I was appointed Senior Pastor of Clemmons United Methodist Church in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. It was a unique time to begin ministry—learning names behind masks and finally seeing faces a year later. Now, I’d love the chance to introduce myself more personally. I grew up spending summers on Lake Norman and know just about every fishing hole south of the Highway 150 bridge. I graduated from Asheville High School, where I was voted “Mr. Future Business Leader of America.” They missed that call. I’m a proud alumnus of Appalachian State University—able to sing both the Mountaineer fight song and Alma Mater from memory—and I’m an ordained Elder in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Outside of ministry, I enjoy hiking in the mountains, sewing my own hiking clothes and camping gear, and playing fiddle and guitar. In my woodshop, I build musical instruments—a blend of craftsmanship and creativity I find deeply rewarding. I love the Lord, my family, my church, and the work I’m called to do. I’d love to get to know you as well. Feel free to reach out at fitzgeraldj@clemmonsumc.org—let’s find a time to connect.