Staff

Rev. Laura Goldenbaum-Yang

Pastor of Youth and Young Adults

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.

Rev. Garrett Rea

Associate Pastor

I’m passionate about exploring the connection between faith and action through preaching, teaching, and missions.

Rev. Ben Alexander

Senior Pastor

My passions for ministry include connecting with people, diving into the scriptures, preaching, and trying new things ("I have a crazy idea...").

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

St. James has been one of my families here since I started attending while at ECU, and I couldn't be more blessed to have a kind and thoughtful family that loves God by loving others.

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.

Emleigh Hughes

Director Of Children's Ministries

Daewon Goldenbaum-Yang

Interim Director of Children’s Ministries and Remote Learning

Taylor Dougherty

Nursery Coordinator

I truly love my job here and enjoy coming in and seeing all the sweet faces! It is a true pleasure to make sure that your babies are taken care of while you are able to worship or participate in other areas of the church.

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.

Rebecca Woolard

Ashley Hinson

Jesse Daniels

Custodian

Tommy Shaw

Interim Director of Communications

I have been working for St. James since March of 2018. In March of 2020, I started as Interim Director of Communications. This is a position that I am extremely excited to fill because I am a creative person by nature.

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.

Tyrone Walston

Facilities Manager

As the Facilities Manager, I am responsible for: scheduling all activities that take place in the buildings, ensuring that all equipment, HVAC units, etc. of the buildings, are serviced and have regular maintenance, oversee and maintain the columbarium niches, and make sure that the buildings and grounds are well maintained.

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.