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

Pastor Phil came to Lewis Center UMC in 2016 to launch Contemporary and Musical Worship, was appointed to serve at another UM Church in 2022, and returned to Lewis Center in 2023 because he believes in our local Church family and the life changing ministries happening here. Phil would say, “My faith is in Jesus Christ, His saving grace, and the local Church.”

Phil is a 3rd generation United Methodist Pastor who moved and grew up in multiple churches in Northwest Ohio. He has degrees and certifications from Asbury College ‘99, University of Kansas ‘04, Ashland Theological Seminary ‘09, and the Methodist Theological Seminary of Ohio ‘19.

After 7 years of teaching 8th grade Language Arts in Topeka Kansas and in Southeast Ohio (Federal Hocking School District), he answered the call into ministry in 2006 leading musical worship and preaching. He currently resides in Westerville with his wife Stephanie and their 3 girls: Audrey, Paige, and Ellie. Their lives are full of music, soccer, running, swimming, theater, cats, a German Shephard, and… more music.

Phil enjoys preaching, teaching Bible studies, and is the contemporary worship leader at LC. He’s always looking for new music and people who are passionate about sharing the “Good News” of Jesus Christ though music. Phil can frequently be found leading worship with an acoustic guitar, but he enjoys playing electric guitar, bass, mandolin, and can play drums “in a pinch.” Phil’s favorite contemporary worship songs are The Way (New Horizon), How Great is Our God), & You Never Let Go. His favorite Hymns are Jesus Paid it All, Because He Lives, & How Great Thou Art.

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.