The worshipers at Grace UMC are its ministers.
The clergy and staff who support them are:
REV. J. BRYAN SISSON, SENIOR PASTOR
Antiques Lover | Pop Culture Aficionado | Travel Enthusiast
Bryan was ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1997 and has served in several United Methodist Churches all across the North Alabama Conference. Whether it’s preaching on Sunday mornings, leading Bible studies, or taking care of the day-to-day ministry requirements at Grace, he loves his role of caring for and nurturing the lives of others. His goal is to spiritually challenge church members to claim their voice and place in ministry.
He’s married to Tracy, his best friend and #1 cheerleader. They have two daughters, Josie and Riley.
Favorite Authors: Henri Nouwen, Frederick Buechner, and Richard Rohr. In his down time he loves reading James Patterson suspense thrillers!
Contact Pastor Bryan at bryansisson@graceumchsv.org
REV. MELISSA KOWERDUCK-ROBINSON, DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES
Creative | Dog-lover | Swiftie
Melissa, her husband Steve, and their two dogs Scarlett and Percy, live in Huntsville, AL. Her aesthetic as a youth director is talking a lot about Jesus, inspirational t-shirts, bad jokes, and getting far too excited about little things. She loves the color pink, sparkles, plants (but not mint), Taylor Swift, and puppies. She is always willing to get slimed, sprayed with a hose for slip and slide kickball, and doused in colored powder. She works hard to be sure all students feel the deep love of God, think outside of their comfort zones, and leave every meeting feeling proud of who they are. Melissa has a B.S. in Psychology from Belmont University, a M.A. in Youth Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and is studying for her Master’s in Divinity at Candler. She became a Licensed Local Pastor in summer 2024.
Contact Melissa at melissakr@graceumchsv.org
ANNA MARIE RAINWATER, DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
Dog Mom | Book Worm | Avid Crafter
Originally from Helena, Alabama, Anna Marie and her husband Reid live with their three furbabies in Arab. If Anna Marie doesn't have her nose in a book, she is often found working on some crafty project or singing along to her favorite Broadway cast recording. Anna Marie is passionate about teaching the youngest of God’s children about Jesus and walking alongside them on their faith journey.
Contact Anna Marie at amrainwater@graceumchsv.org
meredith fields, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Woo Pig Sooie | Crafty | Book Dragon
Meredith is originally from Louisiana, with stops in Arkansas, California and Maryland before landing in Huntsville. She’s is a wife to David, mother to Kate and Garrett, and food giver to her four dogs, Boudreaux, Mae, Dottie, and Diggs. While her architectural history degree from the University of Arkansas doesn’t contribute often to her recent marketing and communications interests, old buildings and houses still bring a lot of joy. Along with loving all things creative, she is a long-time Razorbacks fan, loves the color green, and makes it a daily goal to eat peanut butter at least once a day!
Contact Meredith at meredithfields@graceumchsv.org
GIANNA GIMENEZ, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Cat Lover | Opera Singer |
British Mystery Fan
Gianna (she/her) is a Huntsville native with two grown children and two adorable orange tabbies, Ares & Ajax. She is notorious for asking anyone she meets to join the music ministry! A proud alumna of Birmingham-Southern College, she has been a voice teacher for over 30 years, and loves nothing better than when a choir sings perfectly in tune.
Contact Gianna at giannagimenez@graceumchsv.org
Follow Gianna on IG: @giannabg
CURTIS LINDSAY, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MUSIC & ACCOMPANIST
Since 2011, Curtis has served as our gifted Staff Pianist by helping to direct various choir rehearsals and playing piano for our worship services and events.
As a native of Athens, Alabama, Curtis attended pre-college studies at Mannes and Julliard. He has participated in college studies at the University of North Alabama and the University of Alabama-Huntsville (B.A., Music and Philosophy)
Curtis’ favorite authors include C. S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr, and Eudora Welty. His hobbies include amateur astronomy, cooking, hiking, cats, and travel.
JOEY TAYLOR, PRAISE & WORSHIP LEADER
Joey Taylor serves as our Praise & Worship Leader, organizing the music for our contemporary service. In addition to his role at Grace, Joey is a professor at the University of Alabama Huntsville. He teaches courses in medieval literature, medievalism, history of the English language, and literary theory.
Contact Joey at joeytaylor@graceumchsv.org