Meet our staff
Jim
Dustin
Dustin
Jim Parsons, our pastor, was appointed to Milford Hills United Methodist Church in July 2018. This is his fourth appointment in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. His previous appointments were as an associate minister at Hawthorne Lane UMC in Charlotte then as the minister of Trinity UMC in Thomasville
Jim Parsons, our pastor, was appointed to Milford Hills United Methodist Church in July 2018. This is his fourth appointment in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. His previous appointments were as an associate minister at Hawthorne Lane UMC in Charlotte then as the minister of Trinity UMC in Thomasville and Indian Trail UMC in Indian Trail. Jim received a Bachelor of Science in Bible and Religion at Montreat College and a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School.
In 2002, after marrying his high school sweetheart, Alycia, they moved to Mossley, England where Jim served three churches in the Ashton-under-Lyne Circuit for a year. Jim enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, kayak fishing, and playing with their lab, Primrose.
Dustin
Dustin
Dustin
Dustin Shelton has been working at Milford Hills since August 2016. He provides music on organ and piano for Sunday worship. He also has the pleasure of directing the Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir (called the "JoyBells"). He also supervises and recruits our Choral Scholar program, which welcomes students from local colleges to sing in
Dustin Shelton has been working at Milford Hills since August 2016. He provides music on organ and piano for Sunday worship. He also has the pleasure of directing the Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir (called the "JoyBells"). He also supervises and recruits our Choral Scholar program, which welcomes students from local colleges to sing in our choir.
In addition to musical activities, Dustin has also become involved with several other groups at Milford Hills, including Cheergivers, Friendly Neighborhood Club, and even the Youth Group as an adult volunteer.
Beyond his responsibilities at Milford Hills, Dustin enjoys playing piano for the Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society and the Singing Saints.
Vera
Dustin
Blake
Vera Smith, our Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Children's Ministry, began working at Milford Hills in September 2023. Vera Smith grew up in Howell, New Jersey. She received her B.A. in Youth Ministry and Christian Missions from Pfeiffer University. Previously, Vera served as the Director of Children & Youth Ministry at Forest Hill U
Vera Smith, our Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Children's Ministry, began working at Milford Hills in September 2023. Vera Smith grew up in Howell, New Jersey. She received her B.A. in Youth Ministry and Christian Missions from Pfeiffer University. Previously, Vera served as the Director of Children & Youth Ministry at Forest Hill UMC, and then as the Assistant Director of the YeTI program at Pfeiffer University.
Vera lives in Kannapolis with her husband, Travis, and their dog, Henry. She enjoys coaching swimming, running, singing and reading.
Blake
Dustin
Blake
Blake Kehr, our administrative assistant, began working at Milford Hills in July 2018. She grew up in Salisbury, where she attended and graduated from North Hills Christian School. She also attended Rowan Cabarrus Community College, where she received her Associates’ degree as well as a certificate in Esthetics Technology.
Blake has been
Blake Kehr, our administrative assistant, began working at Milford Hills in July 2018. She grew up in Salisbury, where she attended and graduated from North Hills Christian School. She also attended Rowan Cabarrus Community College, where she received her Associates’ degree as well as a certificate in Esthetics Technology.
Blake has been married to her husband, Brad, since November 2020. They live in China Grove with their three pets, Jasper, Sammy, and Norman. In her spare time, Blake enjoys creating art, reading, spending time with friends and family, and horseback riding whenever possible.