Our staff

Reverend David C. Collins March 15, 1963

Hey y’all! I have the honor and responsibility to serve and lead as the pastor of Homer UMC. This is a great church and a warm and wonderful group of family and friends and we could use a few more like you! I want to invite you to come worship with us anytime. Know that there is always room at the table. If you want to get to know me and my ministry here at Homer UMC come on out and give us a test drive anytime. Visitors are always welcome, and guests are invited to stay! In other words if you don’t find God’s love here shame on us!

I am a provisional elder of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. I was born at Piedmont Hospital in downtown Atlanta. I am the youngest of 4 siblings. I have two older sisters and one older brother. I consider myself a country boy with a big heart for children and youth! I married my high school sweetheart Melanie M. Collins (after dating for 7-1/2 years). We have been married for 36 years and have two sons, Wesley M. Collins who is married to Taylor and Kyle A. Collins. Melanie is a retired elementary school teacher. We also have three dogs that are a part of our family Isabella, Duke, and D’Artagna (all rescues). I grew up in the church with Sunday school, VBS, Choir, Youth, and Bible study. I entered the ministry after following God’s call in 2002 as a local pastor serving New Hope UMC in Atlanta for 2 years, Crossroads UMC in Conyers for 2 years, and Martha Brown UMC in Atlanta for 4 years, Philadelphia UMC in Conyers for 8 years, and now Homer UMC for the past 4 years. I was an electrician for 21 years before going into ministry. I am a graduate from Shorter University BBA 2011, and a graduate from Candler School of Theology, Emory University MDiv. 2016.

I love being outdoors in the sunshine!!! I enjoy camping, singing, playing games, gardening, and making things with my hands. My favorite candy bar is a big fat Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup! My favorite drink is a big cool glass of water (best out of the good steam). When I grow up, I want to be just like Jesus! If you see me out and about you should see me in my signature red tennis shoes (or socks). They help remind me that I am blessed and honored to be walking in the blood of Jesus as I humbly share God’s love with everyone! I am called to spread the joy of God’s word, and make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world. My favorite scripture text is Matthew 5:14-16. Be the Light my friends and share His love with everyone you meet!

Blessings Y’all!
David

Dianne Cheek Church Secretary 2002-Present

I was raised in Homer and attended Homer Methodist as far back as 1966! Then, I went away to high school in Atlanta, away to college in Virginia, and away for 9 years in Seattle before moving back to homer in 1988 to be closer to family. In 2002, I became the Children & Youth Director here a Homer Methodist and served in that position for many years. I also started what was to become known as Sisters of the Heart Bible Study. We’ve been meeting now for about 18 years and loving it!

After retiring from kids and youth, music has become more my passion. I was there at the start of the Chancel Choir and have been in charge of music at Homer Methodist for many years now. I’ve been blessed to do Easter and Christmas productions. And I loved the new adventure last year of filming our production. That was such an amazing adventure. I started the handbell group in 2008- we all learned together since I had never played bells. And finally I grabbed a ukulele and joined Three Chords and A Prayer!

In my time off, I am a volunteer for Get Real Ministries in charge of the clothing ministry and gathering toys for the Community Christmas giveaway. That takes most of my spare time. Otherwise, I’m home with Aussie, Harley, Blackie and 6 cats- 5 of which were rescued from Sycamore Street.

These are the verses that saved me when life got difficult and I still love them.

Psalm 23: 1 The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want.

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and we are called according to his purpose for them.

My name is Debbie Wilbanks and I am the Children’s Director here at Homer Methodist Church. In 2008, I retired from Banks County Primary School as a second grade teacher. In 2019, I was given the opportunity to serve as the Children’s Director here at Homer Methodist.

I am married to Tim Wilbanks and we have two grown sons, Zach and Matt. We have been members of Homer Methodist since moving to Banks County in 1997. Our boys grew up in this church and attended youth activities. My husband and I were active in the youth programs as volunteers. Our sons and their families are also active members here at Homer Methodist. Zach is married to Brandy and they have three children, Annabelle, Abram and Amelia. Matt is married to Brianna and they have two children, Riley and Anna. Being a Nana is THE BEST. GOD IS GOOD!

Being a former teacher gives me the skills I need to plan and implement curriculum for the children. However, being the Children’s Director was not something I was planning to do. God had a different plan! Working with the children is one of my greatest blessings.

I would love for your child/children to be a part of “Kids Corner” which is our Wednesday night children’s program. We also have Sunday school and Children’s Church for this age group.

Psalm 107: 1 “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever".” I truly believe no matter our circumstances- GOD IS GOOD All the TIME!

Harmony Seahorn, Youth Director 2019-Present, Homer Methodist member since 2002

I became a member of Homer Methodist when I was pregnant with my daughter Hailey. Not being a native of Banks County and with no family close by, this church has become our family. I am originally from Homestead, Florida, born and raised. I went to the University of Florida and have a BS in Animal Science. Hailey and my son, Lane have grown up at Homer Methodist and I am thankful to God every day that he have us this church family of loving, godly people. My kids have been able to see true followers of Christ, spreading the good news and loving people. I have been active in the Wednesday night program at Homer Methodist ever since Lane could start going at 3 years of age and I have been there ever since. I have loved helping the kids learn and see the love of Christ. My #1 activity/hobby is “momming” or as Hailey calls it, being a Momager. I knew from an early age that my calling in life would be being a mom. That calling has extended to being a coach, scout leader, and church youth teacher/leader. My other hobbies include fitness and exercise. I also enjoy binge watching whatever show has my interest with our 70+ pound lap dog, Lincoln and cat, Blackie when I have some free time.

Colossians 3:23-24 has always spoke to me as a reminder of our responsibility to work hard at all that we do, not to be rewarded on earth but because of the reward of eternal life and the deliverance from sin we have already gained thanks to Jesus Christ.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”

Hi, my name is Dixie Merck. I have been blessed to have three children. I am now a Grandmother of five and a Great Grandmother of four. I operated a state licensed day care business in my home for 10 years. At that time day care for woking moms was hard to find in the Homer area. So, I decided to get licensed and took First Aide and CPR training. Years later when Homer got the 911 Center, I was certified as a 911 Dispatch Operator. In April of 2014, Brother Jim McLendon, asked me if I would be interested in the position of Nursery Director here at Homer Methodist Church. Brother Jim indicated they needed someone with experience to take of the little ones. I accepted, and continue to enjoy taking care of the little ones.

I am from Hartwell, GA and I have been married to Dennis for 42 years this past July. We have two children, Dean Brown and Deanna Glenn. We have three grandchildren, Graycie Glenn (14 years old), Gunner Glenn (7 years old) and Bristol Brown (8 years old). I am employed at Pinnacle Bank and have been there for 28 years. I came to Homer Methodist at the request of Nancy Sullivan in January of 2004 to fill in until they could find someone and I have been here ever since!!!!