Pastoral Leadership
Worship Pastor: Rev. Dollie Howell Pankey
Rev. Dollie Howell Pankey is a multi-talented pastoral musician who has made numerous creative contributions across 45 years of music performance and leadership. She has also served as a pastor, chaplain, and teacher for more than thirty years.
Rev. Dollie is becoming known as singer-songwriter D’Marie in Birmingham and beyond as a song stylist in soul, pop, roots music, gospel, and jazz. D’ Marie creates memorable moments through presence, word, and song—giving voice to the voiceless, bringing healing, motivating worship, and drawing people towards the loving presence of God.
She is a Doctor of Pastoral Music student at Perkins School of Theology and continues her work as a conference musician, community activist, educator, writer, workshop facilitator, and theomusicologist for the Alabama Poor People’s Campaign, lifting the movement through music.
Teaching Pastor: Rev. Sally Harris
Rev. Sally Harris is the Teaching Pastor of Beloved Community Church. She is fascinated by the unfolding message God has spoken and is speaking to people. She is always seeking to learn and understand more fully both Biblical teachings and the writings of modern theologians. She is most interested in learning how the teachings of Jesus can be lived out in our relationships with God and with each other.
Sally believes that people learn the most when they study together, learn together, and are involved in ministry to others. God speaks to us as we share our stories and experiences. God’s grace, love, and desire for justice for all people are central to her understanding of Scripture.
Sally Is a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College and of Memphis Theological Seminary. She has served as Pastor to United Methodist, United Church of Christ, and Lutheran congregations (ELCA) and has also worked as a Christian Educator. She has taught all ages of children and adults in a variety of church settings. She is a storyteller, a voracious reader, and a lover of humor. Sally is a great admirer and supporter of her several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Just ask her and she will tell you all about her latest experiences as “Aunt Sally”.
Congregational Care Pastor: Rev. Sonya Gravlee
A daughter of the South, Rev. Sonya Gravlee studied and worked for many years in Texas and California before returning home to be near family. A United Church of Christ pastor, Sonya has served as a local church pastor, ecumenical campus minister, adjunct faculty, and hospital chaplain. Sonya is passionate about creating a more equitable world where everyone has quality healthcare, shelter, nourishment, justice, and education.
In addition to her ministry at Beloved, Rev. Sonya edits, transcribes, and is pursuing voice-over work. She is an avid reader, loves movies, enjoys travel, cheers for the Crimson Tide, and occasionally creates art. If you have a prayer request or spiritual care need, please let her know.
Our Musical Life
Minister of Music: Mr. Vincent Perry
Vince Perry is a highly accomplished musician, educator, and bandleader with a distinguished career spanning multiple genres and roles. A former NCOIC of the 313th Army Show Band, he also served as the woodwind group leader, principal oboist, keyboardist, and media specialist.
His dedication to music education led him to positions as an adjunct instructor and associate band director at Miles College, as well as a band director and instructor in Birmingham City Schools.
Beyond education, Vince has made significant contributions to the blues and jazz scenes, having performed as a keyboardist for blues legend Lattimore and designed B3 organ sounds for Bobby “Blue” Bland. He has also been a member of the esteemed Chuck Clarke Quintet.
Currently, Vince serves as the Minister of Music at both First Congregational Church and Beloved Community Church in Birmingham. He is the manager of Private Property Band and continues to perform as a keyboardist with Just Friends, Ain’t Misbehavin’ Dance Band, and Take Seven. His deep musicianship and leadership have solidified his reputation as a cornerstone of the Birmingham music community.
The Evening Worship service uses the African American Heritage Hymnal for our weekly singing.
Music is a vital part of life and worship at Beloved.
We have been blessed in musical leadership from the founding days of the Beloved Community Orchestra, featuring LeNard Brown and David Camon,
Through song, we praise God, express our joy, and open our hearts. Our weekly congregational singing and anthems reflect our diversity of presence and theology.
We also regularly feature a range of wonderful Birmingham musicians in our regular worship services and for special events.
