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.

---

---

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.

---

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 Rodman– Children’s Director
Hi! My name is Jennifer and I am the Children’s Ministry Director here at St. James UMC. I am married to Matt and we have a precious son, Luke.  I also am the Children's Librarian at the Mockingbird Branch of the Abilene Public Library.  I am excited to work with you and your children and look forward to getting to know you better.

---

Melissa Sisco – Youth Director
​Hello! My name is Melissa Sisco and I am the Youth Director at St. James UMC. I am constantly amazed at what God calls each of us to do! I am blessed, and I know God led my family to this amazing church and to these joyful people! I was born and raised in Abilene and love my hometown. My wonderful husband, Justin, and I have been married for 15 years. He went to St. James UMC as a child and now life has turned full circle and we bring our children to worship here. We have two children, Blane and Bailey. I love to be outside and enjoy the beauty God has created. I enjoy fishing, camping, hunting, and I love to read. If you have any questions about our Youth program, please feel free to contact me at msisco234@gmail.com.