Staff
Rev. Ben Wills
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Rev. Ben Wills, PastorRev. Ben Wills is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia, where he majored in Psychology with minors in vocal performance and religion. He began his career in ministry as a youth pastor at Washington First United Methodist Church in Washington, Georgia, and was a small group leader at the UGA Wesley Foundation. While attending seminary, Ben served as pastor in charge at Pleasant Valley UMC in Monroe, Georgia. In 2019, Ben graduated with honors, receiving his Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and was commissioned as a provisional Elder in the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. During his time at Candler, he received two awards for pastoral and academic excellence and was the chosen third-year student preacher for Teaching-Parish Day in Chapel. After Seminary, Ben spent three years serving as the Senior Associate Minister at LaGrange First United Methodist Church and was named to the LaGrange Daily News “Twenty under Forty” in 2020.
For fun, Ben loves spending time with his wife and son, consuming all things sports (especially UGA football…GO DAWGS), golfing, singing, hanging out with his family and friends, and playing with the Wills Family’s beloved miniature dachshund, Copper. Ben’s wife, Sammi, is also a UGA grad and works as a registered nurse at Doctor’s Hospital. For fun, Sammi loves keeping up with college football, baking sweet treats, reading books, and spending time with Ben, Reid, and Copper. In October of 2021, Ben and Sammi welcomed their first child, Reid, who is the light of their lives and a true blessing! You’ll find him running through the pews and always smiling! Ben was appointed as the Pastor in Charge at Marvin United Methodist and Lewis Memorial United Methodist in July of 2022 and was ordained an Elder in Full Connection in the UMC in June of 2023. Ben is enjoying connecting with the Columbia County Community and both his congregations! |
Dianne Masse, Administrative Assistant
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Dianne is a retired Army Sergeant First Class who understands the value of organization and management of the church office and its campus. She brings 24 years of leadership and organizational experience to her position as part-time Church Administrative Assistant.
She also plays Bass for the Columbia County Orchestra, St Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, and other various locations around town. Since 2016. Education: BS in Visual Communications and MBA Management Westwood College, MBA in Management, Project Management and Marketing from National American University. |
Richard Murray, Custodian
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With 27 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. He and wife Kathleen have two sons and a daughter
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Harry Zhou, Pianist
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A young pianist who is expanding his horizons in sacred and contemporary music.
He is classically trained and frequently attends music and math competitions. |
Rachell Lanoue, Nursery Attendant, since May 2024
Jennifer Marsh, Nursery Attendant, since May 2024
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Ginger Gruba, Preschool Director |
Marvin United Methodist Church 4400 Wheeler Road Martinez, GA 30907 706-863-0510 A United Methodist Family of Faith