Central United Methodist Church

Reverend Stacey Lundy arrived as the Senior Pastor at Central in 2025. Stacey taught High School Biology after earning her Bachelor of Science degree in biology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. While in a graduate Biology degree program at Wake Forest University, God called her to ordained ministry. She earned her Master’s degree and began seminary at Duke Divinity School two weeks later in 2013. Stacey served as a student pastor in Durham before graduating in 2017. In Western North Carolina, she has served as Associate Pastor at First UMC Salisbury and as Parish Director for the Anson Cooperative Parish. She was approved for ordination in 2020, and, thanks to the pandemic, ordained the summer of 2021. Stacey helps serve in leadership in the Western North Carolina Conference as a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry and co-chair of the Dismantling Racism Task Force. Stacey and her husband Kevin love live music, good food, and exploring new places (like our National Parks!). Stacey views her life work as being an agent of connection: connection to God, to self, to ideas, one another. She would love to connect with you, and love for you to connect with Central!

Jillianne is an experienced Christian educator with more than 20 years serving in ministry. With a passion for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, she loves creating safe, welcoming spaces where young people can grow in faith, ask big questions, and discover who God has called them to be. Outside of ministry, Jillianne enjoys Mexican food, flip flops year-round, and coaches volleyball. She’s also a proud mom of a 20-year-old son who lives in Denver, CO, and a 12-year-old daughter who keeps life full of energy and joy. Jillianne is excited to call Central UMC home and looks forward to sharing life and faith with this community.

John was born in Norcross, GA, studied piano and organ at the University of Evansville, and has served at churches in Indiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina. He grew up in Mt. Carmel UMC in Norcross. John teaches piano lessons to all ages and is a member of Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble. In addition to music, he also enjoys getting outdoors on foot, kayak, and bicycle, learning about history, and of course eating good food.

Donna serves as the Choir Director for the Chancel Choir. She joined the music team at Central in 1994. She received her Bachelors of Music Education in Choral Conducting from Winthrop University. She studied choral conducting with Dr. Robert Edgerton and former Oratorio Singers of Charlotte Director, the late, Dr. Mary Nell Saunders. Currently, Donna is also the Director of Carolina Voices’ Festival Singers, serving there since 2004. She was a singer with the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte for twenty-five years as well as the Associate Conductor for the last ten of those years.

Brenda received her Bachelor’s Degree of Sacred Music from Spring Arbor University in Michigan. Her major instrument was the organ, but she began her love of handbells at that time under the direction of Tim Munier. In 1986, she moved to North Carolina with her family and did a short term at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church as their music director before returning to college to study education and earn a M. Ed. The organist and handbell director at Central UMC realized Brenda was looking for a new church home and invited her to join the handbell choir, where she played for several years before accepting the organist/choir director’s position at Jackson Park UMC in Kannapolis. Eventually the strong music program at Central drew her back “home,” and she returned to sing in the choir and, of course, ring handbells. In 2025, the Wesley Ringers asked her to take on the director’s role, which she enjoys very much.

Amy was born in Chicopee, Massachusetts, the youngest of six children. In the early seventies, her father retired from the US Air Force and her family returned to NC where both her father and mother grew up. After completing her high school education, she attended Rowan Cabarrus Community College where she received an Associate Degree in Nursing in 1986. She worked at Rowan Regional for over 20 years with experience in cardiac, medical-surgical, orthopedic, obstetrics, ICU, CCU, and geriatrics. Amy eventually worked in the Outpatient Surgery Department as the Charge Nurse prior to coming to Central where she currently serves as the Faith Community Nurse. When not working, Amy loves to spend time with her husband Ricky and their five grandchildren. She also loves to fish, play tennis, sing, and play the piano.

Melissa is the Office and Communications Manager at Central UMC. She is the daughter of Central UMC members Karen and Wayne Johnston. Melissa, along with her husband Mitchell, daughter Emery, and puppy Rory, live here in Concord. Melissa received her Bachelor's Degree from UNCW and a Master's Degree from UNCC. She has an extensive background in operations, administration, and HR roles. Melissa's hours are Monday - Thursday, from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Caimile has been with Central since 2014 as a member of the congregation and volunteer before joining the staff in 2021. After graduating from NC State in December 2024 with a B.A. in English: Rhetoric & Professional Writing and minors in Spanish and Anthropology, she now works full-time for Global Citizens Initiative as Program & Communications Coordinator. Caimile continues to serve Central through her remote role in digital communications and is glad to support the church however she can!

Keith serves as the Facility Manager at Central. He retired from Jones Lang Lasalle/AT&T data center in 2018 and brings with him a wealth of practical knowledge. He has been married to his wife, Gina, since 1979. They have one daughter and three grandchildren who live in Indiana where his son-in-law teaches law at Indiana University. Keith’s hobbies include propagation and gardening.