The staff members can be reached by calling the primary church phone number 252.752.6154 and selecting the appropriate extension.
Photos are taken by Jared Lopez. Thank you Jared!
Pastors
Pastor Kuda Kwashe
Associate Pastor of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
Kuda heard his call to ministry at 12 years old and is passionate about youth and children's ministry.
Rev. Tom Greener
Senior Pastor
His ministry began in Western Pennsylvania serving 8 years, before he joined the North Carolina Conference in which he has served for 24 years.
Rev. Laura Goldenbaum-Yang
Associate Pastor
As the Pastor of Youth and Young Adults, I have the joy of leading and learning from the young people of St. James.
Rev. Joyce Day
Pastor of Congregational Care
I help various ministry teams to provide support and encouragement to our congregation. This includes help with meals, transportation, prayer, visiting, etc. I am the staff liaison for our caregiver and grief support groups. I also connect with folks during some of their most challenging life situations.
Worship & Music
Jared Lopez
Technology Coordinator
Frances Cain
Organist
I have been the organist at St. James UMC for the past 52 years and in the St. James Hand bell Choir. In 2013, I was honored to receive the ECU School of Music Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Tim Messina
Director of Contemporary Music and Video Ministry
I lead worship in the Christian Life Ministries Center (CLMC) and oversees social media and video ministry.
Nicole Franklin
Director of Traditional Music
I serve alongside my husband, James, as Co-director of Sanctuary Worship at St. James United Methodist Church. I direct the handbell ensemble, St. James Ringers, sing as section leader in the Chancel Choir, teach a college Sunday School class, and am in the process of becoming a Congregational Care Minister.
Dr. James Franklin
Director of Traditional Music
I have served as Director of Traditional Music at St. James United Methodist Church since fall 2016. I have worked as a church musician for most of my life, having started singing in church choir as a youth at First Baptist Church in Odessa, TX.
Children & Youth
Kristine Nelson
Family Ministry Coordinator
Kristine has worked with children for most of her teen and adult life and is passionate about children’s ministry.
Elizabeth Shirley
Assistant Weekday Ministries Director
Dana Carpenetti
Director of Weekday Ministries
I oversee the preschool and afterschool ministries of St. James. I have served in my current role since December 2017. A big part of my role is to equip my staff to live into our mission of Follow Jesus, Love Others and Change the World. I oversee 22 afterschool staff and 18 preschool teachers.
Nursery
Administrative
Stephen Warner
Facilities Manager
Kristoff Jackson
Custodian
Jesse Daniels
Custodian
Paula Hamlin
Administrative Assistant
I joined this wonderful team of dedicated servants in 2018. With over 30 years’ experience in administration, in a variety of industries, I have been able to use my passion of serving God while serving others.
Marianne Leventry
Financial Administrator
One of my greatest blessings since being at St. James is being introduced to the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina. I still can’t believe that I stepped out of my comfort zone and started the Noon Lectio Class. It is an amazing way to lose ourselves and grow in our Lord.
Chris Garcia
Director of Congregational Engagement
I help members of the congregation and our visitors engage in our ministries. As a part of that effort, I organize the tracking and engaging of visitors and new members.