Our team
Pastor Gretchen
Greetings! I am Rev. Gretchen Nelson, a Virginia native whose faith journey and call to ministry led to my ordination as a United Methodist elder in 2000. A Duke Divinity School grad, I am passionate about creating worship experiences which engage all ages with God’s presence, and walking alongside people as they discover how God has gifted and empowered them to connect in life-giving faith and service. Listening to people’s stories, providing spiritual direction, preaching, and teaching bring me joy. My best friend Mike and I met at Virginia Wesleyan University and married in 1995. He too is a Virginia native and works with Feed More in Richmond. We share our home with two felines Sofia and Fiona (rescue Torties). Together we delight in a really good cup of coffee, movies, music, playing games, time with friends and family, and exploring locally & by travel. Both of us find laughter invigorating!
Fun facts: I write Haikus, love photography, and I’m a steampunk fan!
“God has told you, O Mortal, what is good and what does the Lord require of you. … to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.”
-Micah 6:8
Office hours: Monday -Thursday 9AM-1PM
Susan Duty, Music Director
I am a lifelong member of Gum Spring UMC. My husband Brad and I were married here 32 years ago. We have two grown children. Our daughter, Kimberly, is married and resides in Roanoke with her husband Adam. Our son Coleman also lives and works in Roanoke. I adore my white fluffy pups, Lily and Bo, enjoy spending time with my mother, who is also a member of GSUMC, and love sharing my love of music with my piano students, outside of my work at church. I am a graduate of Radford University, as is my son Coleman, while the rest of our family are all VT Hokie alumni.
Office hours: Sundays & Wednesday evenings
Sydney Hawk, Youth Leader
Hello, Gum Spring UMC! My name is Sydney Hawk and I am honored to serve as the Youth Director. I graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2021 where I studied Psychology. I work full time in Human Resources, training and developing talent.
Ever since I was in our youth group, it has been a dream of mine to lead a youth group one day. During that time God has challenged, developed, grown me and led me back here to Gum Spring. It is an absolute privilege to serve as a youth leader for the first time in the place that has helped foster my relationship with Christ. I believe that a youth group should be a safe and fun environment, one that allows students to ask questions and grow in their own relationships with Christ. I am overjoyed to welcome students in this place! Please reach out with any questions or ideas.
Office hours: Sunday mornings & evenings
Melody Tanner, Director of Outreach & Contemporary Worship
Get connected
Our weekly e-newsletter and prayer list are our primary means of communicating with the church. To sign up for one or both of these, please email office@gumspringumc.org.
Where are we?
We are located at 191 Cross County Rd, Gum Spring, Virginia, 23065, at the intersection of US 522 (Sandy Hook Rd/ Cross County Rd and Three Chopt Rd (Rt 634).
From Goochland: go North on US 522 (Sandy Hook Rd). We’re on the Left, just at the Louisa county line, before you get to Three Chopt. If you miss the first entrance, turn Left on Three Chopt Rd and Left again on Peter’s Way.
From Louisa or Bumpass: go South on US 522 (Cross County Rd). Cross I-64 and go Straight at the flashing red light at Broad St. The Church is just ahead, on the Right, at the corner of US 522 and Three Chopt Rd (Rt 634).
From Hadensville: go East on US 250 (Broad Street Rd). Turn Right at the flashing red light in Gum Spring. The Church is just ahead, on the Right, at the corner of US 522 and Three Chopt Rd (Rt 634).
From Oilville: go West on US 250 (Broad Street Rd). Turn Left at the flashing red light in Gum Spring. The Church is just ahead, on the Right, at the corner of US 522 and Three Chopt Rd (Rt 634).