Walnut Grove UMC welcomed Rev. Laura Dunlap as its new pastor as of July 1, 2020.  Rev. Dunlap has been in ministry for over 14 years with experience in a variety of settings.  She is excited to be serving Walnut Grove UMC!  Pastor Laura looks forward to seeing how the Holy Spirit will continue to move at Walnut Grove.  She enjoys preaching and equipping laity to serve in ministry.  In her spare time, Pastor Laura enjoys spending time with family, seeing what new adventures are on her horizon, and trying out new restaurants for takeout.

Email:  ldunlap@nccumc.com

Amanda has been the Director of Christian Formation since January 2017. She is an Orange County native who grew up on her family's farm in the Orange Grove community. Her favorite part of the job is working with the youth. Witnessing teenagers worship Christ and gain an understanding of the Bible is worth every sleepless lock-in and prank-filled trip. During her spare time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her 2 nieces and 3 nephews. Due to the fact that Amanda tragically killed an aloe plant from neglect several years ago, she's chosen not to have children or pets at this time.  

Email:  madodson1407@yahoo.com

Leigh has served as the Music Director at Walnut Grove UMC since June 2001.  She provides leadership to the Sanctuary Choir (adults), Hallelujah Choir (children) and various instrumental groups. She also leads the music for the  Contemporary Worship Service which includes the Praise Band and Singers. Originally from the foothills of North Carolina, she has served in several capacities such as organist, accompanist, choir director and pianist for a campground ministry (complete with a snake). As a former elementary school nurse in the Orange County Schools, Leigh's favorite part of the job is working with children. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, swimming and taking care of her 2 grandsons as well as her 2 dogs, Petey and Daisy.

Email:  leighmcfalls@gmail.com

Kim is the newest member of the staff, joining the WGUMC family in January of 2021.

She is an Orange County native, having grown up in Hillsborough.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family. She most enjoys time with her 2 children and 3 grandchildren. 

Email: walnutgrovemethodist@gmail.com

Lorraine has served faithfully at Walnut Grove UMC as the organist since 1975. During a portion of this time, she also served as choir director and accompanist.  She is a former middle school music teacher and program coordinator for at-risk children in the local school system. In addition to her musical duties at church, Lorraine is currently a local realtor. One of her spiritual gifts is that of  evangelism and she loves to be a witness to all she meets. She grew up on the family farm in Hurdle Mills near the church with her 3 brothers, one of which is her twin. She has one son, James.    

Email:  lorraineparker53@yahoo.com

Amy Brown is serving Walnut Grove during the summer of 2022 as a resident Duke Divinity School Intern. Amy is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree with the future hope of completing doctoral work and teaching in a seminary setting. Outside of her work at Walnut Grove and Duke, Amy runs her own business as an audio engineer and enjoys Barre classes, rock climbing and cuddling with her dog Tater Tot.

My name is Sydney Feil, and I am originally from Indiana. Before I pursued academics, I was a fine dining contemporary American chef in Florida, Georgia, and California. As I grew in my Christian faith, I wanted to pursue an education with the vision of teaching children about God from the Bible. So, I received a Bachelor of Religion at Vanguard University in Southern California. As am continuing this vision and I am currently in my third year at Duke Divinity School, working on my Master of Divinity. My goal when I finish my degree is to work in an elementary, middle, or high school setting and become a Biblical Studies teacher or children’s chaplain. In my leisurely time I have enjoyed playing golf, running, and gardening.