Wayner Dickert is the pastor for the River of Life and the Bryson City United Methodist Church. He has lived near the Nantahala River for over 25 years and considers this area home. He has spent time on the water as a raft guide, canoe and kayak instructor and trainer and has been connected in the paddling world for many years including competing in the 1996 Olympic competition on the Ocoee River in Tennessee. He feels blessed that the River of Life gives him an opportunity to combine two passions through service for others.

We are excited to announce that Erin Burt will be joining us for the summer of 2019. We wanted to share a little bit about her and know you will enjoy getting to know her better and spending time together both on and off the water.

The first thing you should know about me is that I love people and having fun. Being outside is always an added bonus.

I am currently in my third year at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA where I also work as a hospital chaplain at VCUHealth.

I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta. I relocated to downtown Atlanta while working on my undergraduate degrees in psychology and sociology at Georgia State University. After, I spent a year interning with the Center for Youth and Young Adult Ministry at Montreat Conference Center in Black Mountain, NC. Then I returned to work for GSU as a student affairs professional while completing my MBA just before transitioning into seminary.

While much of my life has been spent in cities, I spend as much time in nature as possible. I consider it a sanctuary.

I look forward to worshipping, hiking, kayaking, and learning with you all this summer!

Terry Cotton has been a regular at the River of Life for many years though she often goes unnoticed. She can be found behind the camera (and not often in photographs). Terry is the person that is usually the first to arrive at the river to set-up signs to help visitors find their way to the service and set-up the worship area. However, you won’t find her behind the scenes is when it’s time to give out hugs and love for all that come to our service. Her bubbly personality shines through in her words and actions making everyone feel at home and loved.