seeking a place where I could feel authentically welcomed just as I am, a place where I could feel God’s peace and comfort, a place to refuel each week without pressure or intimidation. What I found was so much more! I have never attended a church where God’s love is more palpable. What a blessing.” – Kellie
Larry + Sharon Hollon
he/him + she/her“Hospitality, welcoming, authentic community, liturgical integrity, thick relationships, calls to serve are all part of the blessing of this inclusive and loving community. We gave considerable thought to why we would join the Glendale community. We both agree that the church offers an invitation to community that feels genuine and authentic.”
– Larry + Sharon
Alejah Love
she/her“Both Glendale’s inclusive and affirming environment and attitude felt like I was being called home into a space where I was loved wholeheartedly. I don’t think I found Glendale. I think Glendale found me.” – Alejah
The Murdock Family
he/him + she/her“Within the first few minutes of our first worship service at Glendale UMC, we knew we’d found, not just a church, but a community full of love. From the welcome message of inclusion, we knew we’d found a home and a place for our daughter to learn about and love Christ.”
– The Murdock Family
Blake O’Donnell
she/her“I started coming to Glendale after my friend brought me there one Sunday. I felt the immediate presence of love and acceptance and ever since then Glendale has become like home. The people of Glendale UMC are a daily reminder to me that there is good in the world. I have never been excited to go to church before but now I wouldn’t have it any other way.” – Blake
James Poland
he/him“I was invited to visit Glendale UMC many times before I finally accepted, and it was love at first sight. The combination of the warm, welcoming members and their commitment to serving the community demonstrated God’s love for us all. I have been coming back ever since.” – James
The Woodroof Family
he/him, she/her + they/them“As parents, to hear our children say that Glendale is the first church where they truly feel a part of a family – the first place where they have experienced God’s love – it’s both humbling and joyful. We are so blessed to have found our church home.”
– The Woodroof Family
