Church Staff

David Bonnema - Senior Pastor

I love being the senior pastor at Unity Presbyterian Church! I received my Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and my Bachelors degree from Whitworth University with a concentration in Theology and Sociology. I grew up in Seattle and spent ten years working as a pastor and a youth pastor in Tampa, FL before coming to Unity in 2018. I love my wife, Sarah, our three daughters, Zoe, Riley, and Gemma, and our dog, Annie. I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and grande mochas from Starbucks.

Dana Seiler - Associate Pastor

I’m Dana Seiler, the Associate Pastor for Children, Youth, and Families with some mission and pastoral care thrown in, too.  I have a Masters in counseling and worked in that field for several years. I received my Masters of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. I served churches in Western New York and Asheville, NC before coming to Unity in May of 2020. I have a passion for the children of Unity and enjoy working with them and their families as we navigate their development together. I’m also excited about Unity’s commitment to missions, both in the community and around the world.  When I am not at church you will typically find me outdoors: hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening, even roller-skating, or just taking an evening stroll with my beloved french bulldog, Blue, husband, Matt, and daughter, Hadley.

Henry Haynes - Visitation Pastor

As your part time Visitation Pastor, I help David and Dana in keeping up with the needs of the congregation during crises including illness, grief, and surgery. I served as an Army Chaplain for thirty years and am a highly decorated officer with awards that include the Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters. The attacks of September 11 occurred during my time as the Pentagon chaplain. I enjoy making calls and visits to the Unity family.

 

Janeen Dishman - Director of Communications

Since joining the staff in 1999, I have seen a lot of growth at Unity. As the Director of Communications, I’m responsible for worship slides, videos, the website, social media, and more. I’m pleased to be able to use my creativity and a little bit of my music degree to help create an environment where people want to worship. I’m excited to be on this incredible team of staff who work together to help each other with whatever is needed.  My family includes my mother, three children, six grandchildren, and reaches back 9 generations in the Denver community. I love working in a place with such a rich history that still has an eye for the future.

Karen Taylor - Preschool Director

Hi! I’m Karen Taylor. I have been the Unity Preschool Director since 2001. I work with our preschool board to set policies, hire teachers, recruit and enroll students, and make sure the day to day operations of our preschool are safe and effective. I enjoy being a part of the team at Unity and am blessed to also be a part of St. Peter By-the-Lake church. I am married to “Father Ron” and have two wonderful children. We have lived in Denver since 1996.

Colby Brown - Building & Grounds

I am originally from Ho-chi-Minh, Vietman. I was adopted with my twin brother and raised in the Denver Baptist Community, where my family and I are still active members. I graduated from North Lincoln High School in 2018. After high school I moved to Wilmington, NC where I worked for a land development company and enjoyed being in the ocean whenever I got the chance, I enjoy sports, music, and spending time with family and friends.

Jeff Perks - Organist

I have played in churches since age 13, and offer a depth of knowledge in sacred and classical music. With a degree in piano performance from the University of South Carolina, I have performed all over the world – from cruise ships and restaurants to churches and the White House! I am also a published composer and recording artist and maintain a successful piano studio in the Denver area.

Makenzie Loudermilt - Worship Leader

Born and raised in Statesville, NC, I have been singing and playing guitar since I was a little kid, playing at various venues across the state. I graduated from Appalachian State in December 2023 with a Bachelors in Management and will finish my Masters in Business Administration online. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family and explore what God’s creation has to offer. I’m excited to share the love of Jesus through song and to be part of worship at Unity!

Ryan Harrison

Ryan Harrison - Choir Director

I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. GO RAVENS!! I then moved to Norfolk, VA to pursue my B.M. in Music Education at Norfolk State University. After graduating, I taught one year of elementary music in Williamsburg, VA before moving to Charlotte where I taught in CMS for 4 years. Currently, I am the Director of Choirs at Charlotte Latin School. When I am not teaching, I enjoy singing karaoke, exploring the restaurant scene in Charlotte. and riding my motorcycles.

Ginia Edwards - Children's Ministry Assistant

I am originally from Alabama but have been living in North Carolina for over 10 years now. I have been working with children and in the ministry for years as an assistant, director and camp counselor. I was the Dance Director of Dance Commotion at LKNGA for 10 years, winning many overall awards with a great group of dancers who inspired me to be a better person and teacher. The years with them have taught me patience, time management, and courage which I am bringing into my new role as the Children’s Ministry Assistant. I am excited to be working with everyone here at Unity, getting to know the children that are our future, and helping them to grow and mature with Christ. As the mother of a beautiful 5-year-old girl and a wife to a loving and supportive husband of 8 years, I am ready to get this party started and bring my energy and creativity to everyone around me!

Chris Smith - Lead Audio/Video Engineer

I joined the Unity Staff in 2020 as the Lead AV Engineer serving in the booth during services each week. I grew up in Denver, NC and earned my degree in Music Education from Western Carolina University. I have led numerous award-winning independent music organizations and school programs throughout the Southeast as an audio engineer, educator, composer, and clinician. I live in Fort Mill, SC where I am also the Associate Director of Percussion at Catawba Ridge High School.

 

Beth Reeks-Lloyd - Kitchen Coordinator

I have been a member of Unity since 2008 along with my son and my late father and have led programs in DivorceCare and GriefShare. During the day, I work as a paralegal for a local law office. I became involved in several events that allowed me to help in the church kitchen and also began preparing meals for members.  My son, David, and I have enjoyed the fellowship that these events bring to the church. I am excited to share my love of cooking and use it to bring the church community together.

Reed Conley - Organizing Pastor - Artisan Church, Lincolnton

Hi I’m Reed and my family and I moved to Lincolnton from Tampa, FL to begin this new place of worship. I have been serving in church ministry for several years and especially enjoy creating unique and meaningful worship experiences. I also love to build relationships, drawing people closer to each other and to God. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Florida State University and enjoy fishing, family bike rides, and making homemade pizza. My wife, Jeanette, and I are parents to four young daughters; Annabelle, Violet, Samantha and Juliet. We are enjoying life in Lincolnton and love making it our new home!

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