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Doug Hyndrich - Pastor

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Doug was appointed to Rich Creek FUMC in June, 2008 and has served as a pastor for 22 years.  Doug graduated from Pocahontas High School in Pocahontas, VA in 1986 and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree from Bluefield College in 1992.  Furthering his educaton, he graduated from the Advanced Course of Study School at Duke Divinity School, Duke University in July, 2003.  In June 2007, Doug was Ordained an Elder by Bishop James Swanson at the annual gathering of Holston Conference in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.

Pastor Doug grew up in a United Methodist parsonage and has served as a pastor in both the Wytheville and Tazewell Districts of the Holston Annual Conference. 

In April, 1996, Pastor Doug married Lorie Ann Dixon, formerly of Union, West Virginia.  Lorie received her Associate's Degree in Radiologic Technology from Bluefield State College and is currently employed at PrimeCare-12 as an X-Ray Technologist.  Lorie is very active in the life of the church and currently gives the children's sermon each Sunday.

Pastor Doug and Lorie are avid sports fans.  Their favorite teams include:  Duke Blue Devils;  Atlanta Braves;  and the Pittsburg Steelers.  In their spare time, Doug and Lorie enjoy playing softball, bowling, and riding their 1999 Honda Goldwing SE 1500.

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Shirley Richardson - Jr. Youth

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The "Rock Club," a Sunday night youth group, held its first meeting at Rich Creek FUMC on the 18th of September, 2005.  Feeling led by the Holy Spirit to begin this ministry, I soon became passionate about preparing a place and offering a time to join together to study, learn, and understand salvation and have a personal relationship with God.

We took our name from Matthew 7:24, "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock."  Our group soon became a real family and grew so rapidly that our room overflowed.  On May 16, 2007, we divided the youth into a junior and senior group.

Through much prayer and by God's will, I am more passionate today than ever before to do all in my power to make a difference in the lives of young people.  I want the youth to have a personal relationship with God and know that he can save us from this world and give us a full and abundant life here on earth.  To study God's word, discover his truths and promises and to know that God is always with us are goals that we work toward.  We are hungry to hear about God and find strength in having faith in him.

Be assured, that this relationship with God and these young people has taught, encouraged, and strengthened me, and kept me on the right path to eternal life.

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Tina Ogden - Sr. Youth

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My family joined the membership of Rich Creek FUMC in 2006.  Having four children, the youth fellowship we found here was certainly a factor in our decision.  We found the Rock Club to be a wonderful group of young people truly interested in learning about God and His Word.  I began working with the youth by teaching the high school Sunday School class.  In the fall of 2006, Shirley asked me to assist her with the Rock Club.  After prayerful consideration, I agreed and became part of the Rock Club.  In the Spring of 2007, with an overflowing room, God placed in our hearts the desire to form the Jr. Rock Club.  At that point, I became the leader for the Senior group.

The Rock Club is committed to the theme verse from Matthew 7:24, "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock."  First we "listen" to what God has to say to us through studying the Bible, His "teaching;"  not only that, but we must "follow."  Along with learning God's Word, our youth are also developing valuable Christian friendships.  They are together to encourage and pray for one another.

God has given me the desire to see these youth grow into the Christian young men and women He wants them to become.  My husband, Glenn, is my assistant in the Sr. Rock Club, and these youth have all become "our kids."

Harold is in his second run as Custodian of Rich Creek FUMC.  He takes his responsibilities very seriously and makes sure the church is always clean and ready for worship or any other program or activity that has been scheduled.

Although Harold is only asked to put in 10 hours per week, he puts in much more and can be seen during the week and weekend making sure everything is just right.  When asked how he is doing, his reply is always, "I feel like I'm 12 years old."  That is an important point given that Harold is 82.