STAFF - Bob Swan
Position: Director of Student Ministries Email: tinhead45@hotmail.com
Where were you born? Albemarle, North Carolina
When were you born? 11/7/54
What about your family? Daughter Shelley 26, Son Wesley 20 Missionary and guitar player, Son Brady 18 poet and drummer - Pam is my lovely wife of 28 years. She is a second grade school teacher at Galatas Elementary, an incredible gardener, Beth Moore junkie, and cancer survivor
What are some artists/bands you currently like? Neko Case, Coldplay, Johnny Cash, Radiohead, Drive By Truckers, Kunek, Ryan Adams, The Byrds and T Rex
What television show can't you miss? Hardball with Chris Matthews
If you could only eat one thing from now until Jesus comes back, what would that be? Grilled Chicken Salad
What are your favorite movies? Almost Famous, Godfather 1 and II, A Hard Days Night, Walk The Line
What are you scared of? Clowns
Do you have any pet peeves? Apathetic people
If you could spend a day with anyone in history? My Father - he died when I was just 10 years old
3 places you've been: Prague in the Czech Republic, Haiti, London
What books have influenced you the most? The Bible, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson, Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, The Hurried Child by David Elkind
What is the one scripture passage that is closest to your heart? Colossians 2:6 - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness
Who has had the most influence on your life? My wife, my children, my Mom and high school teachers - Mary and Charles Swanner
What is one thing nobody knows about you? I met Ozzie Osborne at a Black Sabbath concert in Charlotte N.C. when I was 17 years old.
What is one thing you hope to do in the near future? I want to take my boys to the Rock-n-roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio
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STAFF - Tom Gwaltney
Position: Senior High Minister Email: tgwaltney@twumc.org
Where were you born?
Chicago, but I don’t have many memories from the 2 months I lived there.
When were you born?
January 19, 1987.
What about your family?
I have a beautiful wife, Lisa, whom I dated for over 6 years before we were married. I met her in my freshmen English class at McC – when it was a high school. Marriage was probably the best decision I ever made, and I bet if you ask her, Lisa will tell you she’s glad to be on Team Gwaltney. I’ve also got one little brother (Dillon) just so happens to be a best friend as well, one mom and one dad. They live just outside of Richmond, VA. My mom is a high school administrator and my dad is retired FBI.
What are some artists/bands you currently like?
I will always like – Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Wilco, M. Ward, David Bazan, Taylor Swift, and Sufjan Stevens.
What television show(s) can't you miss?
LOST, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights
If you could only eat one thing from now until Jesus comes back, what would that be?
Steak fajitas from Lupe Tortilla.
What are your favorite movies?
1. I am Legend, 2. Lady in the Water, 3. Hook And as a general rule, I really like sports movies; I am a real sucker for underdog/Cinderella stories and for some reason I feel like sports movies portray those the best (i.e. Rudy, Might Ducks, Invincible).
What are you scared of?
Nothing… also snakes and (lately) electricity (lightning, live wires, etc), or maybe that’s just a healthy respect.
Do you have any pet peeves?
I have a lot of pet peeves… one of them is people who have too many pet peeves, and also keeping ridiculous double standards.
If you could spend a day with anyone in history?
LeBron James.
3 places you've been:
I have been to Paris, Toronto, and Madrid. Those are pretty much the only foreign ‘International Cities’ I’ve visited.
What books have influenced you the most?
The Guiness Book of World Records.
What is the one scripture passage that is closest to your heart?
I have always had a healthy jealousy for people who know what their “life verse” is: THE verse that is always close to their heart. I don’t have that- I have never had one passage that has always been tattooed on my heart and my sleeve. One story that always seems to come back again and again in my life is how Jesus reinstates Peter at the end of the Gospel of John; Peter has point-blank denied Jesus 3 times in a row, and after Jesus returns from death, He deliberately seeks out Peter and says, “Come and have breakfast” (v 12). To me, that invitation to breakfast means that Jesus will always seek us out – if we’ve denied Jesus 3 times or 30 times: he still saves us a seat for us at His breakfast table.
Who has had the most influence on your life?
My dad. I guess that is the role of a father in his son’s life – to be the biggest influence and the role model – I’m just lucky that I got a great one of whom I’m proud. If I end up with half the heart my dad has – I’ll be set.
What is one thing nobody knows about you?
I have only admitted this to a handful of people: I am addicted to Bert’s Bees lip balm.
What is one thing you hope to do in the near future?
I would love to be a published author – I’m pretty sure I don’t have the ability or the follow-through, but I would love to have something I wrote published
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STAFF - Zach Hendricks
Position: Worship leader Email: zhendricks@twumc.org
full name: Zachary Frank Weldon Hendricks
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STAFF - Lisa Gwaltney
Position: Sr High Assistant Email: lgwaltney@twumc.org
Where were you born?
Midland, Tx
When were you born?
