About us
Our Staff
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Senior Pastor
Hello, my name is Rev. Stephania Gilkey. Most call me Pastor Stephanie. I am the pastor of this wonderful church in Abilene, TX - St. James United Methodist Church. Our church is filled with imperfect people, forgiven by God, and living a called life of service to others.
I am a retired senior noncommissioned officer of the United States Air Force. I graduated from Abilene Christian University with a Master of Science in Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I completed my Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY.
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many. More than any of that I am a princess of the Most High King, my heavenly Father! I have served several churches since beginning my pastoral journey in 2007. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Secretary
Hello, my name is Elaine DeWitt.
I have had the honor of serving as church secretary here at St. James United Methodist Church for seventeen years. This gracious, loving congregation is an absolute joy, and I look forward to working alongside them and fulfilling God’s purpose as we love and minister to the people in this community and the world. If you have any questions about St. James, please feel free to contact me!
Jim, my husband of 51 years, and I moved to Abilene in 2004. We have 2 children, 5 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. When not being entertained by the grandkids, I enjoy reading and working jigsaw puzzles.
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Director of Music Ministry
Greetings! My name is Alan Jones, and I am privileged to serve as Director of Music Ministry for the congregation of St. James United Methodist Church. My passion is to see the name of Jesus lifted high and exalted, and to lead His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
I grew up in Albany, Texas, and graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a Bachelor of Music Ed. (1990) and from Logsdon Seminary with an MA in Family Ministry (2014).
My wife, Shari, and I have been married for 22 years, and we have one son, Griffin, who is a student at Abilene Christian University. I teach K-5 general music at Dyess Elementary here in Abilene.
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Director & Accompanist
Lora Lynn Christensen is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music and owner of an independent piano studio of more than 30 years in Abilene. She has been an adjunct faculty member at McMurry University since 2011, teaching piano and accompanying vocal students.Lora Lynn currently serves on the boards of Harmony Family Services and the Celebration Singers. She is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Abilene, is an SAI patroness, and is the pianist at St. James United Methodist Church. Fun facts: she also plays the accordion, the McMurry Carillon and the Kiwanis Club of Abilene historic McMurry calliope.
Lora Lynn has served as the accompanist for the Celebration Singers since 1999, and she became the Director of the Celebration Singers in the fall of 2024.
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Children’s Director
I’m originally from Vermont so sometimes I forget to have a southern accent but I am Texan in all the ways that count.
In addition to being the Children’s Director - you can find me at First Financial Bank where I work as an Insurance & Escrow Processor.
I have worked in childcare since high school & in banking for 20 years.
I enjoy spending downtime at home with my family. My husband, Steven and my son, Owen. I also enjoy seeing my two adult daughters who are off adulting.
When I need to relax and refresh, you will find me wherever the trees and mountains are. I love being immersed in Gods beautiful nature and experiencing all that it has to offer. If nature is having a bad day, I’ll be indoors crocheting or playing games with my family.
Our Church
Through Christ's birth, death and resurrection, we are renewed. The United Methodist Church acknowledges the precious nature of God's gifts of abundant grace and the continued presence of the Holy Spirit among us. We embrace our Wesleyan roots that we believe call us to give freely of ourselves, bringing the love and hope of Jesus Christ into our homes and into our communities.