Our Team
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Colossians 3:23-24
Gene Aiken
Senior Pastor
Rev. Gene Aiken came to Trinity in June of 2022. He is an ordained elder in the South Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He has previously served churches in Greer, Central, and Jackson South Carolina. Prior to becoming a pastor Gene served as a Youth Director for churches in Atlanta, Greenville and Aiken. Gene also serves on various committees at the district and conference level. He has a passion for building relationships and living life together with others.
Gene grew up in Aiken, SC and received his BA in Secondary Education from the greatest school in the world, Clemson University! He received his MDiv from Lutheran Theological South Seminary in 2015 and was ordained in 2017. He is married to Katie, who he describes as "the most amazing wife." They have two children Ann Michelle and Lily who are very active. They also have a dog named Lion. When he is not doing ministry or spending time with the family Gene enjoys playing golf and since he has come to Trinity is learning to play bridge. Gene enjoys relaxing and spending time with friends.
Edmond Daniel
Associate Pastor
Edmond Daniel is a husband of almost forty years and proud father of nine. He was born in Manhattan and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged after his three-year tour. He started performing musically at the age of five and still performs today with his sons, Matthew and Michael. He graduated from Temple extension In Silvers Springs, Maryland as a medical technologist. He received his biblical training at Duke University in North Carolina. He has been in the ministry for over two and a half decades.
Reverend Daniel started with an independent ministry in 1990, became licensed as a Pentecostal minister shortly thereafter, and finally became a United Methodist pastor in the mid nineties. He has produced and hosted the television program, Come to the Cross, for over twenty years. The production costs and the costs of equipment have always been a tithe to God from his wife, Blondie, and him. They have never solicited money for the program. His loves in life are God, his wife, his children, grandchildren, family and Trinity United Methodist Church. He now serves as an appointed associate pastor at the church he once called his home. He looks forward to many more years of service to God and God's people.
Matthew Daniel
Youth Minister
Hi, my name is Matthew Daniel. I am blessed beyond measure to be a part of such an amazing church family here at Trinity United Methodist Church. I am originally from here in North Myrtle Beach, SC. I was baptized here in Trinity UMC months after being born. I was raised at Salem United Methodist Church prior to my dad retiring from there as the pastor. I then moved back to Trinity UMC and began attending again in 2005. I graduated in 2015 from the Academy of Arts, Science, and Techology. I continued on to pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication & Media Studies. I am currently attending Arizona State University. While completeing my B.A., I have officially become a candidate in the United Methodist Church to pursure the position of becoming an elder pastor. Trinity United Methodist Church has been so gracious to assist me in being the church to guide and send me off into ministry.
In beginning my ministerial work, Trinity has chosen me to be its Youth Ministry Coordinator. My love is for Christ and His people, and our youth are not the future, but rather the present. Therefore, it is an honor and privilege to serve them and help them to continue to grow in Christ. I have my handsome baby boy, Kingston, who has been on this journey with me. I am blessed to have them along with me as I seek to glorify God in all my work here at Trinity. Acts 20:24 says "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace...." This is my goal and focus not only in life but also here at Trinity as well. I am excited to see this church grow and be a part of its growth!
Stephanie Schellinger
Director of Christian Education
Hello there! My name is Stephanie Schellinger and I am the Director of Christian Education here at Trinity UMC. My new husband (Richard) and I are excited to be moving away from the cold in the Capital District of New York to sunny South Carolina. Richard and I were just married on Dec 19, 2020 in a small ceremony with just our families. We are both extremely excited to be coming to North Myrtle Beach and to see how God is moving. Richard and I love to listen to live music, go for hikes, ride bikes, and just enjoy this beautiful world God gave us.
I graduated from SUNY Albany with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. During school and after graduating I worked for a car dealership and then found my true calling work for God in a church setting. For ten years, I worked for a United Methodist Church in NY. I started as the youth director and grew my position to include children’s ministry, small groups and even preaching. After taking a couple of years off I am beyond thrilled to be returning to work for the church. I am truly excited to be working at such an amazing church and to top it off, we are right by the beach! Please join us and come see how God is moving in this church!
Jennifer Piccolo
Administrative Assistant
Hello, I am Jennifer Piccolo the Administrative Assistant at Trinity United Methodist Church. I am very happy to be a part of Trinity as well as living in beautiful South Carolina. I come from Long Island, New York, where I have lived most of my life. When our children were younger we vacationed every summer at Ocean Lakes in Myrtle Beach and my husband Matthew always said he wanted to live here some day. We finally relocated to South Carolina in mid 2019 and we could not be happier to be here. I have two adult children; my son is currently living in South Carolina as well. My daughter and son-in-law live in Indiana.
