Rev. Steve Smith

For the past seven years I have served Bethel United Methodist Church.  

My wife, Kim, worked in the Pitt County School System during our first six years at Bethel.  This last year, she has been the Spanish teacher at Greenville Christian Academy and has loved her time there.  We have three children.  Sarah is our oldest.  She is a rising junior at Asbury University, in Kentucky where she plays soccer.  She is majoring in Pre-physical Therapy.  This summer, Sarah is working as a lifeguard at a Christian camp in Virginia.  Jay is our oldest son.  He has just graduated from Greenville Christian Academy, will be attending Asbury University, and is planning to major in Music Performance.  Jay plays the piano.  This summer, Jay is lifeguarding at the Greenville Aquatics and Fitness Center and enjoys swimming when he has the time.  Caleb is our youngest son, and he will be a ninth grader at Greenville Christian Academy this fall.  He also plays the piano and likes to play soccer.  My mother, Bonnie Burnette, has lived with us for the past six years.  It is a real joy to have her in our home as a regular part of our family.  She presently works in Martin County Schools as a music teacher. 

We look forward to sharing more of our hearts and lives with you in the near future.  I am praying that this passage of Scripture will become reality in the coming days. 

“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8)                                                                                                                                           

Giving Thanks,  Steve

You may reach Pastor Steve at steve@salemmethodist.org or  ssmith@nccumc.org

Brigitte Freeman Morris – Children's Minister

Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education, cum laude, Centenary College of Louisiana. Masters of Arts in Christian Education and Master of Divinity, Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

Centenary School of Church Careers, Certification in Children’s Ministries. Consecrated Diaconal Minister; 1985.  Certified Minister of Christian Education, 1986. Ordained Deacon in Full Connection*; 1998.

Churches served in the North Carolina Conference: St. Paul UMC, Goldsboro; First UMC, Morehead City; Oxford UMC, Oxford; First UMC, Washington; Salem UMC, Simpson.

Consecrated a Diaconal Minister is 1985; ordained a deacon in 1998.

I am a Texas native but have happily called North Carolina my home for over 25 years. My husband, Graham, is from Atlantic, North Carolina. He is a Security Officer at Cypress Glen retirement home. My brother, Mark, and his family have lived in Greenville for 20+ years, so I have a long connection to the Greenvile area.

While the majority of my ministry has been with persons of all ages (focus on children and youth); it is a joy to focus on my first love, children’s ministry. I became a member of the staff ministering to children and their families in May, 2009.

*Deacons in Full Connection came into existence through the 1996 Book of Discipline. “Deacons are persons called by God, authorized by the church, and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of Word and Service to both the community and the congregation in a ministry that connects the two”. Deacons, unlike elders, seek their own positions which must be approved by the Bishop who appoints them to that position. Deacons serve in a variety of settings: education, music, chaplains, ministry organizations, to name a few. Joy Melton, attorney and author of the Safe Sanctuary materials, is a deacon in full connection.

You may contact me regarding children's ministries at bgmax_nccumc@yahoo.com or brigitte@salemmethodist.org 

Administrative Assistant - Brigitte Freeman Morris

I perform the Administrative Assistant duties in addition to my  work as Children's Minister. I was hired in this capacity in June, 2010. The church office hours are Monday - Thursday from 10 AM - 2 PM.. You can see my bio above.

Any information for the church office such as items for bulletin, newsletter or questions for the church secretary can be sent to secretary@salemmethodist.org   secretary@salemmethodist.org

Jody Paramore - Youth Minister

It is so good to be back at Salem with the opportunity to serve as youth minister!  I believe that God has been preparing me for this opportunity a long time.  I can see how He has orchestrated events in my life, like a master conductor, to bring me to this point in His plan for me.  His faithfulness is overwhelming and His goodness beyond compare! 

Salem is a very special place to me.  I spent about 20 years of my life growing up in Christ at Salem Church.  I am grateful to everyone that sowed seed into my life and I've continued to reap the benefits.  I began as Salem's Youth Minister in January 2010 and look forward to what the future holds. 

I also teach 8th grade at Chicod School.  I hold a bachelor's and master's degree in science education, and I'm currently serving my 12th year in education.  I enjoy working with youth and believe it's God's will for my life to be a presence for Him in the trenches of public school.  I have been married to my beautiful wife, Stephanie, for 14 years.  We have three children the Lord has blessed us with.  Our daughter, Chloe (5), is the big sister and we also have Luke (5) & Ethan (2) who are her little brothers.

God has blessed Reach 42, and I'm looking forward to seeing Him do His part as I'm obedient to His leadership.  Anyone can contact me at jody@salemmethodist.org or call me at (252) 864-6486.

Brigitte Morris

Jody Paramore