Pastor Jeff was appointed as Lead Pastor of Salem UMC in June of 2021. Prior to this appointment, Jeff has served Salem UMC (in Salem, S.C.), St. Mark UMC in Seneca, S.C., and St. Andrew UMC in Easley, S.C. Before his call to vocational ministry, Jeff was in business for 18 years in the upstate of South Carolina. Jeff and his wife Delaine (a retired educator) have two adult children; a son, Emory, and a daughter Georgia and her husband Andrew, who have a 3-year-old son, Micah. The Childress family feels extremely blessed to be a part of the Salem family of faith, and are enjoying their time living in the midlands.

Marie has been with Salem UMC since April 2012.  Marie is the first face of Salem for folk that come to our offices or contact us by phone.  She collaborates with staff and members to produce worship bulletins and other printed materials.   She makes sure the office and other areas are supplied, she manages the church calendar she manages the membership roles.  She works with a wide variety of committees to ensure that things flow smoothly and that communication lines are open and information flows to the appropriate persons.  She is our “Ask her first” person on a good many matters of the life of the church.   Marie and her husband, Fred love hunting and fishing together.  She is in the office Monday through Thursday.

Ms. Tina Overton is the Director of Creative Ministries and is the longest tenured member of our staff.  Her portfolio includes working with and coordinating the work of Family Ministries (including Senior Ministries, Church Family Meals, Congregational Care ministries, & Disaster preparedness & response), The Adult Education/ Discipleship Comm. and The Evangelism Committee. She also coordinates with the Worship Committee to develop visual arts for our worship, and will be assisting the Trustees on issues related to the appearance of our facility & property.   All this in 15 hours a week.  Tina lives in Chapin with her two boys, Blake and Braxton.

Mrs. P.J. Garrett is the Director of Children’s Ministries. She became a member of the staff in July of 2022. She and her daughter Peyton have been attending Salem for the past few years and became members of Salem in 2021. Before becoming the Director of Children’s Ministries, she volunteered with many of the Children’s Programs including Kid’s Club, Vacation Bible School, and various other activities. She is excited about the opportunity to help lead the children at Salem.

Ms. Miriam Y. Lovett is an accomplished organist.  She has served as Salem’s organist for 40+ years.  Miriam received both her B.A. and M. Ed. from  the University of South Carolina.  She taught  school in the Lexington-Richland School District  Five for 30+ years.   Miriam assists  in the Sunday School Department with music by playing for group singing.   As a former school teacher she knows well the significance of preparation and presentation.  She is always ready to enhance our worship services with her music.  For her, it is a gift to the worshiping community  and to God.  She and her husband, Don are longtime members of Salem, now extending into the third generation.

Christopher-Lopez Moore is a passionate musician, educator, and servant leader, committed to using his gifts to uplift, inspire, and connect communities through music. A native of Trenton, South Carolina, Christopher recently earned a double master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Music Education (Choral) from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. He is also a graduate of Coker University, where his journey into music ministry and education began to flourish.

Christopher currently teaches chorus at Irmo Middle School in Lexington County, where he also serves as the lead teacher for secondary chorus educators in the district. Throughout his work in education, he has remained focused on encouraging young people to discover their voice—not only musically, but spiritually and personally.

In addition to his work in schools, Christopher is an active performer and board member of the Columbia Operatic Laboratory, and a member of LTO (Limited Time Only), a chamber ensemble led by Dr. Alicia Walker. He has performed on stages across the Columbia area and is known for his expressive and heartfelt approach to music.

As he begins his journey with this congregation, Christopher brings not only his musical training and teaching experience, but also a deep belief in the power of music to connect hearts, glorify God, and build community. He is excited to walk alongside this church family in worship, growth, and service.

Angie Lain has been with Salem since 2010. She is responsible for all financial matters related to the church. She handles contributions as well as both accounts payable and accounts receivable. She reports to the Finance committee and to the Church Council regarding the financial status of all church accounts. Sh provides our program committees with assistance in carrying out missions both within our Salem family and the greater community. Additionally Angie is responsible for posting the bulletin and other church wide notices to Salem’s website. Angie and her husband Gary enjoy spending time with their two daughters, sons in laws, and their precious granddaughter.