Staff & Session
Staff
Charles Tucker
Pastor
Pastor Charles and his wife Melissa live in Williamsburg, Virginia where she works as a CPA with PBMares. They have three grown daughters and nine grandchildren. In his free time, Pastor Charles enjoys walks in the neighborhood and Colonial Williamsburg, trips to Busch Garden with the family, and an occasional round of golf.
Both Charles and Melissa are originally from Shelbyville Tennessee. Charles is a graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and received his Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary.
He has served churches in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia and has been at Wythe Presbyterian Church since May of 2026. “Melissa and I are blessed to be part of such a loving and caring church family,” he said.
Cindy Brown
Preschool Director
Cindy was born and raised in Newport News. She joined our preschool in August of 2013. She holds an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Tidewater Community College. Cindy has been an early childhood educator for 28 years. She was a teacher for 18 years and an Assistant Director before becoming the Director here at Wythe. Cindy's favorite subject is science and she loves watching the children explore and grow.
LaKea Smith
Office Manager/Treasurer
LaKea is a military spouse and a mother of 5. She joined our staff in October of 2022. She holds a bachelors degree in business management from Indiana Wesleyan University and an associates degree in business administration from Ivy Tech. Prior to her role at Wythe she worked in property management. She loves to explore new places, hike, and go to the beach.
Session
Service is a huge part of our faith. Below is a list of the current leaders of the church. If you are interested in service, please contact the person in charge of the area you want to join.
Moderator
Pastor “Mike” Burcher
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Clerk of Session
Makesha Sink
Class of 2028
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Stewardship / Finance
Art Thatcher
Ex officio
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Properties
Steve McGeorge
Class of 2027
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Congregational Care
Wendy Friesz
Class of 2028
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Outreach / Mission
Sarah Bedka
Class of 2026
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Worship / Nominations
JD Hawthorne
Class of 2026
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Sunday School
Barbara McGeorge
Class of 2026
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Wendy Friesz
Class of 2027
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Youth / Personnel
Charity Houghton
Class of 2028
Active Committees
Wythe Presbyterian church is a congregation lead church. We invite all who are interested to participate in our committees.
The Worship Committee
JD and Lara Hawthorne, Co-chairs
This committee reflects an abundance of God-given gifts including music, art, community outreach, proclamation, and technology. They organize volunteers to serve as lay readers, leaders for the Children's Sermon, ushers and greeters, and multimedia volunteers. They prepare Communion and coordinate the placement of paraments, banners, and other seasonal liturgical elements. They secure pulpit supply. The committee aims to bring fresh ideas into worship and makes it their mission to share God’s blessings to Wythe Presbyterian Church.
The Congregational
Care Committee
Wendy Friese, Chair
This committee. keeps watch over all our members and coordinates fellowship activities throughout the year. Activities include Christmas tea events, greeting card ministry, receptions, back to school drives, potluck dinners, movie nights, pool parties, and other fellowship activities.
The Mission & Outreach Committee
Sarah Bedka, Chair
This committee helps steer our Christian witness into Olde Wythe and to the world. They survey and interpret for us the good work of local service agencies and denominational missions. They shepherd our participation in all these opportunities. They determine budget apportionment for our church mission giving. Events include the H.E.L.P. homeless shelter and more.
The Property Committee
Steve McGeorge, Chair
This committee oversees building maintenance, repair and improvements, grounds and landscaping, operations and security, interior design, furnishings, trash disposal and storage for all ministries.