Rev. Cole Altizer
Pastor Cole is originally from Charlotte, NC where he was born and raised. He moved to the mountains in 2007 to attend college at Brevard College. He met his wife, Lindsay Altizer, playing tennis at Brevard. Cole and Lindsay moved to Tuscaloosa, AL where Cole worked and they both received Masters degrees.
Pastor Cole started ministry in 2014, serving a church in Fayetteville, GA while attending seminary at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. In 2016 the Altizer’s moved back to the mountains to serve two churches in Rosman and Brevard, NC. Cole’s most recent appointment before Maggie Valley UMC was in Charlotte as the Associate Pastor for Providence UMC’s Contemporary Worship service.
Cole and Lindsay are thrilled to be living in the mountains of Western NC again. They feel like Maggie Valley is home. They are hopeful and excited for the ministry in Haywood County and beyond as they serve alongside the folks at Maggie Valley UMC.
Cole and Lindsay welcomed son James in 2021! They love to play golf, tennis, hike, and play with their dog Aly and cat Raya. Pastor Cole is passionate about being the church in a world that needs the great news of God’s love for all people.
Belinda Marr
Belinda Marr is the MVUMC Administrative Assistant. She has served as the Childcare Director at Long’s Chapel UMC from January 2020 until November 2021. She retired from the Haywood County School System in December 2019 after 32 years of service. She has a Master’s in Elementary Education and Administration from Montreat College.
Belinda is married and has two daughters, Mekayla and Tracy. Her husband Steve, is an accountant at Western Carolina University. Some of her favorite things to do are hiking and spending time with their dogs, Chloe, Izzy and Daisy. She has recently started doing some crafting and making wreaths.
We welcome Belinda!
Janice Rogers
Janice Rogers is our church organist. Playing since the age of 10, she has been a church musician her entire career. She plays the piano and organ and sings. Born in Haywood County, she returned in 2008 to live here permanently. Janice plays the organ every Sunday at the 11 o’clock service.
Rev. Mike Shirley
Rev. Shirley brings decades of church experience to MVUMC and will serve part-time as our new Assistant Pastor. Rev. Shirley will be responsible for working alongside Pastor Cole in general pastoral duties. He will serve in Sunday morning worship and help with the organization of the church as well. Mike will serve as the “pastor in charge” while Pastor Cole is out on Paternity Leave this summer. We are incredibly grateful for Mike and look forward to what God will do in and through he and Sue.
Recent Comments