Rev. Tara Lain, District Superintendent
Tara Culp Lain was born and raised in Wilmington, NC. She graduated from Hoggard High School and Peace College and received her B.A. from UNC-Chapel Hill. She completed her MDiv at Duke Divinity School.
Prior to becoming a District superintendent, Tara served as the pastor of Trinity UMC in Wilmington. Over the years, she served in youth and children’s ministry, program ministry, as minister of visitation, and as the Volunteer Ministries Coordinator at the Hinton Rural Life Center in Hayesville, NC.
Tara is married to Rev. Doug Lain, who serves Wrightsville UMC. They have three children: Olivia, Emily, and Everett.
Ashley Kennedy, Beacon/ Sound Administrative Assistant to the DS
Ashley was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina in the small town of Bethel. She attended the Bethel United Methodist Church and remains a member of that church along with her husband, Matt, and two daughters, Ava and Elizabeth.
Ashley attended East Carolina University where she earned her undergraduate and Masters Degrees in Education. Upon graduation, she began her career as an educator with Pitt County Schools for the past 15 years.
Ashley is excited about working with such a wonderful team and serving others.
Kim Rice Smith, Lay Leader
I am a believer in taking church outside of the building and into the schools and neighborhoods where people need to see the presence of Christ in each of us. Along with my husband Larry, we are part of a family business that has served our hometown for over 50 years.
In my spare time, I write a LOT and most often about my faith. I am the author of four books and a daily faith-filled blog. It’s my therapy and one of the ways I share my messy servant heart with others as I try to grow in my relationship with Christ.
My strangely weird and eclectic life is an example of the beauty that can happen when we simply follow where Christ leads. I have learned to just buckle up and let Him use me for His glory!
I am excited about this path as District Lay Leader for the Sound District. I pray for your grace as I find my way in His service.
You can reach out to Kim at [email protected].