Fred Carpenter, Pastor

Fred was born in Albemarle, NC in 1958. The only child of Fred & Gracie Carpenter, he was raised in Ansonville, NC and graduated from Bowman High School in 1976 where he met the woman he would marry 21 years later.

After high school, Fred attended Wingate College in Wingate, NC and received his BS degree in 1980. Between 1980 and 1995, Fred had several jobs including law enforcement, hard wood lumber inspector & Corrections Officer. After receiving a call to ministry in 1995, Fred was appointed to the Grace/Dix Creek charge in the Asheville District. In 1999, Bell UMC was added to this charge. During this appointment, Fred started and completed his Master of Divinity Degree from Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, S.C.  He was ordained an Elder in 2003. Fred was appointed as Pastor of Francis Asbury UMC in 2003.

His love and excitement for Christ has encouraged our congregation to be all they can be for Christ and his kingdom. Fred leads our Bible Study, Confirmation class, sings in our choir and fills in wherever there is a need. Fred is not afraid to get his hands dirty and is a hard worker in our church. He goes beyond the call of duty and genuinely cares and nurtures us. Fred is our Family Fun Night champion with only 1 loss since his arrival.

He and his wife Renee, have been married for 13 years.  Renee is a Registered Nurse who has been employed by Mission Hospital since 1998. She is currently the Nurse Manager of the Operating Room. They have three children, Matthew & Kelly-who are at Western Carolina University & Carrie, who is a Junior at Greensboro College. They reside in the church parsonage in Candler, NC.

Danya became our Administrative Assistant in 2002. She is a 5^th generation member of Francis Asbury. Danya is a blessing to our church by leading our Youth Group, Treasurer of our FAB Women’s group along with numerous other volunteer positions. Danya lives in Candler, NC with her husband, Allen, and children, Tyler & Kaylee.

Glenda Faye Shook

Glenda Faye became our Custodian in October 2004. Glenda Faye is a 4^th generation member of FAUMC.  Glenda is in charge of our kitchen, worship chairperson, and various other duties that she enjoys doing for her church and for God.  She lives in Candler, NC with her husband, Dan.

Randy Cox

Randy has been our Music Director since 1996. His love for music and Christ is contagious. Randy is also a Sunday School Teacher and active participant in the United Methodist Men. He lives with his wife, Lori, in Hendersonville, NC.

Jamie became our Organist & Choir Accompanist in August 2005. His has wowed us with his amazing talent and zest for life. Jamie has been playing the piano since age 3 and has been playing in church since age 16. He is a tremendous asset to our worship service each week and we are thankful for his presence with us. Jamie comes to us from Cashiers, NC but now lives in Hendersonville, NC.

Jenny became our Nursery Attendant in April 2004. She provides a fun, Christ-centered environment for our infants & toddlers. She is also President of our FAB Women’s group. She lives with her husband, Brenning, and boys, Bryce, Spencer & Haydn, in Candler, NC.

Sharon has been with us for over 10 years. Due to Back troubles, she had to discontinue being our Nursery Attendant back in the spring of 2004. Sharon recently rejoined us this summer and alternates months with Jenny Shook. Sharon's love for the children of this church is so evident. And we are so thankful to have her help again.

Amy is the newest edition to our church staff. She shares the nursery responsibilities and even keeps nursery during Bible Study and our Wednesday Worship Services which is such a blessing. Amy is wonderful with children and they just love her too. Thank you, Amy! You're a life saver.