OUR STAFF
Blaine Oliver-Thomas, Pastor
Welcome to Bethany UMC. If this is your first time here, a long-time member, or anything in between; I hope you find this place to be one that radiates God’s love into the world. My name is Rev. Blaine Oliver-Thomas and I am so humbly grateful to be the pastor here at Bethany United Methodist Church. I hope and pray that you find Bethany to be a welcoming congregation, where you can be your most authentic self. We gather together to build our relationship with God and one another; as we strive to be more like Jesus Christ. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, come check us out!
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about making disciples of Christ, enjoying the life that we have been given, and loving people from all walks of life. Blaine is a die-hard Florida State Seminole.
What is your favorite Bible verse? “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Favorite movies? Remember the Titans, Shawshank Redemption, Invictus, and Gridiron Gang
Who inspires you? I have countless mentors and family who inspire me every day, but when it comes to those who are well-known public figures the likes of Bobby Bowden and Mike Martin. Both of these Florida State University former football and baseball head coaches had a huge amount of influence on me as a child, and even now.
What was your first job? My first job, which was not recognized by the government, as a teenager, was an animal and house sitter. My first government recognized job, was being a runner for a private investigator.
What is the most influential book in your life (other than the Bible, of course)? “Running for My Life: My Journey in the Game of Football and Beyond” by Warrick Dunn.
How do you spend your free time? I love to be outside, in God’s beautiful creation with my wonderful wife. I also love to spend afternoons out on the golf course!
Office Manager/Treasurer – now hiring
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Dale Roller, Praise & Worship Leader
Dale grew up on a dairy farm in Weyers Cave with a brother and a sister. The family moved to Weyers Cave when he was 2 so he has been at Bethany most of his life. He started with piano lessons at age 8 and taught himself to play banjo at age 16.
Dale attended Virginia Tech for 2 years studying agriculture, then transferred and graduated from Longwood College (now University) with a degree in Music and a minor in Business. He played music as his main profession for 14 years and became involved in computers while on the road. He works now as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer at Jenzabar in Harrisonburg VA.
What are you passionate about? Music, my family
What is your favorite Bible verse? “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27
Favorite movies? Lonesome Dove (I know, TV miniseries), White Christmas, It’s A Wonderful Life
Who inspires you? My parents: Harold and Carolyn Roller, Dr. Bob Blasch – friend and piano professor from Longwood College
What was your childhood ambition? To be a radio disc jockey, a detective or a musician (not all at the same time)
What was your first job? First job: working on my family’s dairy farm, Kendale Jerseys
First jobs away from the farm: mowing grass one summer at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton, then playing banjo at one of the shows at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg.
What is the most influential book in your life (other than the Bible, of course)? Hard question – When I was much younger, my Mema Myers had some books at her house that belonged to my uncles, a series called the Sugar Creek Gang. I read those (a number of times) and got more as gifts between age 7 and 12. These were stories about boys growing up in the country who had adventures and loved Jesus. I recently reread a number of these books as I was reading them with my son when he was younger.
How do you spend your free time? Listening to and playing music, messing with computers, hanging out with my family, reading.
Youth Director – now hiring
What are you passionate about?
What’s your favorite Bible verse?
Favorite movie?
Favorite movie?
Who inspires you?
What was your childhood ambition?
What was your first job?
How do you spend your free time?
What was your childhood ambition?
What was your first job?
How do you spend your free time?
