Our Staff
The Rev. Denise Bates, District Superintendent
Rev. Denise Bates, a life-long Methodist, grew up at Fairfax UMC. As a youth and young adult, she served that church through music and youth ministry. She graduated from Fairfax HS ('74), and from Virginia Tech ('77) with a BS in Business Administration/Public Administration. After more than 20 years in the business world, Rev. Bates returned to school and received her M. Div. with honors in 1999 from Wesley Theologial Seminary in Washington, DC.
While in Washington, she served the Accotink-Silverbrook Charge in the Alexandria District as a part-time local pastor. Following graduation and commissioning, she was the Associate Pastor at St. Paul (Alexandria), for 7 years. Rev. Bates was ordained (Elder/full-connection) in 2002. She served Redwood (Danville), Herndon (Arlington), Front Royal (Winchester), and recently at Cave Spring (Roanoke).
Continually Learning, Rev. Bates is experienced in: Healthy Congregations Facilitating, Stephen Leader, Plowpoint, Reynolds Leadership Program, Natural Church Development Coaching, New Church Leadership, and Nurturing Innovative Clergy Leadership pilot cohort. Her passion is creative and innovative worship leadership, and contextual revitalization in the local church.
Denise and David Bates, the love of her life, are nearing 42 years of marriage. David Bates is a CPA and they have 3 adult children and 5 grand-girls, (5 to 18). Rev. Bates feels blessed serving as the District Superintendent of Danville and Farmville. She is excited for the adventure God has in store.
Sandra Fulcher, Administrative Assistant
Sandra was born on March 20, 1954 and graduated from John D. Bassett High School in 1972. She attended Patrick Henry Community College and Danville Community College. She and her husband, S.T. Fulcher, Jr., were married in 1976. They have two children, a daughter, Elizabeth, who is married to Mark Beagle, and son, Tee; and two grandsons, Jack and Jake.
Sandra joined Stanleytown United Methodist Church in 1979 and has served in various positions as Treasurer, Chairperson of Evangelism, UMYF Leader, and Sunday School teacher. Sandra's hobbies include reading, cooking, water aerobics and walking. Sandra joined the staff of the Danville District as Administrative Assistant in 1998 when the District Office moved its location from Danville to Martinsville, VA.
