About Us

Pastor

The Rev. Kotosha Griffin was born in Danville, Virginia, and grew up in Richmond, Virginia.  She is the eldest of two children.  She is a graduate of Barber-Scotia College with a BA in Political Science/Pre-Law.  Upon hearing the call of God on her life, she decided not to pursue law school.  Instead, Rev. Griffin moved to Washington, DC and attended Wesley Theological Seminary and earned a Master of Divinity.  On June 17, 2017 Rev. Griffin was ordained an elder in full connection in the United Methodist Church. She loves to play tennis in her spare time.  Rev. Griffin is married to Rev. Bertrand Griffin II.

Rev Griffin’s scripture that she lives by is 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 “When I came to you, I came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

Office Manager

Shirley Diggle is our church office manager.   She has lengthy experience in the administrative field, having worked both here in the United States and abroad (Japan).  Shirley has always loved music and is a member of the Elkton UMC Choir, Contemporary Praise Band, and the Bell Choir.  She also fills in whenever they need a pianist or organist.  Shirley is very active in her home church (Elkton UMC) and is a member of the United Methodist Women and serves as Chairperson of the Music and Worship committees.  She lives in McGaheysville with her husband, Joe.

Choir Director

Sydney Wilkins is pleased to return to McGaheysville United Methodist Church as Director of Music. Previously, she acted as Assistant Music Director, but spent the past year directing the choir of St. James United Methodist Church in Mount Crawford, Virginia. Sydney graduated from James Madison Univeristy last May with dual degrees: a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in theatre. 

Sydney is so thrilled to be back at MUMC with the Chancel Choir and hopes to see you at the traditional Sunday worship service. 

Pianist/organist

Since the age of 14, I’ve been an organist/pianist or singer with many schools, churches and civic organizations in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, West Virginia and now McGaheysville United Methodist Church.  After 54 years of marriage to Larry Short, who sadly passed away in January 2013, I moved to McGaheysville to be near family.  I have 2 daughters, Vickie and family who live in Three Leagues and Kelly and her family who live in Vermont.  My primary career was in Mortgage Lending, serving as a Senior Vice President for 25 years for the largest Savings and Loan in Palm Beach County, Florida, retiring in 1994.  Performing music has always taken a secondary but very important role in my life.  In addition to my position here at MUMC, for the past 4 years, I also Co-own and manage, with Barry Cowles of Wales, (who has become my partner in life), a Keyboard forum, (https://www.keyboard-player.org.uk).  This is based in the UK with members from all over the world.  Of all the churches I’ve served, I can truly say that I feel a warmth and welcoming at MUMC that is un-matched in any of my prior assignments and not to be taken for granted.  They have become a second family for me and it’s an honor to use the gift God graciously gave me, playing for this wonderful family of believers.