Staff
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.
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 47 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 thirteen 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. |
Jennifer James– Children’s Director
Hi! My name is Jennifer and I am the Children’s Ministry Director here at St. James UMC. I have lived in Abilene for 15 years, with my husband, Steven. I have raised two daughters, and have one son still at home, Owen. I love to spend time camping and being outside.
Hi! My name is Jennifer and I am the Children’s Ministry Director here at St. James UMC. I have lived in Abilene for 15 years, with my husband, Steven. I have raised two daughters, and have one son still at home, Owen. I love to spend time camping and being outside.
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Haley Shepard – Youth Director
Hello! My name is Haley Shepard, and I'm so excited to be the youth director here at St. James. As many of you know, I have been a teacher for the last three years, but I have decided to leave the classroom and work as a Residence Hall Director for a dorm at McMurry, my alma mater. I love working with the middle school/high school aged kids, and I absolutely love the youth we have here! I can't wait to see how they grow in themselves and their spiritual well-being over the time I get the opportunity to be with them. |
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St. James United Methodist Church
3100 Barrow St. Abilene, TX 79605 Phone: 325-692-0263 Sunday Schedule Traditional Worship - 10:00am Children's Church - 10:00am |
