Meet the team.
Rev. Gary Heaton
Senior Pastor
Gary Heaton and his wife Beth met over 40 years ago at Camp Highroad, a United Methodist Church Camp in Middleburg VA. They were married in 1983 at Christ Episcopal Church in Winchester VA and have three daughters, two sons-in-law and three grandchildren. Beth is a graduate of the College of William & Mary and The University of Virginia; Gary is a graduate of High Point College and Wesley Theological Seminary. They both have worked in Outdoor Christian Education and are advocates of Creation Care as a key form of devotion in Christian discipleship. The grandson of a Methodist Minister, Gary's life was shaped and nurtured in the Wesleyan spirituality of holiness and discipline. Music and singing and storytelling are gifts that Rev. Heaton has been blessed to share throughout his ministry, and he has served congregations of all sizes and in a variety of settings. Rev. Heaton is committed to the inclusive ministry of a connectional church and calls his congregations to be agents of transformational love and grace to all people. His calling to Word, Sacrament and Order, as an Elder in the United Methodist Church is grounded in his love for the Body of Christ in all its forms.
Pam Brannon
Administrative Assistant
As Administrative Assistant for Kernstown United Methodist Church, I welcome the opportunity each day, to greet, welcome and serve the community, congregation, and work areas of our Church. My strong faith is enriched each day. I see this not so much as a job but as my ministry to share God’s love. My career path includes many years of administrative work. I worked in manufacturing as well as healthcare and educational fields. My educational background is in Information Systems Technology with Programming and Systems Analysis and Network Engineer Specialist. I was able to leave full-time employment after my son was born and was fortunate to work part-time for many years. I enjoy worship, bible study and fellowship at my other churches. I enjoy family time, music, the ocean and beach. I volunteer with many local agencies, my HOA community and enjoy helping out at the Patsy Cline Historic House. Blessings to you all.
David Landrum
Director of Music Ministries
David Landrum is thrilled to be a part of the Kernstown UMC staff as the Director of Music Ministries. Growing up in the Methodist Church and constantly mentored by his grandfather, a church pianist of Georgia and the wonderful music ministry and leaders of his home church. He became the church pianist of Conyers First United Methodist Church and also helped out his grandfather with his church, Tallulah Falls United Methodist Church. Upon moving to Winchester, Va he studied at Shenandoah Conservatory receiving his Bachelor's of Music in Musical Theater Accompanying. He has a great passion for musical theater as well as sacred music and can be found in his current residing city of Fredericksburg working with University of Mary Washington and Riverside Center of the Performing Arts. He loves to share the love of God through music and carry on the legacy of the gift of music that was passed down to him and the talent that he has been blessed with. Thanks to all of the wonderful people of Kernstown UMC and for the love and support of friends and family.