Our Sunday morning worship service at 10am is a blend of different styles with a casual feel, welcoming people of all ages. Kids are absolutely encouraged to worship with us! Our commitment to ministry extends beyond the four walls of the church to Oak Ridge and surrounding communities and to places even further away. We walk together in faith, supporting one another and having fun along the way!
On December 4, 1994, Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church was officially chartered by the Salem Presbytery with around one hundred members. Just three years later, the congregation broke ground and dedicated the building where worship still takes place today.
While we encourage every person in our community to discern their own beliefs and relationship with God, it can also be helpful to understand the shared convictions that guide PC(USA) churches:
Sovereignty of God – God is the supreme authority throughout the universe.
Authority of Scripture – The Bible is the foundation of worship and our understanding of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and God’s purpose for us.
Justification by Grace through Faith – Our “salvation” is a generous gift from God through Jesus and not a result of any actions of our own
The Priesthood of All Believers – The Holy Spirit moves and encourages us to follow Christ and be the body of Christ in the world. We are governed by a partnership between ministers and lay leaders, men and women.
Presbyterians recognize two Sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Communion). We practice infant baptism and do not require re-baptism for those joining from other denominations. Communion is open to all and is celebrated at ORPC monthly, as well as on church holidays. At the heart of Presbyterian faith is a trust in God’s grace, known through faith in Jesus Christ.
If you’re interested in reading more about Presbyterian history, our theology, the church’s stance on social issues, and/or what makes us unique, you can do so here.
Transitional Pastor
Rev. Leigh Wisner is a native of Houston, Texas. A cradle Presbyterian, she grew-up watching her mom teach Sunday School, volunteer for Vacation Bible School, serve as an Elder, a Deacon, and as a member of the Pastor Nominating Committee at her home church, Windwood Presbyterian. Her life was forever changed by a youth pastor who recognized, “you have gifts for ministry.” Not ready to recognize those gifts yet, Leigh pursued Pre-Medical studies at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, only to discover that she hated Cell Biology.
Taking a class in Religion set her on a trajectory towards becoming a Religion and Philosophy Major. After graduation, she applied for and was accepted into the Masters of Divinity Program at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas.
Leigh fell in love with Theology, Biblical History, Hebrew, Greek, dialoguing with classmates about course material, and having a place to ask questions of ultimate concern. After graduation, she received a call to serve as Associate Pastor for Youth at First Presbyterian Church of Norman. It was there she met her husband, Mitch, and eighteen years, two kids, and three moves later, they arrived in North Carolina. Leigh has served churches in Oklahoma, Texas, St. Louis, Missouri, Winston-Salem, Clemmons, High Point, and Lewisville, North Carolina.
She loves strong coffee, working-out at the gym, good books, Indie Rock, hiking, her Treeing Tennessee Brindle Puppy and tabby cat, and of course, spending time with Mitch, Riley (8), and Jonah (12). She can’t wait to get to know the Oak Ridge congregation and partner together with them in serving God and neighbor.
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Director of Operations and Communications
Sherri has been a part of the ORPC community since 2014, bringing her expertise in Communications and Public Relations, a degree she earned from UNCG. Though she’s called many places along the East Coast home, her heart belongs to North Carolina. Sherri is the proud mom of two grown sons, Eric and Tyler, and has been married to her husband, Carlton, for over 30 years. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find Sherri lost in a good book, exploring the beauty of the mountains, or cherishing time with her loved ones.
Director of Youth & Children’s Ministries
Chris (he/him) was born and raised in the South and is a passionate fan of sweet tea, college football, and NC barbeque. Chris graduated from UNC Chapel Hill (Go Heels!) with a Bachelor of Education in Human Development & Family Studies and Psychology. He has served churches in Pennsylvania, Charlotte, and Chapel Hill. Chris has worked with youth at CROSS Missions in Charlotte, at Massanetta Springs Conference Center, and Montreat Conference Center. He also served as an Advisory Delegate for New Hope Presbytery to the denomination’s General Assembly from 2020-2022. Chris is proud to be an Eagle Scout and spends his free time in the kitchen or outside in a patio chair with his partner, Julie.
Director of Music
A fourth-generation church musician, Mary grew up singing tight family harmonies and playing a variety of instruments in a small rural church. She is passionate about music and its ability to heal, inspire, and connect. Mary is an active professional musician and recording artist. As a horn player, she has toured internationally with da Capo Brass, Relevents Wind Quintet, and the New England Symphonic Ensemble. With teaching experience ranging from elementary through collegiate, Mary currently teaches at the Arts Based School in Winston-Salem. She is a National Board Certified music educator and a two-time recipient of NC Regional Teacher of the Year. Mary, her husband Luke, and daughter Molly, enjoy harmonizing, traveling, and playing with the animals on their hobby farm.
Pianist
We are excited to have Dr. Shannon Huang Blankenship to ORPC as our pianist. Shannon is an accomplished pianist, educator, and church musician. Shannon studied piano performance at the Si Chuan Conservatory of Music in China before moving to the United States to complete degrees at Duquesne University, University of Miami, and University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Shannon serves as an adjudicator for international music competitions. She enjoys teaching piano to students of all ages and levels. Shannon and her family reside in Greensboro and enjoy trying out different restaurants for good food.
Bookkeeper
After obtaining an accounting degree from Florida State University, Shelley lived and worked in several states along the east coast. In May of 2022, she retired after serving 20 years as a federal employee. During this time, she was assigned to offices in Orlando, Houston, Kennebunkport, Maine, and Greensboro. Shelley relocated to Stokesdale in 2019 with her two sons, Steele and Cy. In her free time, she enjoys working in her yard, listening to her favorite podcasts, and spending time with her family.
Live Sound Operator and Audio/Visual Director
Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Trevon joined our staff in 2022 and is our current Audio-Visual Director. He received his degree in recording & engineering from Guilford Technical Community College. He also has a background in classical music, music production, mix engineering, and photography. Currently he’s pursuing his passion of being involved in the community through multimedia. He is our technology specialist and strives to keep our church engaged across various platforms.
Preschool Director
Lindsay is originally from CT, but has called North Carolina her home for the past 21 years. She is a graduate of The University of CT with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a focus on Early Childhood Education and a graduate of Sacred Heart University with her Masters of Elementary Education. Lindsay has been with ORPP for the past 10 years as a teacher in the Pre-K program. She has been married to her husband Jaime for 24 years and has 3 daughters, Isabela, Katerina and Makena. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, the beach and being active.
The Presbyterian Book of Order (G-3.0201) defines the Session as the governing council of the congregation, consisting of elected ruling elders and installed pastors. The Session is responsible for guiding the congregation in faith, hope, love, and witness, as well as overseeing practical matters like maintaining the church facility and managing finances. Ruling Elders are typically elected for a three-year term.
Karen Corneliussen
Dave Drugman
Stuart Mease
Samuel Gunter – youth elder
John Carlson
Chris Hodgin
Erinn Wyble
Wade Cole
Judy Davis
Jay Overmyer
Session Leadership
Eileen Dick – Clerk of Session
The Presbyterian Book of Order (G-3.0202) describes the diaconate as a ministry of compassion, witness, and service, offering care and connection for congregation and community members. Deacons, chosen for their spiritual character, honesty, and compassion, are essential in providing care and fostering connections within the congregation. They are typically elected for a three-year term.
Mary Lu Braxton
Sarah Keane – Moderator
Sandy Magley
Lucas Lowrey- youth deacon
Beth Cameron
Sean Barrett
Mary Anne Amos
David Schmidt
Sherri Rhyne (sherri@orpcschool.org)
