Meet Our Staff
DREW BREWER
PASTOR
Drew Brewer, a Jackson native, came to Forest Heights in July 2020 after retiring from full-time ministry in the Memphis Conference. Drew graduated from the old Jackson High School and went on to attend Southern Methodist University, Lambuth College, and Memphis Theological Seminary.
Before entering the ministry, Drew was the program coordinator at the Jackson Mental Health Center. His interests include writing poetry, reading, fishing, camping, and playing Duplicate Bridge. He is a loving father and grandfather (just ask him about his grandson!)
BETTY LYONS
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Betty Lyons, administrative assistant at Forest Heights, began work at our church in 2008, but Betty has been working in Methodist churches since she was a young girl helping her mother at Hayes Avenue Methodist Church. She has served churches in many positions, from dish washer to nursery worker to administrative assistant. Betty came to Forest Heights after a 30-year career with the UT Extension Service. She has also worked as a school crossing guard and security guard. One of her most interesting assignments was to guard Kellye Cash as she competed in the Miss Tennessee pageant. In every endeavor, Betty has served with a heart of love for people. When you meet her, you will understand why she is a valuable member of the staff at Forest Heights UMC!
ELAINE JONES
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Elaine Jones began as music director at Forest Heights UMC in 2008 following a full career as a church and school musician. She began her college work at Union University, received her BS in Music Education from Tennessee Tech, and completed her MS in Music Education at Delta State University. Elaine taught music in school systems in Mississippi, Georgia, and Arkansas before returning home to Jackson where she retired from the Jackson-Madison County school system after 25 years as a middle school band director and elementary school music teacher. She is an accomplished instrumentalist, currently playing saxophone in the community jazz band. In addition, Elaine has worked with several churches, directing both adult and children’s choirs, helping others worship God through music. Currently, Elaine leads the chancel choir and the Tapestry ensemble and invites anyone interested in serving the church through music to become active in the music ministry at Forest Heights.
SANDY THOMAS
PIANIST
Every Sunday morning, Sandy Thomas provides beautiful music as part of the worship experience at Forest Heights. She introduces each service with a specially prepared prelude, leading us into a time of worship. Sandy accompanies the Chancel Choir and the Tapestry ensemble in addition to offering her solo pieces. She gives generously of her talent and time as she selects and practices her music, but, if you compliment her on her gift, you will usually hear, “It’s not me, it’s God.” We are fortunate at Forest Heights that Sandy allows God to use her and her God-given talent to praise Him through music.
CAROL BRYANT
CUSTODIAN
Carol Bryant has been working at Forest Heights as our custodian for 8 or so years, becoming a staff member soon after joining Forest Heights as a member. You will find her cleaning, straightening, and maintaining the building with care. But Carol does so much more! She is a behind-the-scenes type worker. She delivers our Blessing Box donations to various Blessing Boxes around town so that our donations are where they are needed most. She also reaches out to our homebound members, assisting them in whatever way they need her. And have you wondered who decorates the bulletin board by the office? That’s Carol, too! Even before she was on staff as our custodian, Carol taught for 20 years at our preschool…and she’s still there, although now it’s on a part-time basis. Carol is a servant/helper in every sense, and we benefit weekly from her willingness to serve our church – as custodian, member, and caretaker.
SAM COMES
SOUND TECHNICIAN
Sam Comes is the newest member of our staff, joining us as sound technician soon after he joined Forest Heights as a member. Sam has had an interest in music, sound, and music production since he was very young. He began formally studying sound production in audio/visual classes while in high school and continued his education later at Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, TN. Upon moving to Jackson in the summer of 2023, Sam visited Forest Heights UMC, and it just so happened that we were in need of a sound technician. It wasn’t long before Sam became an important part of the staff at Forest Heights, preparing and operating the sound equipment each Sunday morning. We appreciate what Sam brings to the worship experience at Forest Heights UMC.