STAFF
Dedicated, compassionate, and faithful, Mt. Zion's ministry team ensure that parishioners are provided meaningful, substantive experiences for drawing closer to God.
REV. DR. DEBORAH L. FRYE – Senior Pastor
Pastor Debbie has served congregations in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina during her 27 years of parish ministry. Her favorite part of being a pastor is sharing the lives of all the beautiful people that she meets in her congregation and beyond its walls. She enjoys encouraging her churches to grow in discipleship by bringing God’s call into every moment of their daily lives. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys discovering new ways to connect people who love nature with God. She also loves to outreach to those who are looking to reconnect with God after a time away from Christian community, a period of doubt, or a personal crisis.
Pastor Debbie grew up in Hickory, NC, where she also attended Lenior-Rhyne University. She met her husband, James while attending Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC. While serving congregations in Virginia, she attended Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond and received her Doctor of Ministry.
Away from the church, you will find Pastor Debbie swimming at the YMCA in Conover, paddleboarding on Lake Hickory, finding ways to connect with friends and family, and enjoying the news, books, and puzzles.
TIM WARREN – Organist
A native of Hickory, NC, Tim Warren has served as Mt. Zion's organist since July 1978.
Tim received his organ instruction at Lenoir-Rhyne University under Larry Lowder and was on staff at LRU for 12 years, serving for eight years as rehearsal accompanist and organist for the University Choir. He was also rehearsal accompanist and organist for the Catawba Valley Community Chorus for 15 years.
Tim has played many fine organs in the US, including those at Washington National Cathedral and the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
TAWNY HOMESLEY – Director of Music & Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Tawny serves as Director of Music and Children's Ministry Coordinator at Mt. Zion. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in sacred music and religious studies from Lenoir-Rhyne University, and a MSM (Master of Sacred Music) degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN.
Tawny believes that ministry is about relationships and that music is foundational to faith formation. She lives in Hickory with her husband, Nick, and sons, James and Blake.
Her most beloved Bible verse is Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”