Our Ministry Team

Born in the Down East community of Sea Level, NC, and raised just down the road in the fishing village of Atlantic, Eddie was the youngest of five siblings and grew up working in their family's country store. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications Media with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing Management from Appalachian State University, where he also met a Raleigh girl named Nita, whom he married after their 1985 graduation.

Prior to accepting his calling to ministry in 1990, Eddie worked in print media, including as Sports Editor for the Carteret County News-Times and Managing Editor of Lookout Magazine. His first ministry role was as Program Associate at Long Memorial UMC in Roxboro, NC. As he entered Duke University for his Master of Divinity, he served as Student Pastor at Mt. Tirzah UMC in Timberlake and then as their first and only full-time pastor. Prior to joining the Saint Luke UMC ministry team in 2020, Eddie served at Kipling UMC in the community named after Rudyard Kipling, and then 18 years at Sharon UMC-Holden Beach as Lead Pastor.

Being a difference-maker - and helping others to be the same - defines the essence of Eddie’s ministry approach. He appreciates being part of our visionary church family’s commitment to loving God and loving others - as  well as being in spiritual dialogue and service with others. Eddie and Nita raised four sons who live all over the place and travel as often as possible to visit them!

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE:  ”They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:8
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW:  I was healed of a severe speech impediment I had as a child.
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE:  Being surrounded by an incredible staff allows me to spend even more time in God's Word preparing for the proclamation of God's good news!
IN MY SPARE TIME:   Paddleboarding, being with family, traveling, watching sports (Go Yankees, Duke, App State, and Colts!)

Born at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and raised in a military family, Charlotte moved to Army bases in Texas, Panama, and eventually Ft. Bragg, NC, where her father retired. Her family returned to the Waldensian town of Valdese, NC, her father’s homeplace. She received a Bachelor of Music Education from Appalachian State University, taught band in grades 6-9, and performed with the Western Piedmont Symphony for over 30 years (as well the NC and Winston-Salem Symphonies along the way). She was then called into full-time ministry and received a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Pfeiffer University, followed by her professional Christian Education Certification and a degree in Deacon Studies at Hood Theological Seminary.

Charlotte served as Associate Pastor with various churches before arriving in Sanford to serve as Associate Pastor at Saint Luke in July of 2022. While Charlotte’s role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, a major focus is in small group formation. In addition to being involved in ministries on the community, district, and conference levels, Charlotte has remained an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for Women Educators.

She and her husband, Leonard, have two adult children with families of their own and enjoy being grandparents. Charlotte remains committed to helping Saint Luke continue to grow into its mission of loving God and others, and being invested in supporting our relational ministries.

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE:  “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW:  My father is Waldensian and my mother is German, a character blend of determination, perseverance, and deep spiritual roots. I enjoy German cuisine, especially Spätzle. And I just may be addicted to chocolate!
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE:  l admire the long history of Saint Luke UMC - from Steele Street to Wicker Street - of a strong congregation with vision, spiritual maturity, perseverance, and a heart for missions. Led by faith-filled clergy and laity, I’m honored to be part of the ministry team!
IN MY SPARE TIME:  I enjoy spending time with my family, as well as the beauty of the mountains while reflecting on God’s wonderful gifts of Creation.

Born and raised in Stanly County between the towns of Albemarle and Badin, NC, Judy attended North Stanly High School and Badin United Methodist Church - as did her husband, Phil.  She’s called quite a few places home through the years, including, Nashville, TN; Siler City, NC (for 25 years); Fair Bluff, NC; Sanford, NC (twice); Goldston, NC; Fremont, NC, and Troy, NC.  Prior to returning to school fulltime in 1988,  Judy worked in administration and accounting.

Judy received her AAS in Accounting from Alamance Community College and her Bachelor of  Arts in Religion (with a minor in Psychology) from Elon University, followed by her Master of Divinity from Duke. Additionally, she participated in the two-year Academy for Spiritual Formation and completed Graduate Studies in Spirituality and Story at Wesley Theological Seminary.

Saint Luke has been blessed to have Judy on the ministry team twice - the first time in 2002 for five years as Associate Pastor and the current role as Minister of Visitation since 2014, when she returned to Sanford. Judy often reflects on the vitality, faithfulness, and love of our congregation. She and Phil have also been active on Disaster Response Teams and rebuilding efforts in different areas of North Carolina and Mississippi, as well as our Red Bird Teams serving in eastern Kentucky.  

