Staff

REv Elizabeth Ackerman, pastor

Rev. Ackerman was a local Atlanta pastor and seminary student before her full-time appointment to lead the Marvin faith community in 2010, The Winter Haven, Fla., native brought with her a 30-year career in education that included directing the community relations efforts of two school systems as well as a lifetime of working with the youth in her church. "Pastor Elizabeth" is a representative of the North Georgia Annual Conference on the Georgia Pastors School Board of Directors.
Family: She and her husband Phillip have two sons
Education: BA, Hampton University; Master of Education, Georgia State University; Master of Divinity, Candler School of Theology

Kira Dittfurth, music director

Kira earned her bachelor's degree in music from Augusta State University and her master's from  Middle Tennessee State University. Kira has been a part of the Marvin family for quite a while. In fact,  she grew up here: "My first jobs were at Marvin, the first church choir I was in was Marvin’s, I dedicated my life to Christ in Marvin’s youth group, and I married the love of my life in the Marvin sanctuary. I am excited to give back to a church that has given me so much."

Jeremy Froebel, Pianist

Jeremy currently attends Evans High School. He has been acting and singing since elementary school and also plays the piano and guitar. He enjoys several different music genres, but is partial to classic rock and Christian music. Jeremy has had the opportunity to perform at the Augusta Arts In The Heart Festival and the Spring and Fall/Holiday Music Festival at Augusta Regional Airport, and has also been the accompanist for the Greater Augusta Youth Theatre.

Ginger Gruba, Preschool director

Dianne Masse, administrative assistant

Dianne is a retired Army Sergeant First Class who understands the value of organization in the church office. The native of Syracuse, N.Y., joined the service after high school and worked in satellite communications with the Army Signal Corps. She brings 24 years of leadership and organizational experience to her position as part-time Church Administrative Assistant. She takes naturally to facility rental, oversight of keys and repairs, and softens it all with a love for oil painting.
Family: Husband Michael
Education: BS and MBA, Westwood College. Currently pursuing an MBA in Project Management from National American University.

Richard Murray, Custodian

With 17 years at Marvin, Richard is our most senior employee. As the part-time Custodian, he has watched many generations grow from childhood to adulthood. With his precision and keen observation of the needs of people, Richard is the glue that holds the weekly activities of the church together. He is a native of Augusta and long-time employee of Richmond County Schools.
Family: He and wife Kathleen have two sons and a daughter

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Lay Leaders

Jennifer Byrd, Lay Leader

A native of Baltimore, Md., Jenn was raised with the teachings of both Baptist and Pentecostal doctrines. In high school, she had a profound experience with the United Methodist Church and decided to learn more about the denomination when she reached adulthood. She has been a member of the UMC since 1996 when she joined Loch Raven Church, a multicultural community of faith. There, she was a Lay Member to the annual conference as a district youth and young adult leader and Sunday school superintendent. She later joined the staff as programs coordinator and youth director. She also started the contemporary worship service which evolved into the blended worship that continues at Loch Raven today. On moving to Augusta, Jenn searched for a similar multicultural experience. Although her initial encounter with Marvin was disappointing, that changed as she listened for the promptings of the Holy Spirit and continued to attend. A member since 2012, she has served both children/youth and adult Sunday school, finance and stewardship ministries, Vacation Bible School, and the hospitality ministry. Her passion is to serve and she is humbled and excited to join the Marvin leadership as Lay Leader.
Family: A son who lives in Baltimore
Favorite verses: Phil 4:12-13 and Psalm 91

Sandy Leathers, Church Council Chair

Sandy is a self-described Yankee, born and raised in Michigan. She followed her husband, who was in the US Army, across the country for 35 years. They eventually settled in Augusta, and joined Marvin over 20 years ago. She first became a Trustee, then 3 years later was asked  to be the Church Council Chair. The Trustees, finance, and  other committees report to the Council which is made up of committee chairs who decide on the direction of the church. As the head of Boomers and Beyond, she also plans events such as lunches, shows, tours, and seminars, for the seniors. Sandy took on the responsibility of the  scholarship program (funded by the annual golf tournament) about 5  years ago. She also leads the Fuel Program which in the summer provides lunches to children during the week and during the school year, provides food for the weekend. Says Sandy, "I guess when it's all for the Lord, it's not a job and everything has a place in my schedule."

Marvin United Methodist Church       4400 Wheeler Road        Martinez, GA 30907       706-863-0510        A United Methodist Family of Faith