Staff and Leadership
Reverend Brian Erickson, Senior Pastor brian@alabasterfumc.org
Brian came to First UMC of Alabaster in June 2009, having served the last decade as a Chaplain to two Methodist universities. As a college Chaplain, Brian taught classes in Wesleyan theology, Christian liturgy, and led service-learning classes to Harlem and Chile. He is a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, and the author of The Theological Implications of Climate Control: Reflections on the Seasons of Faith (Cowley, 2005).
Brian and his wife Mollie have three children and a golden retriever. In his spare time, Brian enjoys cycling, building craftsman-style furniture and doing his part to ensure that broken-down cars will remain that way.
Reverend Denise Mullaney, Associate Pastor denise@alabasterfumc.org
Denise Mullaney is Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Alabaster. Denise moved with her family from Texas to Birmingham at the age of 10, and she considers Alabama to be her home. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) from Birmingham- Southern College, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and a Master of Divinity (MDIV) from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
Denise has extensive experience in pastoral care and counseling and most recently served as Chaplain to a children’s hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Before coming to Alabaster, Denise served as Assistant to the Bishop for the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church for 3 ½ years.
Denise is married to John Mullaney, who is also a United Methodist minister in the Birmingham area. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Maggie and Lucie.
Stephen Benefield, Associate Pastor for Outreach srbenefield@hotmail.com
Prior to being appointed as Associate Pastor of Outreach to FUMCA, Stephen and his wife Kim had been members of the congregation since April of 2008. Soon after joining the church, their son Rhett was born.
Stephen is a graduate of Jacksonville State University (BA, Communications) and is currently working on his Master’s of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary.
Outside of work, he enjoys baseball and writing short autobiographies.
Jack Moseley, Pastor of Worship and Youth jack@alabasterfumc.org
Jack grew up in Roanoke, AL, the oldest of four children. His parents are Dr. and Mrs. Phillip J. Moseley. He is married to Lisa Gardner of Trussville. They have three children: Gardner, Danielle, and Jaclyn. Gardner and his wife Stacy live in Trussville and serve in the ministries of First United Methodist Church of Trussville.
Jack attended Handley High School and was active in the music programs there as well as other school activities. He received his BA degree from Jacksonville State University in Music Performance in 1978 before entering into full-time Youth and Music Ministry.
Jack has served in the following United Methodist Churches: Ashland First, Tuscumbia First, Roanoke First, Gadsden Central, Bellevue in Gadsden, Taylor Memorial, Discovery and Trussville First. He also served for a short time at Clay Assembly of God.
Jack has served as Music Minister in the Traditional Worship Setting, Youth and Children’s Minister, Resource Leader for several Youth Retreats, organized several Youth Choir Outreach Trips, served in both Junior High and Senior High Camping Programs, written and directed several dramas for the church setting, as well as served as Worship Leader in the Contemporary Worship Setting.
Richard Searson, Traditional Worship Leader richard@alabasterfumc.org
Richard Searson joined the staff in May 2011 as Traditional Worship Leader and chancel choir director. Although a native of Savannah, Georgia, he considers himself an Alabamian, having lived in the Birmingham area for almost 30 years.
Richard holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Church Music from Shorter College, Rome, GA, and a Masters Degree in Church Music & Christian Education from Scarritt College in Nashville, TN.
Involved in music ministry for many years, both part-time and full-time, Richard has served churches in Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Richard is married to Shelia and they have two adult children, Matthew and Meredith.
In the business world, Richard is a corporate trainer. He loves to travel, read, and is an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan.
Jane Cornelius, Executive Ministry Assistant jane@alabasterfumc.org
Jane Cornelius is a North Alabama Sand Mountain native. She and her husband Charles have lived in the Birmingham area for the last 16 years. They have one grown son, Richard Adams.
Jane is a graduate of St. Bernard College (BA, Secondary Education/English) and Jacksonville State University (MS, Education). In 2003 she retired after 28 ½ years of teaching high school English in the Albertville City and Shelby County school systems.
Before coming to the staff at FUMCA in June, 2009, Jane worked for four years as the Executive Assistant to the Senior Pastor at Christ Church United Methodist, where she and her husband are members.
When she is not working, Jane loves traveling, antique shopping, music, and theater. An avid reader, she enjoys couch time with her cat, Skippy.
Janae Pelham, Church Secretary janae@alabasterfumc.org
Janae Pelham is a true Floridian, born and raised in Pensacola. The youngest of four children, her father was a Navy pilot and her mother was a homemaker. Janae and her husband Scott moved to Alabaster in 2006 after his retirement from the police department. They have one married daughter and four grandchildren who still live in Pensacola.
Janae was raised Lutheran and attended Redeemer Lutheran School. She converted to Southern Baptist after marrying her husband, Scott. They are members of a local Baptist church.
With a background in finance, Janae has served several churches in the capacity of financial secretary, as well as church secretary. She has been employed with FUMCA since January 2008.
Janae loves to sing, and participates in church choir and Sweet Adeline’s International. She also has a passion for little children, elderly, and all those in need.
Liz Benniger, Director of Children’s Ministry liz@alabasterfumc.org
Liz Benninger was born in Auburn, Alabama and moved to Birmingham, Alabama when she was three years old. She and her husband have lived in the Alabaster area for the last nine years. They are the proud parents to one son, Gage.
Liz has had an extensive background working with children for the last 15 years. Prior to joining the FUMCA staff in January 2011, she was a Preschool teacher, and she served for over five years at Christ Church United Methodist as The Director of Nursery-4K Ministries. She has a true love for teaching children the word of God and enjoys being part of a child’s journey with God.
When not at work Liz enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and traveling.
Jeannie Walls, Director of Preschool kw1152@charter.net
Jeannie Walls is a native of West Virginia and has lived in Birmingham for the last five years. She attended both Marshall University and West Virginia University, and holds an MS inEducation, and is also a registered dietitian. Jeannie is a certified principal and was a private school director in West Virginia.
She is married to K.C. Walls, and they are the parents of two grown children, Kent and Sarah.
Will Walker, Facilities Manager
Will is a retired contractor, who spends his time now keeping First Methodist Church’s physical plant in tip-top shape. He also worked as an educator for over two decades. Will’s gifts in construction, teaching, and project management make him an important asset of the church’s team of staff.
Will now makes his home in Tuscaloosa, and when he is not at the church, he can usually be found cheering on his beloved Crimson Tide at just about every athletic event sponsored by the University of Alabama.