Upcoming Events
Our Ministry Staff
Rev. Dr. Ken Ray - Senior Minister
Ordained a United Methodist minister in 1975, Dr. Ken Ray has served in local churches for thirty years. He attended Young Harris and Lagrange colleges, and received a Master of Divinity degree in 1977 from Candler School of Theology. In 1994 he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.
He has served a variety of churches during his ministry, and has special interests in local church renewal and preaching. He has a passion for communicating the gospel in a positive and encouraging fashion, using common human experiences and humor to share the story of Jesus. He and his wife Debbie have three children: Chris, Marla, and Jonathan. He came to Sandy Springs UMC in June 2009, after serving Loganville First UMC for three years, preceded by seven years at Dallas First UMC. He invites you to become an active part of our great church. To email Ken, click here.
Rev. Chris Barbieri - Minister of Discipleship
Chris began his ministry at Sandy Springs in 2005. A long-time Systems Analyst in the IT field, Chris felt the call to full-time ministry and left his career for seminary in 2002. He was ordained as a Deacon in 2009. Chris works as a catalyst in many of our ministry areas. He has a passion for discipleship and enjoys helping people see the relevance and importance of Scripture in their everyday lives. Chris' wife, Dr. Jennifer Barbieri, is a critical-care pulmonologist. To email Chris, click here.
Sandra Dixon - Children's Director
Sandra is a native Atlantan and brings a deep love of children to her ministry. After a professional career and several years as a full-time mommy, she spent nine years as a preschool teacher. Three of those years were spent teaching in our Preschool. Then “Miss Sandra” became our Children’s minister in 2005. She is loved by our children as she shares the love of Christ with them through our Children’s ministry. Sandra and her husband, Dale, have three children. To email Sandra, click here.
Nancy Nadolski - Preschool Director
Nancy arrived as Preschool Director in 2003. Her talent, enthusiasm, and cooperative spirit have enhanced our Preschool as a caring, church outreach program. Nancy’s love of children and her commitment to enhance their spiritual growth are excellent. Nancy feels a close connection to our community as she has lived in Sandy Springs for 29 years. Nancy and her husband, Bob, have four children and one granddaughter. To email Nancy, click here.
Lisa Nagy - Director of Leisure Ministries
Lisa began her ministry at SSUMC in 2010. She has a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from Michigan State University. She has more than seven years of experience managing and leading recreational activities in Colorado, working with both local governments and non-profits. An accomplished athlete herself, Lisa is responsible for developing and directing programs such as basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, summer camps, and after school programs for children, as well as fitness and enrichment opportunities for adults of all ages. Lisa loves working with children of all ages and adults alike. To email Lisa, click here.
Woody Talley - Music Director
Woodrow Wilson Talley has been a church music director for thirty-four years, taking his first church position at the age of seventeen. He has been with Sandy Springs United Methodist Church since 2001. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Church Music from the University of Montevallo with Organ as the performing medium. He had an additional emphasis in baroque music, pre-baroque music, and early keyboard instruments. In addition to his SSUMC responsibilities, Woody is also a professional accompanist. Woody is married to the former Judy Bell; the couple has one daughter, Lauren, and lives in Dallas, Georgia.
Other Staff
| James Clinkenbeard | Facilities Director | |
| Fran Fuller | Preschool Administrator | |
| Ann Hladilek | Church Administrator | |
| Kathleen Schoenblum | Finance Secretary |
