Aaron Tolbott of Dover, Delaware became the Youth Director of Thomson First UMC in June 2011. Aaron is 23 years old and single. He grew up in Pittsburg, Pa. He and his family worshiped at Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park, Pa. Aaron received a degree in Economics in 2010 from Grove City College in Grove City Pa. He played four years of varsity football at Grove City College. Aaron has served as a Youth Ministries intern with the Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church in Dover, DE for the past year. He has also served as camp counselor, worship team leader, and program director of several summer camps. He plays the guitar and plans to lead the Café Praise contemporary worship team. Aaron is committed to passionately serve youth and their families so that they might come to know the transformational love of Jesus Christ.
After Aaron arrives and is settled in a bit, he will have the opportunity to update this information and provide you with some insights into his ministry calling.
Jeanie has served as Director of Music at TFUMC since August 2010 after having served as Organist and Director of the Canterbury Choir since 2006 and participating in the music program at TFUMC since 1975. She studied Music Performance and Music Education at the University of Texas and graduated from Augusta State University with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education. She has appeared as a soloist with the Augusta Opera and the Augusta Symphony and served as music teacher at Briarwood Academy for over 20 years. While at Briarwood, Jeanie produced 10 Broadway musicals and she has also directed musicals at the Washington Little Theatre in Washington, GA. During her teaching career, she was a two time recipient of the State of Georgia Star Teacher award. She is married to David Joesbury, Sr. of Thomson, and is the mother, mother in law, and grandmother to Jack and Stephanie, little Jack, Leslie, Harrison and Dave.
"The music ministry at Thomson FUMC is an opportunity to teach children and adults to discover that they have musical and dramatic talents which can be used to worship and praise God and that praising God in this way is a joyful and exciting expression of His love. I am grateful to Him for the opportunity to serve this faithful congregation!
Dale Hesse, Organist & Assistant Director of Music Ministries
Dale grew up in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. He studied the piano for 10 years at home, beginning at age 7. He graduated from from Thiel College in Greenville, PA with a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry. During his time at Thiel, Dale also studied music with Dr. Marlowe Johnson, Dr. Edward Kasouf and organ with Mr. Lee Dettra and the Rev. Eugene Harmony. He was a member of the Thiel Choir and served as its Vice President and President. Dale traveled extensively with the Thiel Choir on numerous domestic and 3 international concert tours.
After college, Dale earned a Master of Sacred Music Degree with a concentration in organ from Wittenberg University in 1975. In addition to his course work at Wittenberg, Dale performed a graduate recital, directed the University Handbell Choir and sang in the Schola Cantorum, a men’s liturgical choir that regularly sang for services at the University Chapel. He studied organ with Dr. Frederick Jackisch and music composition with Dr. Jan Bender. After graduate school, Dale studied organ privately with Dr. Donald Wilkins at Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh.
Over the years, Dale has served as a Music Director and Organist in numerous churches in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Since moving to Evans, GA, 12 years ago, he has served churches in both Georgia and South Carolina. Dale directs The Wesley Ringers, the handbell choir at Thomson First.
