Pastor

Daniel was born in Laurel and attended West Jones High School and Jones County College. He graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in English. He then obtained both a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree. Daniel has spent most of his years in ministry in north Mississippi, but he and his wife Kris, also a West Jones graduate, are glad to be back home in Laurel. They have three daughters -Sarah, Elizabeth, and Kathryn. In addition to his passion for serving the church, Daniel enjoys golf, fishing, and attending sporting events.

Youth Ministry Director

Kris was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a graduate of West Jones High School, Jones College, and The University of Texas, El Paso. Kris has worked most of her life in the legal field, serving as a real estate paralegal. Her dad was a pastor, and she has always been active in church life, teaching children and youth, leading vacation Bible school, conducting backyard Bible clubs, leading children’s choir, and playing the piano and organ. Kris is married to Daniel Hathorne, and they have three daughters. Kris enjoys attending football games, playing the piano, reading, and spending time with her family.

Sanctuary Choir Director

Charlie Hardee currently resides in West Hattiesburg and is originally from Waynesboro. Charlie attended William Carey University, earning a BS in Business with an undergraduate concentration in church music. He later earned his Masters of Business Administration from William Carey University and Master of Public Health from the University of Southern Mississippi. Currently serving in a bi-vocational role, he is employed full-time by Hattiesburg Clinic and works part-time at Laurel First Methodist Church as the Sanctuary Choir Director. Charlie is married to Abby and they are the proud parents of two boys, Tripp and Wils.

Charlie loves music and has served in various churches since 1996, as a worship leader, piano accompanist, and choir director.

Church Secretary

Business Administrator

Cathy is originally from Moss Point, Mississippi. She and her husband, Anthony, have been married for 33 years and have two grown children. As Business Administrator for Laurel First MC, she handles all accounts payable, accounts receivable, all areas of payroll, and works closely with the church finance committee for budgeting and reporting the church financials. She is also responsible for church member contributions. Cathy enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Media Coordinator

Robbie grew up in Vancleave on the coast and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in May 2023 with a degree in Media and Entertainment Arts with an emphasis in Video. As media director, he handles all social media pages & website information and creation, as well as the live streaming equipment and production for Sunday morning service. Outside of church he enjoys going to the movies and spending time with his family and friends.

Food Service Coordinator

Andy was born in New Orleans, the youngest of six. His passion for cooking and creativity comes from his talented mother, Nancy Regal Cavnar. Andy grew up in Houston, (surrounded by everything from Jewish delis, and Chinese restaurants to barbecue and steak houses. Not to mention the seafood from the gulf.)Three years ago, he met the love of his life, Diana. Moving to Mississippi is a dream come true for them. Diana is a cradle Methodist, and Andy is coming along. Andy says, "I love cooking, and I love watching people enjoy good food." His philosophy is simple: "Life's too short, enjoy!"

Church Maintenance

Jeremy began his role in church maintenance with LFMC in Jan 2022. He is originally from Shelby, OH but grew up in Myakka City, FL. Jeremy enlisted in the US Army straight out of high school and served a distinct career spanning 20 years. He retired from active duty in the summer of 2010 and served as a government contractor for the US Navy Weapons System Support Branch for the past 11 years. He has been married to his best friend and wife for over 30 years and has two beautiful daughters: Heather and Ashley. Jeremy earned his Master of Arts Degree in Logistics Management in 2013 from American Military University in Charles Town, WV. After spending prolonged stints away from home and his family Jeremy was increasingly yearning for a more stable profession that allowed him the opportunity to spend more time with his wife and family. Jeremy was presented with an opportunity to serve a worthwhile cause once again with the added benefit of being able to see his family every day. Jeremy enjoys spending time with his wife, being in the outdoors, and collecting sports cards.

Church Housekeeping

Tara started her role as housekeeper for LFMC in the summer of 2021 but previously worked in the nursery on Wednesdays and Sundays since the spring. She is originally from Cortez, FL, and has been blessed to have been married to her best friend and husband for over 30 years. Together they share two amazing daughters; Heather who is 28 and lives in Clearwater FL, and Ashley who is 26 and currently resides in Laurel. Tara has been part of the workforce in the field of Veterinary Medicine. She most recently worked as a hospital manager for a large veterinary hospital in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. After moving around to multiple duty assignments with her husband’s active-duty military career, she yearned for a more permanent and long-term place to call home. God provided an opportunity for Tara and her family to relocate to Laurel. Tara and her family feel extremely blessed to be here working with such wonderful people in helping to maintain such a historic and beautiful church.