Rev. Fran Connell:

Rev. Frances S. “Fran” Connell was born in Lancaster, SC and grew up in the upstate. Her education includes a degree in Women’s Studies from Cal State, San Marcos, where she graduated magna cum laude and an MDiv from Candler School of Theology. While at Candler she served for 3 years as a student local pastor. She has 2 adult children, Michael and Sarah Ross whom she raised in Oceanside CA and is also the proud “Gran” of the two sweetest boys in the known universe as well as a bright and beautiful girl who will one day rule the world..

Pastor Fran is a lifelong Methodist and a charter member of San Luis Rey Valley UMC in Oceanside, CA.  She was active in her local church where she served as lay leader, lay member to Annual Conference, chair of PPRC and co-director of MYF. She also served as the San Diego District director of lay speaking ministries where she facilitated the district’s first Spanish language lay speaking class.

In addition, Fran served on the Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women and chaired the subcommittee that developed their first women’s scholarship.

After graduating from Candler in 2010 she moved back to South Carolina and was ordained an elder in full connection in 2015. She has served on numerous district committees including Secretary, then Chair of Congregational Development; Building and Location; and Connectional Ministries and the District Committee on Ordained Ministry in Hartsville. She currently serves as a mentor to inquiring candidates for the ministry as well as

the Columbia, District Committee on Building and Location.

Pastor Fran is excited to be joining this beloved community on July 1.

Janet Hopkins

Music Director

Janet E. Hopkins, mezzo-soprano, is a 16 year veteran soloist of the Metropolitan Opera. Her operatic performances encompass a range of works, including video and solo recordings. She has premiered solo orchestral concerts and stage works across the United States including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and performed numerous recitals throughout the world. Ms. Hopkins is currently Emeritus Professor of Voice at the University of South Carolina. www.JanetHopkins.com

Church Secretary

Melody Clamp

Melody began working at Platt Springs UMC on March 26, 2018. She graduated from Cardinal Newman High School and began working for AAFES at Fort Jackson.  She retired from AAFES in 2003 and started working part-time.  When she is not working she enjoys getting together with family and friends.