Rev. Timoth J. Barth- Pastor
Email Pastor Tim | Cell Phone 302-943-5459
Rev. Timothy Joseph Barth, was born in Newark Delaware. He has led worship in a multitude of settings within the United Methodist Church and has experience in leading Traditional, Blended, and Contemporary Services. Having served his first appointment at the age of 21, Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church will be his fifth pastoral appointment.
Tim is a graduate of Indian River High School located in Dagsboro, Delaware. He earned two associate degrees from Delaware Technical Community College, and a bachelor’s degree from Wilmington University each degree is in a computer related field. In 2018, Pastor Tim graduated from Duke Divinity School.
Tim and Ciera have been married since June 2015. In June 2019, their first child Samuel was born! Samuel is almost three! He loves trucks, trains, cartoons, church and playing. Samuel occasionally helps Daddy during the church service. They recently welcomed a second child, Nathanael, in October of 2022.
Pastor Tim is passionate about equipping people with the means to use their spiritual gifts, building up leaders in the church, making disciples, loving all people, and preaching the hope that is only found in God. He enjoys spending time with his family, and friends. He finds enjoyment in serving God’s people, playing the guitar, hunting, cooking, and being outside.
Lisa Thomasson - Office Manager
I am a “cradle Methodist” having spent my childhood and youth at Watson Memorial UMC in Chatham. I began attending St. Luke’s in 1995 and joined later that year. It has certainly changed my life! I met my husband Chuck at St. Luke’s, and we were married in 1996. We have one son, Jacob, who is currently a seminary student.
I first joined the staff of St. Luke’s as the Director of Children’s Ministries in 2006 and served in that position until 2017. In 2020, I rejoined the staff as the Administrative Assistant and in 2022 the position of Financial Secretary was added to my responsibilities.
I participate in various ministries of the church and greatly enjoy co-teaching a children’s Sunday school class. In my free time I enjoy reading, gardening, and cooking.
Terry Payne - Music Director
Email Terry
I was born and raised in Danville. I graduated from George Washington High School and then began to pursue a teaching degree from Averett University. Upon graduating in 1983, I started my teaching career in Pittsylvania County working at various schools teaching grade K-3 for 31 years.
I began playing music in my home church at the age of 13. I had a wonderful piano teacher who truly began to nurture my talent. I began my first Director of Music job at Calvary Church of the Nazarene in 1982. I have served at Vandola Baptist Church, West End Christian Church, and most recently at Watson Memorial UMC in Chatham.
I like to travel, cross-stitch, and read (when I have time). I also enjoy being a father to five “four-legged” children: “Tallulah Pearl” (teacup Chihuahua) – “Georgia Belle” (Yorkie) – “Rudy” (Boston Terrier) and two cats “Ramona’ and “Laura-Lee”.
I am excited about my work at St. Luke’s and look forward to working with the people there. I hope we can all work together to reestablish the choir and hand bell ministries.
Juli Odell - Youth Director
I was born and raised in Danville, VA. I grew up running the halls of the church at Fairview UMC. My husband, CJ, and I have been mar-ried for 18 years and we have two wonderful daughters. Kaylee is 10 and in the 5th grade, Sarah Grace is 8 and in the 3rd grade.
After graduating from George Washington High School in 2000, I attended Virginia Wesleyan Col-lege where I pursued a Bachelors degree in Religious Studies. After graduation in 2003, I began min-istry as a Youth Director and worked with youth in different churches in VA and NC for 15 years.
Five years ago I left ministry to pursue where I felt God was calling me to next and began working on my Masters in Special Education. I am currently a Special Education teacher at Stony Mill Elemen-tary School.
I have continued to feel God call me back to youth ministry and I am excited to work with everyone at St. Lukes. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know everyone there and I can't wait to see what God has in store!
Jan White - SEXTON
I have lived in the Keeling area my entire life and graduated from Dan River High School. My mother ran a country store in Keeling, and my dad ran Wiles Service Station and Garage next door to the store.
I lost my husband Michael, of 27 years, to cancer in 1998. I have one daugh-ter Jennifer, who is a pharmacist at SOVAH. I also have two fur babies, Boo and Riley. I am an active member of Wesley Chapel UMC. I look forward to meeting you all. Please introduce yourself as you see me around the building.