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: “You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.” - Psalm 139:5-6
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW: I hoard books... hate journaling... am certain chocolate is a major food group... and used to write and perform puppet skits for my children's messages because I was more comfortable behind the screen.  (That's when the introvert in me came out to play!)  On a more serious note, I have been to Iona, Scotland (an island in the Scotch Hebrides) three times – my favorite spot in the world (besides home) because it is a "thin place" where the veil between the spiritual and the physical feels more permeable. For most of my life, music was the catalyst for my connection with the Holy. The practices of prayer and solitude have now become priorities for me.
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE: Being part of a generous and mission-minded congregation and staff, with the opportunity to continue living into my calling as a pastor through congregational care. Retirement may be mandatory, but being a servant is life-long.
IN MY SPARE TIME: Reading, knitting, puzzles, spoiling my cat, and meditating by the water or in a kayak on the water

Jim was born in Blythewood, SC and raised there by his late father, Lewis, and mom, Sonja. He attended The Citadel Military College of SC and in 2012, earned his Bachelor’s, the ring, and a place among the few in the Long Gray Line with the rank of Captain and the title of First Battalion Religious Officer that was awarded by his peers.

After a short detour working in Charleston as a manager and accountant of a Citadel alumni’s furniture store, Jim answered the call to Navy chaplaincy in 2014, and attended Columbia International University in SC to pursue a Master of Divinity in Chaplaincy. He later transferred to the accredited Duke Divinity School where he graduated in 2018 with his Master of Divinity. Jim served in his home UMC Conference as Senior Pastor of a two-point charge in the Columbia District, followed by the role as the Associate Pastor of Lexington UMC. He was commissioned in 2021, receiving his provisional elder membership in the SC Conference.

Jim and his wife, Kendall, who hails from Chapel Hill, were married in 2019, and are parents to two beautiful girls. They happily returned to NC when Jim joined the Saint Luke ministry team as Minister of Youth and Technology in 2022. He now also manages Saint Luke's campus maintenance vendors. Jim’s passion for the Lord is evident in all the ways he serves at Saint Luke.

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” - Romans 8:31
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW: In 2019, I was diagnosed with Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes. Or more importantly, Pastor Eddie officiated our wedding at Duke Chapel that same year!
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE: The friendly hospitality atmosphere and working with an all-star clergy staff!
IN MY SPARE TIME: I enjoy spending time with Kendal and our daughters.

A native of Sanford, Katherine received two Bachelors from NC State University - one in Communication Sciences and Disorders and one in Accounting. She was awarded a Graduate Certificate in Autism from ECU, followed by a Bachelor’s and Masters of Education in Elementary Education. Prior to becoming an elementary school teacher, Katherine worked in speech pathology in a private practice, where her passion for literacy and teaching children how to read all began and her drive to get into the classroom was born.

Katherine’s journey at Saint Luke began in 2015, working in Saint Luke's After School. The following year, she joined our Preschool staff, teaching in the very same classroom in which she learned as a young child as a Preschool student! Saint Luke was blessed to have Katherine take on the role of our Director of Children's and Family Ministries in 2018. She also still works as a Lee County elementary school teacher and views both church and school as mission fields.

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE:  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” -  Proverbs 3:5-6
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW:  I was asked to be an ambassador for Chick-fil-A... and my nickname is Freebird.
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE:  My position provides me with a wonderful outlet to love, teach, and grow with God's children and their families. I credit many of my favorite parts about working here to the inviting and faithful congregation, a committed clergy and staff, and gifted lay leadership. God continues to write His vision for these ministries and I am thankful He called me to follow His lead at Saint Luke UMC.
IN MY SPARE TIME: I love to travel, spend time with my family and friends, and to be outdoors. I work with Sanford's Outreach Mission, Inc. and Saint Luke’s ARK ministry as often as I can.

Born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Laura was raised in Grand Bay, Alabama. She attended Auburn University where she met her husband, Jeff, and then received her PHTC (putting hubby through college) degree.  Laura’s family lived in Auburn, Alabama;  Charlottesville, Virginia; and Alexander City, Alabama before their relocation to Sanford in 2000. They have two children, James and Carol, who both returned to Sanford to settle down. Laura loves having her two grandchildren and grand-dogs nearby!

Laura’s work experience through the years included executive secretarial work for a newspaper publisher, childcare, and office work for five years at a high school (which is where her newsletter experience began!). Saint Luke UMC welcomed Laura on board as Staff Secretary in 2001 and her role evolved through the years into the current Office Manager position. In addition to preparing worship bulletins, newsletters, and promotional flyers, Laura is the keeper of records and master lists, and, according to many, is the glue of Saint Luke! Beloved by so many, Laura says she loves being part of the Saint Luke team because of our “wonderful, warm, and caring members."

