Meet Our New Associate Pastor and Preschool Director

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is pleased to introduce to you two new staff members, Jeremy Arnold and Paige Willhite, who begin their new jobs July 1. Both have excellent qualifications for serving in these vital roles in our church.

FROM JEREMY ARNOLD

Hello new church family! I am so thrilled to be coming to Georgetown First to serve as your Associate Pastor. My wife, Michelle, and I have been overwhelmed by how welcome you have already made us feel through so many emails, cards and Facebook messages. We are so thankful for your messages of encouragement as we enter into this transition.

I am a graduate of both Asburys in Wilmore, getting my BA in Bible and Theology at Asbury College (now University) and then an MDiv at Asbury Theological Seminary. I have been serving as a youth pastor for the past 10 years. First in West Point, MS for 4 years and then the past 6 years at St. Luke in Lexington. Over that time, I have developed a passion for teaching and preaching scripture. I am an extreme extrovert and love to spend time with people. I also like to watch or play basketball and am an aspiring woodworker.

My wife Michelle is the best veterinarian in the state (I may be biased), she loves riding her horse, and reading. Our daughter, Naomi (3) loves horses, ice cream, and Moana. She is also very excited to tell anyone and everyone that she will be a big sister soon! Baby boy will be arriving in early September. Our whole family is so excited to join in with what God is doing at Georgetown First!

 

FROM PAIGE WILLHITE

I am beyond excited for the opportunity to serve as the new director of the preschool and kindergarten here at Georgetown First! I was born and raised here when the church was down on Hamilton Street and was a senior in high school when we moved to our current location. My husband, Chris (Georgetown First member since elementary school), and I were married here in 2002, and have been faithfully attending ever since. Our three boys all attended our preschool and kindergarten when they were younger. Andrew is now going to be a freshman at Scott County High School, Jack will be a 6th grader at Royal Spring Middle and Conner will be in 3rd grade at Anne Mason Elementary. Georgetown First has always been our home!

I have served on several committees over the years and most recently as our volunteer children’s ministry coordinator. It has been wonderful to see how our children’s program has flourished! It’s truly a joy seeing our children grow, both physically and spiritually. In 2009, I began teaching at the preschool and kindergarten in a 3-year-old class and the last 8 years have been teaching in a 4-year-old class. I am passionate about early childhood development and helping our youngest children learn skills to help them be successful as they begin their education.

I look forward to joining this staff and serving these young children. Along with our preschool and kindergarten staff, we will work diligently to ensure our school retains the exceptional reputation it has in our community and that we are fostering and nurturing each child’s developmental growth. Thank you for this tremendous opportunity!