Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Angelo Sanchez

Lead Pastor

Hi, friends! I'm Angelo and I am thrilled to be part of the Wesley team. My love for Jesus Christ is rooted in my experience of his grace, mercy, and love. I'm so thankful that, as an inquisitive youth with questions and skepticism about God and faith, Christ led me to a community that did not dismiss my questions, but gave me space to ask them, even when easy answers could not be provided. It is my hope to always be part of creating space for all people to explore God, ask questions of faith, and come to know the love that Christ already has for them.

The greatest blessing in my life is my family. I am married to Amy and together we have two kiddos, Amelia and Austin.

In 2006, after hearing God's call to pastoral ministry I embarked on a journey that would eventually bring me to Duke Divinity School where I graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 2013. I've been serving churches in full-time pastoral ministry since that time and I give God thanks for the opportunity to journey alongside the people of Wesley Memorial UMC. 

Favorite scripture: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12-13)
Favorite movie: The Sandlot
Favorite book: The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis
Favorite Music: Classical, Jazz, 90s Hiphop

Becca Detterman

Associate Pastor

Hello hello! My name is Becca Detterman. I was appointed to Wesley in 2022 and love being part of this congregation. I grew up in and around many churches and have a deep love for worship and ministry. North Carolina has been my home since I began attending Duke Divinity School in 2016, though my wild and wonderful home state (Kentucky) remains close to my heart. I graduated from Duke in 2019 and was ordained as an Elder in Full Connection in the North Carolina Annual Conference in 2024. My favorite things include music, coffee, ice cream, traveling, and anything neon. I cheer for both Duke and Carolina (unless they are playing each other…then I have a dilemma) but consider my team to be the Louisville Cardinals. My favorite parts of ministry are getting to know people, hearing their stories, sharing God’s love, and having a lot of fun along the way.

Favorite scripture: "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!"  (2 Corinthians 5:17, NRSV)
Favorite movie: Twister (and, of course, Twisters)
Favorite book: Tattoos on the Heart, Fr. Greg Boyle
Favorite music: Lots of it! Country, Christian, and Hip-hop are what I listen to most often.

Clara Schwamm

Traditional Music Director

It feels like I have always been a part of music ministry, from children’s choir, to youth choir, to handbells in the church I grew up in in Fayetteville, then handbells at a church in Durham during college. When I moved to Wilmington in 2019, I found that I was missing both music and worship as I did not have a way to get to a church, then was home bound at the beginning of Covid. I was delighted to find the community, worship, and music opportunities at Wesley, after what felt like forever live-streaming my home church’s services each week.

Favorite scripture: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27 NIV)
Favorite movie: Stardust
Favorite book: Babel, R.F. Kuang
Favorite music: All kinds! Classical, choral, show tunes, pop, rap, bluegrass, the list goes on.

Erica Little

Children and Family Ministries Director

Hi! My name is Erica Little, I graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2013 with my bachelor's degree in Youth Ministries. I have always enjoyed working with children and youth and I knew from a young age that I would be caring for them in some capacity as an adult. Being a role model and teaching our youth to want to become more like Jesus is something that I have a strong passion for, I am so thankful to be a part of this Wesley Memorial family! I have been married since August of 2012, to my awesome husband, Curtis. We have two long haired chihuahuas and a box turtle named Guacamole! I love going to the beach, reading, taking care of my many house plants, and spending time with friends.

Favorite Scripture: "Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" (Luke 12:22-26)
Favorite Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Favorite Book: The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss
Favorite Music:  Electronic, Bluegrass, Pop, Country

Eston Brinkley III

Facilities Manager

I’m blessed that June 26th of 2017 was my first day as facility manager at Wesley.  The preceding 20 years I spent as a general contractor focusing on restoration and remodeling under my own company banner.  My family joined Wesley in 1982 and I was active with the youth group.  In 1984 I helped set up and run the first video equipment to broadcast the services on local public access.  I remember taking the big cassette to the local cable provider on Mondays after school.

The Building structures are my primary focus as facility manager.  Their safety and cleanliness are foremost followed by the overall environment and efficiency. Creating an inviting, comfortable, and bright environment is an ongoing project. Our buildings are our biggest physical tool for discipleship and they should convey-- ‘This is Your home with Your brothers and sisters’.

Annie, my wife, and I were married by Wesley Memorial pastor, Rodney Hamm in 1994.  We have two children: Eston and Jessica.  My son graduated from NC State and is working as a chemical engineer at a phosphate mine.  Jessica, my daughter, will finish her accounting undergrad degree in December of ‘24 and after an internship will start grad school in the fall of ‘25.  Annie is an outstanding mom, partner, and a career kindergarten teacher.

Favorite scripture:  "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you." (Proverbs 4:6)
Favorite movie: Shaun of the Dead
Favorite book: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
Favorite music: instrumental lo-fi (at the moment)

Jessica Smith

Office Administrator

In October 2023, I had the privilege of working many shifts in the Wesley pumpkin patch and shortly thereafter, I happily accepted the position of office administrator! I am a mom, a sister, and hope to be a friendly face to anyone who calls, emails, or visits our church.
For most of my life, through college and beyond, I have pursued my passion for dance and other movement practices. I graduated from East Carolina University with a BFA in Dance Performance and went on to work professionally in Greensboro, Boston and New York.  Currently I am finding joy and meaning in liturgical dance. You might be thinking, ‘how does this relate to office administration?!’. You’d be in good company because I often ask God the same question; I feel like he just smiles and asks me to keep trusting.

Favorite scripture:  "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." (Job 42:5 NIV)
"Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16 NIV)
Favorite movie: Shaun of the Dead
Favorite book: Becoming Wise, Krista Tippett
Favorite music: Bluegrass, Funk/Soul, Classical, Rock 

Linda Skipper

Financial Administrator

Hello! I am originally from WV. I have an undergraduate degree from Marshall University and a graduate degree from UNCW, as well as a certificate as a NC Certified Public Manager, a NC Certified Mediator, and Strategic Management. I have over 30 years’ experience in fiscal and personnel management and enjoy my work and the opportunity to help and serve others. I enjoy volunteering and currently am an officer with my neighborhood HOA; volunteer at the Wilson Community Center; served as a sorority advisor for 10 years and have tutored in the school system. My hobbies include reading, exercising, crafts, and I love the beach.

Favorite scripture:  "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." (Proverbs 31:25)
Favorite movie: Forrest Gump
Favorite book: The Turning Point,Malcolm Gladwell
Favorite music: love all types of music. My favorite band is Journey.