Raymond Litts, Senior Pastor

Raymond P. Litts has never learned to drink coffee. This may have something to do with having been born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He lived in the Midwest through high school and graduated from New Philadelphia High School in Ohio (home of the “Fighting Quakers”). Upon graduating from high school, Ray realized that he was tired of the Midwest and moved west for college, earning a B.A. from Montana State. Ever the mover and shaker, he followed his family to South Carolina where he picked up a southern accent. He also picked up his Masters and Doctoral degrees from Erskine Seminary. None of Ray’s degrees is in carpentry, however; as a result, he cut off one of his fingertips in a freak woodworking accident (you should’ve seen the table saw). Besides woodworking his hobbies include eating breakfast, so long as there is no coffee involved. He has one wife (Martha) and one son (Joseph). Highland Park is his 6^th appointment.

Ray can be reached by either e-mailing or calling the church.

Neal Woods, Associate Pastor

Neal is a “military brat,” so he is from “everywhere and nowhere” at the same time.  For the past 15 years, however, Neal has made his home in Columbia, SC. After graduating from USC with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1997, Neal took some time off from school to enter the real world and to try to figure out what he should be doing with his life. He eventually matriculated at seminary and received his Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in 2004. Neal is a Probationary Elder currently serving his first appointment. He spends his free time reading, enjoying the outdoors, and listening to his vast music collection.

Neal can be contacted via e-mail or by calling the church office.

Shawn Howell, Director of Christian Education

Shawn Howell was born in Tyler, Texas and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. At the age of 14, she received her call into the ministry at a National Acteens Convention in Birmingham, Alabama. In pursuit of her call, she received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion/Philosophy from Mars Hill College in 2001 and a Master’s of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in 2005. Shawn has served in various capacities in churches through internships and volunteer work. She is married to Ricky Howell (who is currently serving his first appointment in three United Methodist churches in Lee County). Shawn is enthusiastic about her involvement at Highland Park UMC.

You may contact Shawn via e-mail.

Gwen DuRant, Administrative Assistant

Gwen and her husband Chris make their home in Florence. They relocated from Sumter in 1993. They have two children, Babs and Drake. Gwen and her family are members of Highland Park and are active in many program ministries. She enjoys playing the piano, cooking, gardening, and serving in ministry for Highland Park. Gwen came to this position from Carolinas Hospital Systems where she worked for the Home Health Department’s financial office for 9 years.  Gwen’s responsibilities at Highland Park include the general office administrative duties as well as the accounting functions for the church.  Gwen works very closely with the church’s financial officers, as well as with the Pastoral and Kindergarten staff.  She loves being such a vital part of Highland Park as she follows her call to the ministry.  To reach Gwen, you may send her an e-mail or call the Church Office directly at 843-662-1233.

Beth Prosser, Kindergarten Director

Beth is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University where she earned a BA in Elementary Education. She recently received a Master Degree, "Technology in the Classroom," from Walden University. She taugth 4K at HPK for 2 years before becoming the current director. Beth is a Florence native. She and her husband, Michael, have two children: Dalton-6 and Kirven-2. Beth and her family have been members of Highland Park UMC for seven years.

For questions about Highland Park Kindergarten, call 843-662-1242 or contact her via e-mail.