Staff

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.

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.

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.

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.