Feb. 16, 1987
What about your family?
I am married to the most wonderful husband in the world, Tom. We tied the knot in January of 2009 and have been having so much fun ever since. My parents also live in the Woodlands with their dog, Toby. And I have a brother, a sister-in-law, and a brother-in-law.
What are some artists/bands you currently like?
Taylor Swift, Bill Malonee, John Cougar Mellancamp, and almost anything from the 80’s
What television show(s) can't you miss?
So You Think You Can Dance
If you could only eat one thing from now until Jesus comes back, what would that be?
That’s a tough choice between spaghetti and Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Fro yo.
What are your favorite movies?
The Notebook, Funny Face, Sabrina (anything with Audrey Hepburn) and Footloose
What are you scared of?
Crabs and Lobsters
Do you have any pet peeves?
People abusing their knowledge of my crab “phobia.”
If you could spend a day with anyone in history?
Jesus, even if it seems obvious
3 places you've been:
I have lived in Shekhou, China; London, England and Denver, Co (my favorite!)
What books have influenced you the most?
1 John
What is the one scripture passage that is closest to your heart?
Romans 1:6 or all of 1 John
Who has had the most influence on your life?
Tom, my husband who has been my best friend since we were 15
What is one thing nobody knows about you?
I have two boxes of stuffed animals that I can’t get rid of.
What is one thing you hope to do in the near future?
Get a puppy!
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STAFF - Jim Pendleton
Position: Junior High Minister Email: jpendleton@twumc.org
Where were you born?
Bloomingdale, Indiana
When were you born?
March 2, 1983
What about your family?
I'm married to my childhood best friend, Amanda. We chased each other on the playground at recess since 2nd grade! We have two awesome kids, Lanie and Gabe, who always keep us on our toes. Most of our extended family lives in Illinois, including both our parents and siblings.
What are some artists/bands you currently like?
Coldplay, John Mayer, The Fray, John Mellencamp, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz
What television show can't you miss?
Now that LOST is over I'm looking for new shows.... I've always liked Seinfeld, King of Queens, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Heroes. I secretly dvr my favorite cartoons of X-Men and Spiderman (just don't tell my wife).
If you could only eat one thing from now until Jesus comes back, what would that be?
Coconut shrimp! Seafood is my favorite kind of food.
What are your favorite movies?
Transformers, A River Runs Through It, Gladiator, The Incredibles, The Dark Knight, LOTR trilogy, Aliens triology
What are you scared of?
Snakes! I freak out.... even if they're fake.
Do you have any pet peeves?
I have a lot of pet peeves when it comes to driving.... when people don't use turning signals, drive under the speed limit, and when people don't wear seat belts.
If you could spend a day with anyone in history?
Michael Yaconeli
3 places you've been :
Some favorites are skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado. Fishing the Davidson River, North Carolina. Rafting near Rogers, Ohio.
What books have influenced you the most?
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity . Frank Peretti, This Present Darkness . Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel .
What is the one scripture passage that is closest to your heart?
Ephesians 3:14-21. This passage was huge in my faith formation as a teenager, and still is!
Who has had the most influence on your life?
My parents hands down. Their love and support has always been a huge part of my life.
What is one thing nobody knows about you?
I use to have a fear of purses.... I can't explain it, its weird. But Amanda has broken me of it since we've been married. I go into relapse from time to time...
What is one thing you hope to do in the near future?
Learn how to ride a motorcycle!
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STAFF - Shelby Lowell
Position: Student Ministry Logistical Engineer Email: Slowell@twumc.org
Where were you born?
Bay City, Texas
When were you born?
October 21, 1969
What about your family?
My husband, Steve, and I met at Southern Methodist University in 1989 and have been married since 1992. We have four children: Clayton (a sophomore at TWHS), Adam (a freshman at TWHS), Emma (First Grade) and Audrey (Kindergarten)
What are some artists/bands you currently like? Francesca Battistelli, Kenny Chesney, Jason Mraz, Steven Curtis Chapman, U2, Amy Grant, Colbie Caillat
What television show(s) can't you miss?
Friday Night Lights, Next Food Network Star, Project Runway, Cupcake Wars, Say Yes to the Dress
If you could only eat one thing from now until Jesus comes back, what would that be?
.Chuy’s chips and Jalepeno Ranch Dip
What are your favorite movies?
Steel Magnolias, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Up, Jerry McGuire, Rudy, When Harry Met Sally, Sound of Music
Do you have any pet peeves?
People WHO KNOW that the right lane of Research Forest at 45 is right-turn-only and wait until they are right beside me (who has waited through three lights) to cut in line! Also I’m a little neurotic about having the eggs in a carton be symetrical and I will throw out an egg if I can’t make it look right.
If you could spend a day with anyone in history?
I really miss my Mamaw, who used to go to church with me here at TWUMC and passed away in January of 2009. I would love to have another day with her (and she’d get the Chuychanga at Chuy’s while I ate my chips and dip!)
