Staff

John Sudduth was appointed to Maples in June 2005 as the senior pastor. He earned his undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University. After spending about 10 years in business management and production management he answered the call to ministry. John attended Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. and was awarded his Master of Divinity degree in 1992. John has served churches in Forsyth, Georgia and Coldwater, Arkabutla, Tupelo and Olive Branch, MS.

John was raised in central and northern Mississippi. He is married and has three children. John enjoys reading, working in the "yard," and following high school and collegiate basketball.

Joey serves as Director of Music Ministries. He earned his BA from Delta State University and an MM in vocal performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. While earning his BA degree in music, Joey served as a summer missionary in Washington State, Oregon, and Tokyo, Japan. Joey joined the Maples Ministry Team in 2001.

Joey was born and raised in North Mississippi. He is married and has two sons. Joey enjoys running, traveling, cooking, spending time with his family, and working in the yard.

SEAN MURPHY, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MINISTRIES

sean@mapleschurch.org

Sean joined the Maples team in May 2008. He is from Columbus, MS where he volunteered in the youth program at FUMC Columbus. Sean has served as Director of Student Ministries in Hattiesburg, MS and West Memphis AR. He is a graduate of Crichton College.

Kelly joined Maples as the Director of Connections in January 2008. She is originally from McComb, MS, and graduated from Delta State University with a BSE and Masters in Education. Kelly is married and has two children.

Jane Downs has served Maples as Administrative/Financial Secretary for over 25 years, beginning as part time staff in January, 1980. She majored in English during a two year stint at Memphis State University.

Born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, she grew up in and around the Memphis area. Jane is married, has three children, and four grandchildren. Traveling, reading, singing and trout fishing are her favorite forms of relaxation.

Shea joined the Maples Learning Center Team in 2001 as an After School teacher. She became Assistant Director in August 2004. Shea completed the Director Credentialing in September 2004.

She was born and raised in Walls, MS. She is married and has two children. Shea enjoys playing with her children, cooking, relaxing outside, and spending time with friends.

ANITA NICHOLS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MAPLES LEARNING CENTER

anita@mapleschurch.org

Anita joined the MLC team in October of 2004. She has worked in the childcare field for 14 years. She was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She moved to Olive Branch in April 2004. Anita has been married for 12 years and has two children. She enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with friends and family.

Sam joined the Maples staff in January of 2007. Sam is from Tupelo, MS . Before joining the Maples staff, he served at First United Methodist Church in Tupelo, MS.