I have had the good fortune to have many different career opportunities in my life from working for a bicycle wholesaler, in pediatric therapy office, for an audiologist, and hearing aid company, but my most rewarding was when I started working at as an administrative assistant at a church on Long Island. I have grown up in the Lutheran church and it has always been an important part of my everyday life, so it was wonderful opportunity for me to be able to work in an area so close to my heart. When we relocated to South Carolina I knew I wanted to try to find another church to be a part of and I was blessed enough to do just that, eventually finding my way to Trinity United Methodist Church.
Albert & Melody Evans
Directors of Music
Albert and Melody Evans are the Directors of Music at Trinity United Methodist Church. They have both been involved in music separately and together since they were teenagers. Albert was born in Lexington, NC and Melody in Clayton, NC, and they met when Melody's father became the minister at the church Albert's family attended in Lexington. They were both involved in the junior and adult choirs at the church. Albert was in the band in both middle school and high school, and Melody was in the chorus.
After graduating college, Albert with a degree in accounting and Melody in nursing, they were married and built a home on the farm where Albert grew up. Before that first year was out, they were the music directors of a local church and continued in this capacity along with their jobs as traffic coordinator of a local furniture company and charge nurse of the intensive care unit of the local hospital respectively.
They have two sons who both live in Lexington and continue to take care of the family farm. On the farm they have chickens, goats, horses, cattle, pigs, and even a donkey. Brian is married to Dana. They have two daughters, Callie and Hannah. They are the light of the world to Albert & Melody. Gregory is an attorney.
As a child, Albert's family worked from Memorial Day to Labor Day every year running a sports' and church camp in Windy Hill. They attended Trinity UMC during that time.
Albert and Melody spent many summers here at the beach. They started with a camper, then bought a condo and eventually a house. In July of 2009, they moved here fulltime and started working at Century 21 Thomas in Cherry Grove as real estate agents. They had been attending Trinity any time they were here and so made it their church with the move. They became involved with the choir and filled in when needed. In July 2011, they were asked to be the interim music directors and officially became the Directors of Music in September of 2011.
Melanie Welborn
Associate Organist
My Name is Melanie Welborn and I became the associate organist at Trinity UMC in December of 2018. My husband Bill and I are both from Lexington, NC. We have always loved the beach and finally fulfilled our retirement dream of moving her permanently in 2018. I have two children, Jamie and John, both of whom live in the Charlotte area, two granddaughters (Ally and Savannah), three stepsons and one step grandson. I also have one very special sister, Angie, who lives in Lexington.
I graduated from the University of NC at Greensboro with a degree in Music education and began teaching music and chorus that same year in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County school system. I moved to the Davidson County Schools in 1978 and helped to establish the system’s first Elementary School program. Five years later I was “promoted” to Junior High (now Middle School) and helped with the development of the music program on that level. I officially retired from teaching in 2005, but continued to substitute until we moved here. I also accompanied many musical productions for the local Community Theater and high schools in the area.
A highlight of my life was being a member of an all female steel drum band, “The Bahama Mamas” for twenty years. Starting as the set drummer, I later switched to tenor pan. The band played in many venues all over NC during that time, including schools, churches and festivals. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime.
Throughout the years, I was always involved in church music. I began playing the organ for my home church when I was thirteen. I returned to that church in the early 80’s and began working with Albert and Melody Evans. Joining them in the music program at Trinity was like taking a step back in time!
My husband and I love the church family we have found at Trinity and we look forward to many more years of making music for this special congregation and the Glory of Our Lord. I truly believe God brought us to this place!
Rhonda Conner
Financial Secretary
It is with joy and gratitude that I introduce myself as the Financial Secretary for Trinity United Methodist Church. I am excited to be a part of this incredible staff and congregation.
Throughout my professional journey, I have had the privilege of serving in various capacities, including banks, churches, and universities. Each experience has shaped me, providing a unique set of skills and perspectives that I bring with me to Trinity United Methodist Church.
I am grateful to have been raised in a Christian home in Galax, VA. I grew up surrounded by love, faith, and values. This solid foundation continues to guide me each day.
I share my life with my high school sweetheart. Our journey has blessed us with two wonderful children – a son in Galax, VA, and a daughter who has made her home here in North Myrtle Beach with her husband and daughter. One of the sweetest joys is spending time with our granddaughter, being near her brings a source of immeasurable happiness.
Thank you for opening your hearts to me and my family. I look forward to serving you and growing together in the spirit of faith and community.
Lee Ann McDonald
Building Supervisor
My name is Lee Ann McDonald and I am the sexton here at Trinity UMC! I am a single mother of 5 wonderful adult children and I have 8 beautiful grandchildren.
I moved to South Carolina in July of 2022. I moved here for the weather and the beach and love every minute of it! I love being a part of Trinity. It brings be great joy to work with my co-workers, the volunteers, and the congregation! This is a wonderful, loving, and giving church. I am blessed to be a part of this family!