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” - Colossians 3:23-24
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW: We are from Alabama, but please don’t say “Roll Tide.” We are Auburn fans through and through! War Eagle!
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE:  The people! The Saint Luke congregation is full of kind, generous people, who love and serve the Lord with their whole hearts! I love serving alongside them.
IN MY SPARE TIME: What spare time? LOL! I enjoy word puzzles, reading, travel, and spending time with my grandsons and family.

Pat was born on Fort Bragg in the barracks before Womack Army Hospital was built and lived in Fayetteville her whole life. While she missed her father while growing up - one of the sacrifices many military families face - Pat is a very proud daughter of a recognized American Hero and an extraordinary "Special Forces" legend, Major Richard (Dick) James Meadows, who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He has a life-sized statue on the base and  “The Quiet Professional” by Alan Hoe was written in his honor.

Pat attended Fayetteville Technical Community College to study Business Administration, and completed numerous AIB courses related to banking, finance, and accounting. Prior to joining the Saint Luke UMC team in 2023 as Financial Controller, Pat worked in finances for 50 years, including as a self-employed bookkeeper for three corporations, several banking and loan positions, as Office Manager for Belk-Cross Creek Mall and a security company, and with another Sanford church.

Pat’s wealth of knowledge serves Saint Luke well and she hit the ground running from day one! She and her husband, Richard, live in Swanns Station with their two Yorkies and are active at Morris Chapel UMC.

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.“ - Psalm 46:10
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW:  I've been to Bolivia, South America a few times for humanitarian service.  I was elected Worthy Advisor and appointed Grand Faith of the State of  NC for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, a non-profit organization focused on preparing young women to become strong, kind, generous, and respectful citizens.
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE: Working with and around a great group of people!
IN MY SPARE TIME: Crocheting, crafting, gardening, canning, and traveling

Born and raised in Greensboro, NC, Curtis lives in Archdale. He received his Bachelor’s in Choral Music Education from Appalachian State University and has been creating beautiful music most of his life! Curtis taught private voice and violin lessons in Greensboro before becoming a a high school music teacher in Asheboro in 2016.

In January of 2020, he began worshiping with our church family, who welcomed him with open arms as our Contemporary Worship Leader. Curtis believes that God reveals Himself in and through His people - and that he’s reminded of that every Sunday morning at Saint Luke UMC!

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: “I can do all things with who Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW:  I went to a magnet elementary school and was in a Spanish Immersion Program where all of my classes (except for English) were taught in Spanish. I was fluent in Spanish, but now I understand it a lot better than I speak it!
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE:  EASILY the individuals who comprise the church. Without the people, Saint Luke would just be a pretty building. Instead, it's a living and breathing representation of God’s love. A special shout-out to the amazing people who serve on the praise and worship team and whose talent is outweighed only by their hearts and love of Christ. What an honor to worship alongside them!
IN MY SPARE TIME:  Outside of work and church, I stay busy with music and performance endeavors. I sing and play keyboard in a band (Ears to the Ground) and sing baritone/bass with Triadic Vocals. I'm also involved with the Community Theatre of Greensboro, both as an actor and a music director, and occasionally play the violin or sing at weddings. I spend a lot of time driving, so I enjoy listening to audiobooks or podcasts!

Born in Lee County, Rodney was raised in nearby Chatham County, NC and has been playing the piano and organ at churches since he was 15 years old. After earning his degrees in Music and Accounting from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC and Campbell University, Rodney worked as an examiner of financial institutions and as a financial manager for 18 years. He retired after working with  the NC Office of the Commissioner of Banks for 33 years. Prior to joining our music team as Organist, Rodney served as Director of Music and Organist for Pittsboro UMC for 12 years.

After stints in Raleigh and Greensboro, Rodney lives in nearby Goldston where he grew up, and began filling Saint Luke UMC with joyful strains of music in 2022. He joyfully serves as Director of Music Ministries, filling the roles of Organist, Pianist, and Adult Choir Director.

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.“ - Proverbs 3:5-6
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW: I live in my maternal great-great-grandparents’ two-story Queen-Anne home, lovingly restored to its former glory by my father. The renovation took 10 years after being vacant for 35 years.
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE: The opportunity to use my talents each week to help create a meaningful worship experience
IN MY SPARE TIME: Yard work (used to be tennis and cooking when I had more time!)

Danielle called Fairfax, VA home until 11 years after college. She earned her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University.  After teaching elementary school at the same school she attended as a child, she transitioned to working with her mom’s in-home daycare after her children came along. Danielle and her college-sweetheart husband are the parents of four children.