3 places you've been:
Manila, Philippines; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong, China (right before it was turned over to China)
What books have influenced you the most?
The Bible, Pray Big For Your Child by Will Davis, The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan, Great Families Don’t Just Happen by the Garcia-Pratts
What is the one scripture passage that is closest to your heart?
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! Ephesians 3:20-21
Who has had the most influence on your life?
Having children has been the most life-changing thing I’ve ever done. My kids have made me who I am.
What is one thing nobody knows about you?
I have moved 15 times in my life, I belt out opera around the house AND I love to decorate the house for Christmas!
What is one thing you hope to do in the near future?
Institute a regular date night again with my husband – something we should have never given up!
Shelby Lowell
Student Ministries Administrative Assistant
(281) 297-5940
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STAFF - Caitlin Bailey
Position: Jr High Assistant Email: Cbailey@twumc.org
Where were you born? Haverhill, Massachusetts. I moved to The Woodlands in the middle of 3rd grade.
When were you born?
June 18, 1987
What about your family? I have 3 wonderful brothers. Matt is 2 years older than I am, Daniel is 4 years younger and Ryan is 11 years younger. These guys keep life exciting and I am proud to say that thanks to growing up with all brothers, I can throw a mean spiral and Indian sunburns are my specialty! Haha! I also have 2 parents, Glen and Melissa, who are the definition of amazing (to say the least). My family means a ton to me. These 5 people are my best friends in the whole world.
What are some artists/bands you currently like?
Depends on the mood. But I will ALWAYS be in the mood for TAYLOR SWIFT! Currently, I like Dave Barnes, JJ Heller, Kings of Leon, Keith Urban, The Gabe Dixon Band, Jon Foreman, Ray LaMontagne. I like running to Muse and studying to U2.
If you could only eat one thing from now until Jesus comes back, what would that be?
Fro Yo!!! (Frozen Yogurt)
What are your favorite movies?
The Stupids, The Holiday, Enchated, Willy Wonka (the old one), and ALL CHRISTMAS MOVIES.
What are you scared of?
Being kidnapped and heights. You will never see me on a ropes course. Oh, also, I guess I’m not really SCARED of this but… I hate touching cotton balls! They give me the shivers!
Do you have any pet peeves?
Yes. When people smack their food.
If you could spend a day with anyone in history?
Taylor Swift
3 places you've been:
I have been lucky enough to travel quite a bit, but I’ll list my favorite places that I’ve been. First, Disney World- I could go over and over again and I don’t think I could ever get sick of it. Second, Banff (Canada)- This is where I learned how to snowboard. I think it’s quite possibly the most beautiful place in North America. Third, Hawaii= paradise. I’ve been twice; 2 different islands, both wonderful. I’d go back.
What books have influenced you the most?
The Gospel of John, Crazy Love by Francis Chan, and The Cat in The Hat by Dr. Seuss (it was my first book to read so I’d say it was QUITE influential, eh?)
What is the one scripture passage that is closest to your heart?
Well, different scriptures are closest to my heart during different seasons of my life. Right now, the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man, at the beginning of John 5, is what has been pressing lately. The miracle itself is quite amazing, but there is a more nonchalant (yet BEAUTIFUL) lesson being taught through this story. Jesus went to the pool where are the sick and crippled people hung out. His disciples followed him. Now, this doesn’t seem like a big deal, but picture this… Jesus is headed into one of the most disgusting, smelly places and he asks you to come along. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also extremely scary because you know that if just one person with leprosy touches you, you could also get leprosy and be stuck in a place like this for the rest of your life- away from all your friends, your family, and everything that you know. The disciples knew that very easily, their lives could get very ugly. Yet, they trusted Jesus and followed Him where He led. Jesus doesn’t always lead us where it’s safe and comfortable. He loved his disciples very much, yet he led them to places that weren’t safe or comfortable time and time again. Because they followed Jesus where He led them, they were able to see and experience His miracles, His love and His sovereignty. Because they trusted Him, they were able to live their lives with Him. I want that.
Who has had the most influence on your life?
Probably my littlest brother, Ryan. He is 11 years younger than I am, but he has such a big heart! He reminds me that I am loved every day, but also reminds me that I have a bigger purpose- to share Christ with the world through the way that I love. He see’s the world in a different way that anyone I’ve ever known. He see’s the broken, but has hope for redemption. He is my best friend and my biggest cheerleader (he’d hate for me to call him that though! Haha!)
What is one thing nobody knows about you?
If I told you, I’d have to squirt you in your ear with easy cheese!
Just kidding. I tried out for an Aaron Carter movie when I was 16. My mom had to drive me all the way down to The Galleria for auditions. The part I was trying out for was to chase Aaron around the mall like a crazy person. The movie fell through and I’m still not a movie star.
What is one thing you hope to do in the near future?
Go to India.
