WELCOME TO HERITAGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Our Staff
Lead Pastor
Jim Smith
There is a way to know a child of God, redeemed by grace from Calvary’s cross, sent to serve in Ministry to beautiful Saints at Heritage UMC.
While being the oldest child, a father, husband, friend, student, and reflective practitioner, I have been given the tremendous opportunity of servant leadership in adaptive change. If you are searching for meaning, hope, peace, love, kindness, and gentleness, I welcome you to join the journey of a lifetime at Heritage. May the peace of Christ be with you!
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"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4.13
Discovery Band Leader
Don Ogle
I am a native of Southwest Virginia, and received a degree in Music Education from Radford University in 1978. Kathy and I have one son, Matt, and he and his wife have two perfect little boys.
After living in several places in the central and southern Virginia area, our family settled in Lynchburg in 1985. Since joining Heritage church in 2001, I have participated in the contemporary music program before assuming leadership of the Discovery Band in 2016. I really enjoy the new music that is becoming part of the church. I enjoy playing and singing with my fellow musicians and sharing with the Heritage congregation and those that listen online.
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“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12.12
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Choir Director
Mike Patch
I joined the staff of Heritage in 2024 and serve the church as their director of traditional music and church pianist. I was born in Richmond, Virginia, and continue pursue to my passions in church music and photography. After receiving a Bachelor of Music Education, a Master of Church Music, and being ordained, I have worked as a Minister of Music at several Virginia churches.
Since 1995, I have worked as a freelance professional photographer. I currently specialize in full-time corporate and residential photography and teach classes in various areas of photography and drone work.
I love fishing, piano improvisation, handbell ringing and music transcription.
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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Business Administrator
Cindy Harding
I like to spend time with family and extended family. I enjoy swimming and boating at Smith
Mountain Lake. My family can often be found hosting cookouts and games of Corn Hole or
Dominoes with friends. Our family likes to travel – and I have been lucky enough to visit most
U.S. States and many other countries.
I have lived in Lynchburg my entire life. Graduated from Brookville High School and earned a
B.S. in Mathematics from Lynchburg College. I have been an accountant for the United
Methodist Church since 1993 and was hired by Heritage in 2006. I love being in ministry here.
Working with numbers and ministry at the same time is my “sweet spot”. I am thankful for God’s
grace in my life.
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“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
I have been a member of Heritage since 1986, after I was invited to a church service by a good friend. I am a widow, mother of 3 grown sons, retired nurse, and some pretty special grandchildren call me Nannie. I’ve owned a home based Monogramming and Embroidery Business since 2013, and I love making beautiful things.
​I have a miniature schnauzer named Cooper that thinks he owns me!
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"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!" Lamentations 3.22-23
Office Administrator
Dianne Foster
I grew up in Charlotte, NC. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies at UNC-Greensboro. My husband, Ken, and I met at a student Bible study, and moved back to his hometown of Rustburg after we got married. Our three now-young-adult children are all graduates of HUM Preschool. Over the years, I have worked with children through public school, church, and volunteering. I joined the Preschool staff in 2017, and became the Director in the summer of 2023. My family enjoys reading, hiking, camping, and supporting local sports together.
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“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3