Rev. Jessica L. Cavinee has served in the United Methodist Church for over twenty years and began as the Associate Pastor at LCUMC in July 2022. She feels incredibly blessed to become the Lead Pastor in July 2023. While serving Lewis Center, Pastor Jessica also enjoys serving on West Ohio Conference teams, as well as facilitating a Thriving In Ministry Cohort for MTSO.

Residing in Marysville, Pastor Jessica and her family are a busy bunch. She and her husband, Blake, are incredibly thankful for their family. They have five children: Zac, Brock, Sarah, Nic, and Madoc. Jessica's mom, Deb Launder, joined their home in August of 2021, making them a home of 8 people, dogs, guinea pigs, and a lot of fish.

When Pastor Jessica isn't busy with ministry, some of her favorite things include family time, spending time outside, reading, baking, and trying new things. She loves to travel, meet new people, experience new cultures, and learn from others' stories. Jessica believes in lifelong learning and sees life as a grand adventure.

jcavinee@lewiscenterumc.org

Phil Rode, Associate Pastor and Contemporary Worship Leader

As Associate Pastor at LCUMC, I assist with worship, community outreach, and helping others grow in their faith. I hold degrees in Middle School Education (Asbury College), Counseling Psychology (University of Kansas), and Clinical/Pastoral Counseling (Ashland Theological Seminary), with ministry studies at MTSO.

Growing up in a Methodist family, I never planned on ministry, but after years of wrestling with my calling, I answered in 2005. I enjoy playing and fixing guitars, spending time with my wife, Stephanie, and our daughters—Audrey, Paige, and Ellie—plus our two German Shepherds.

I also participate in Beer and Hymns in Delaware, a monthly gathering where we sing hymns and contemporary songs in a bar, sharing Jesus in an unexpected, beautiful way.

prode@lewiscenterumc.org

Amy joined our office staff as part time Office Administrator in February 2019, after an early retirement from a career in Human Resources and Employee Benefits.  She is the voice you speak to on the phone and the face that greets you when you enter the offices at Lewis Center.  Amy and her husband Mark moved to Columbus from southwest Missouri in 2008 to be closer to their daughter, and they travel to Austin, Texas to visit their son and his family, including two wonderful grandsons.  She is grateful for the opportunity to serve at Lewis Center Church!

secretary@lewiscenterumc.org

Tamara joined LCUMC as Worship Director with LCUMC in 2006 and the time has flown past! Tamara has a great passion for working with aspiring and seasoned musicians of all ages to bring out their God given artistic/musical gifts. Her goal is that everyone involved can feel confident that they are offering their utmost in order to provide a meaningful worship experience for all those in attendance. You will see her each Sunday as she directs our Sanctuary Choir, Adult Hand Bell Choir, “The Band” (contemporary musicians), soloists and various vocal and instrumental ensembles. Members of our musical program bond and fellowship as they hone their skills and grow their faith through music. We are most welcoming to seasoned and new members alike as we love to encourage one another.

Tamara is an alum of The Ohio State University; having earned her degrees in Vocal Education and Vocal Performance. She has served in the capacity as Director of Worship with a few other local congregations over the years.

musicdirector@lewiscenterumc.org 

Hilary has been serving as the Assistant Children’s Minister since June, 2020. Her focus in ministry at LCUMC is with Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten-aged children. She and her husband Chris have been members of LCUMC since 2016. They have 4 school-aged children who love the Children’s Ministry Program as much as Hilary does. Prior to taking a role in Children’s Ministry, Hilary worked as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital with young outpatient and home-care patients. Hilary loves finding creative and fun ways to interact with kids, especially as she helps them learn about God and grow in their faith.

Stephanie Herbert has been serving as the Church and Preschool Treasurer since November 2021. Her focus in ministry at LCUMC is with Preschool and Church Finances. She and her husband Bob have been members of LCUMC since 2022. They have 2 daughters Sophie and Reese and a dog Chester.

Prior to taking a role as the Treasurer, Stephanie worked as a Staff Accountant at Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers for 3 years and spent 10 years working in the Accounting Department @DHL prior to that.

Stephanie’s passion runs deep for numbers, but her true passion is her family and her love for serving Jesus both in her role and outside her role at LCUMC.  Outside of serving the church, she enjoys running long miles, volunteering with the Girls Cross Country Boosters, and spending time with her husband watching their daughter Sophie play basketball and run Cross Country for Olentangy and son Reese swim for Buckeye Swim Club and the Mini Flag Corp at Olentangy. 

She also loves serving in the youth and children’s ministries here along side of her children watching and helping them and others grow in their faith. 

Eric Herr serves as the Interim Youth Director at LCUMC, co-leading youth worship on Sundays in the Youth Activities Community Center (YACC). His mission is to help youth build a strong, enduring faith that serves as a foundation against life’s challenges while fostering Christian fellowship and lifelong friendships. Eric’s family joined LCUMC in 2012, drawn to its welcoming and mission-focused community, and have been active members ever since.

With 30 years of experience in broadcast television, Eric is a storyteller at heart. He loves sharing impactful narratives that educate, inspire, and motivate.

Eric is also a mixed martial arts enthusiast, regularly training in kickboxing and Muay Thai with his sons, Caleb and Ethan. His wife, Marcia, sings with the choir and contemporary worship band. Caleb is pursuing a master’s degree in dietetics and nutrition at the University of Cincinnati, while Ethan is involved in band, football, and wrestling at Berlin Middle School.

Tonya Apke serves as the Interim Co-Youth Director at LCUMC, working alongside Eric Herr to guide youth in grades 6-12 as they deepen their faith. A faculty member at OSU in the physical therapy program, Tonya draws from her professional experience to connect with young people with empathy, compassion, and honesty.

Tonya’s faith journey began with a young adults’ group that ignited her relationship with God, and her first mission trip as a chaperone was life-changing. Since then, she has passionately served in youth ministry, embracing God’s call to keep the program thriving.

Tonya and her husband are proud parents of three: Cole, a senior at High Point University; Reid, a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati; and Brielle, a sophomore at Olentangy. A dedicated sports mom and nature enthusiast, Tonya loves cheering on her kids and staying active outdoors. She also serves on LCUMC’s lead team.

Danielle Becker serves as the Preschool Director at LCUMC, managing all aspects of the preschool program, including staff, students, and their families. With a degree in communications and an Ohio teaching license for preschool through third grade, she has spent 20 years in early childhood education—both in the classroom and leading programs as a director.

A longtime church member, Danielle was excited to extend her passion for working with young children into ministry at LCUMC. She enjoys singing with the church worship band, watching her kids play sports, exercising, home remodeling, and real estate.

Pam Cherubino oversees Big Kid Connection, 3rd Grade Bibles, Club 54, and partners in coordinating VBS and special children’s events at LCUMC. With over 20 years in ministry, initially as a Worship Director, Pam found her passion in children’s ministry in 2008. Raised Lutheran, she felt called to ministry in college, desiring to help kids experience God’s unconditional love. Pam enjoys quilting, reading, sports, and managing her online fabric business. She’s married to Joe, a teacher at OLMS, and has a lovable goldendoodle named Lily Bet.