Staff

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Rev. Dot Lea – Pastor
Hello, my name is Rev. Donita Lea. Most call me Pastor Dot. I graduated from Texas Tech University with a Master’s of Educational Psychology and a license for professional counselors. Wesley Theological School in Washington D.C. is my seminary and Rothberg Institute of Hebrew University in Jerusalem is where I gained my certification for Conflict resolution and Peace negotiation. More importantly to me… I am a Child of God that serves as a minister,   chaplain, daughter, sister and aunt… niece, cousin and neighbor… caregiver to a precious one that rescued me – Sally, a golden retriever! As a United Methodist minister, I have been appointed and lived all over West Texas. Currently I love serving at St James UMC here in Abilene, the people of the congregation and community! My favorite verse is “The joy of the Lord will be my strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) My favorite color is red. My favorite mantra is “I will live by faith and not by fear.” My favorite quote of social action is “Be the change you wish to see.” (Ghandi) I look forward to hearing from you: dotlea@sjumc.com.

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Elaine DeWitt – Secretary
​Hello, my name is Elaine DeWitt. Jim, my husband of 45 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. I have had the honor of serving as church secretary here at St. James UMC for twelve 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 at church@sjumc.com.

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Alan Jones- 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 UMC. 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. 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 at  music@sjumc.com.

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Jessica Morrow – Children’s Director
Hi! My name is Jessica and I am the Children’s Ministry Director here at St. James UMC. I have a wonderful husband, Johnny, and two crazy fun boys who are enjoying making friends and learning about God here at St. James. In addition to my roll as Children’s Director I also love teaching math and doing photography. I feel very blessed to be a part of the Children’s Ministry team. I know that God has called me here, and it has been fun to watch this journey unfold. I’ve found great joy in pouring love into St. James’ children and their families! If you have any questions about our Children’s program, please feel free to contact me any time at children@sjumc.com.

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Haley Shepard – Youth Director
​Hi, my name is Haley Shepard. I am a senior at McMurry University here in Abilene. My major is biology education with hopes to be certified to teach all science grade 7-12. I am incredibly passionate about missions and working to serve others in any way I can. Thank you for helping make St. James home for me as I go through college.  youth@sjumc.com