Preacher Won Namkoong
I did not want to be a preacher. In my twenties I wanted to be a high official in South Korean government. I never wanted to be a preacher. I pursued my dream to be a high officer in Korean government. I passed the very competitive exam, but I failed at the final interview because I believed in democracy under the dictatorial system in 1985.
God called me to be a preacher while I was praying on a mountain. That was not my happy moment. But I surrendered myself to God and registered in the Presbyterian Seminary in Korea. However, after three months I had to drop out of the school because there was no class due to the demonstration against the Dean of the Seminary. I worked for the power company for seven years. But I couldn’t resist the call to be a preacher anymore.
I am the last one to come to the U.S.A. in my family. My mother and all my brothers and sisters were already in the U.S.A. Second, my younger brother, who was a second year student at Duke Divinity School, invited me to study at Duke instead of in South Korea.
We have been so blessed with wonderful friends and church families wherever we served. Mee Young and I have been in ministry for twenty-six years.
Mee Young and I have been married for 33 years. We have two children and one grandchild.
I went to Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in South Korea for my Bachelor’s Degree, Duke Divinity School for Master of Divinity, then Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. for Doctor of Ministry.
Elaine Tilghman, Ministries Planning Team Leader & Organist
Elaine Tilghman is a native of Erwin, North Carolina, and a life-long member of Erwin United Methodist Church. Elaine graduated from Erwin High School, and received a degree in Secondary Education from Campbell College.
She has served as Council on Ministries chairperson for over 20 years, and as Organist of the church for over 50 years. Music, especially accompanying the Chancel Choir, is one of the greatest passions of her life.
Elaine is married to Johnson Tilghman, and has two children, Winston and Meda and twin grandsons, James and Johnson.
Deanna Keen, Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Deanna is an employee of Harnett County Schools and has served as a Children’s Ministry Coordinator since 2018. She enjoys working with her teammates Gina House, Jennifer Lemon and Kristal Collier to plan various activities and events throughout the year for our wonderful children. Deanna has served as a Vacation Bible School Station Leader for several years.
Deanna is married to Erwin native David Keen. They have two boys, Connor and Zachary.
Gina House, Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Gina House has served as Children’s Ministry Coordinator, along with Deanna Keen and Jennifer Lemon, since 2018. Additionally, she has led Vacation Bible School for several years and teaches the Preschool-K Sunday School class for 3-6 yr olds. Gina’s own children are young adults but she enjoys the connection with the young kids and all the lessons they have to share. Gina is also active in the UMW, serving in various ways.
Gina is a life-long Methodist and moved to Erwin UMC in 2001. She grew up in rural North Carolina on a farm but enjoys living in the town of Erwin close to great neighbors. Gina is a pharmacist at the Veterans Administration Medication Center in Fayetteville, NC. She has 2 children, Kayla who is an Occupational Therapist and Tyler who is studying business at NC State.
Jennifer Lemon, Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Jennifer Lemon is a career public school teacher, who has worked with children with special needs, for over twenty-six years. She is currently employed with Harnett County Schools as an EC Program Specialist. Jennifer is also a life-long Methodist! She grew up in a small rural church in Linden, NC (Parker’s Grove United Methodist Church) where she was active in all areas of the church.
Since becoming a member at EUMC, Jennifer has happily served on the Youth Ministry team and loves working with children’s church. Jennifer is married to Bryan Lemon and they have three children – Seth, Rachel, and Anna Cate.
Kimberly Mason, Treasurer
Kimberly is a retired educator who has served as our Treasurer since 2018. She has been a member of the Erwin United Methodist Church since 1999. She is married to Charles Mason. They have four children and five grandchildren.
Kimberly is also a Stephen Minister and helps with the church Food Pantry.
EUMC Media Team
Bryan Lemon, Media Team Leader
John Dailly, Sound Technician
Abigail Hamby
Wade Hodges
Deanna Keen
Barbara Myatt
Stacey Walsh