The Saint Luke UMC Preschool welcomed Danielle on board as Director in August 2023, and her love for children shines through daily! We regularly hear accolades from the community about how much they -and their children - love and appreciate Danielle and her amazing staff. What a privilege it is, under Danielle's direction, to continue the longstanding tradition of providing such a valuable, Christ-centered start to education for young ones in Sanford!

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?“ - Matthew 6:30-32
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW: Any kind of pasta is my favorite!
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE: I love seeing all the children arrive happy in the mornings to start their day at preschool!
IN MY SPARE TIME: Cross stitch, reading, and spending time at the lake

Born in Bellmore, NY, Carolyn’s family moved to Tucson, Arizona when she was six years old. They relocated to NC when she was in high school, when she started working as a nanny for twins and as a daycare teacher, continuing through college. After attending Fayetteville Technical Institute, Carolyn transferred to Fayetteville State University as part of the Early Childhood Education program. Her experience, education, continuing ed, and multiple certifications in Early Childhood Education have equipped Carolyn to be a great asset to Saint Luke! She was proud to work as one of our committed preschool teachers from 1993 to 2021, and in 2022, she was hired as the Saint Luke After School Director. Carolyn's love of children is evident as she plans fun and engaging extended learning opportunities during the school year and during her very popular summer camp sessions.

Carolyn is the mom of three sons and finds great joy as the grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren. She's also renowned in this area for her seamstress magic!

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE:  "We walk by faith, not by sight." - Isaiah 6:8-13  
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW: My mom unfortunately passed from breast cancer, so on my 50th birthday I completed the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, which equated to the distance of a marathon the first day (26.2 miles) and a half marathon the second (13.1 miles).
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE: Definitely the people and relationships I’ve experienced here
IN MY SPARE TIME:  Sewing, crafts, reading, long walks (when my knees are good!), and spending time with my children and grandkids

Born on her family’s farm in southern Illinois, Irene was raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  After graduating from Barnard College in New York City with her Bachelor of Arts in English, Irene began her career as a freelance writer, which included publishing several how-to books about small business. She also met her husband while standing in line for a flight during that chapter of life. After his premature passing about eight years later, Irene moved to Madrid, Spain, where she worked in a civilian clerical position for the U.S. Air Force. While there, she also completed her Master’s Degree in History at the University of Madrid. Irene returned to NYC where she continued writing, as well as working as a secretary for many years.

A friend suggested NC as a beautiful, more affordable place to live, so Irene headed south in 2005. She's volunteered for many years, including in animal rescue and the Boys and Girls Clubs. The community of friends she built during those first couple of years included local realtors, which led to her purchasing a house in 2007 next door to long-time Saint Luke member, Jeanne Bethea, who immediately invited Irene to church! After volunteering for a while at church, Irene joined our staff as a receptionist with a full sense of gratitude for God’s hand in it all.

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” - Matthew 13:16
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW: I’m addicted to Yarborough’s ice cream.
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE: The people - generous, loving, mission-oriented, and friendly! I love the After School Program’s staff of teachers. They do a terrific job! (I love the kids, too!)
IN MY SPARE TIME: I continue to work as a tutor with the local Boys and Girls Clubs with students who are not working at grade level.

Rebecca was born a Buckeye in Canton, Ohio, but was mainly raised in the small town of Palm Bay, Florida, just south of Cocoa Beach. She received her Associate of Science in Visual Design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Rebecca’s work experience has included working with a Florida representative, creating graphics for the Florida Today Newspaper, and then as a photographer for a Vero Beach ad agency, where she was responsible for taking photos of Prince Charles (now King of England) playing polo. She made NC home after her annual visits to her sister in nearby Cary caused her to fall in love with the lush trees and hills of our area.

That relocation led to her job at GlaxoSmithKline as Data Analyst and Senior Administrative Specialist for over 13 years, and meeting her husband. They have one daughter and live in the Moncure area on a couple of acres with four dogs and a cat. Rebecca joined the Saint Luke staff in 2019 as one of our receptionists.

A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE:  “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” -  Isaiah 53:6
SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW:  Dawn Michaud, a member of SLUMC, is my mother-in-law. My mom wanted to be a missionary, but women were not accepted to field missionary work at that time, and she later met and married my father, who served as a Pentecostal pastor.
FAVORITE PART OF SAINT LUKE:  Interacting with all of the people who enter Saint Luke’s doors, all with their own lives, struggles, and joys, including conversations that lead to prayer
IN MY SPARE TIME:  Traveling to see my daughter as often as possible; return therapeutic visits to my home state; and a side gig taking pictures of people, including corporate headshots, family settings, and high school seniors