Lead Pastor
Rev. Julie Songer Belman
A lifelong United Methodist, Julie is a graduate of Winthrop University and earned her Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She has served congregations throughout the Columbia area for more than 16 years and is passionate about helping people grow in their faith, building meaningful relationships, and sharing Christ’s love through worship, discipleship, and service.
Julie and her husband, Travis, have been married since 2009 and are the proud parents of three children: James, Marlow, and Raymond.
Coordinator of Children/Youth Ministries
and Church Missions
Jim Magann
Jim Magann serves as Salem’s Coordinator of Children/Youth and Missions Ministries. Since joining the staff in 2013, he has become an integral part of nearly every aspect of church life. In addition to leading the children and youth ministries and coordinating mission opportunities, Jim oversees room scheduling and facility management, and helps lead the church’s technology planning and implementation. His passion for ministry, organization, and innovation helps Salem serve its congregation and community in meaningful ways. Before coming to Salem, Jim served in youth ministry at First United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach for 10 years and in children’s ministry at Union United Methodist Church in Irmo for five years. Jim and his wife, Heather, are the proud parents of two daughters.
Administrative Assistant
Marie Wicker
Marie has been serving at Salem UMC since April 2012. She is often the first point of contact for those visiting the church office or reaching out by phone, offering a welcoming presence and helpful assistance.
Marie works closely with church staff and members to prepare worship bulletins and a variety of printed materials. She oversees the church calendar, manages membership records, and ensures that the office and other ministry areas have the supplies they need. She also collaborates with numerous committees to help ministry activities run smoothly, maintain open communication, and ensure information reaches the right people.
Over the years, Marie has become Salem’s trusted “ask her first” person for many aspects of church life, thanks to her knowledge, dedication, and servant heart.
Outside the office, Marie and her husband, Fred, enjoy spending time together hunting and fishing. She serves in the church office Monday through Thursday.
Director of Creative Ministries
Tina Overton
Tina Overton serves as Salem’s Director of Creative Ministries and is the longest-tenured member of our church staff. Her ministry leadership includes coordinating Family Ministries, which encompasses Senior Ministries, Church Family Meals, Congregational Care Ministries, and disaster preparedness and response efforts. She also works closely with the Adult Education/Discipleship Committee and the Evangelism Committee.
Tina collaborates with the Worship Committee in developing visual elements and creative expressions that enhance worship experiences. In addition, she assists the Trustees with matters related to the appearance and care of our church facilities and grounds.
With creativity, dedication, and a servant’s heart, Tina helps nurture the many ministries that strengthen the life of Salem.
Tina lives in Chapin and is the proud mother of two sons, Blake and Braxton.
Director of Children’s Ministries
P.J. Garrett
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.
Organist
Miriam Lovett
Ms. Miriam Y. Lovett is an accomplished organist who has faithfully served as Salem’s organist for more than 40 years. Through her dedication and musical gifts, she has enriched the worship life of our congregation for generations.
Miriam earned both her B.A. and M.Ed. degrees from the University of South Carolina and spent more than 30 years teaching in the Lexington-Richland School District Five. Her years as an educator instilled in her a deep appreciation for preparation, excellence, and presentation—qualities she continues to bring to her ministry through music.
Miriam and her husband, Don, are longtime members of Salem, with a family legacy that now extends into a third generation.
Director of Music
Christopher Lopez Moore
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.
Pianist
Ben Beam
Ben Beam is a pianist with a passion for sacred music and a desire to serve the local church. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Keyboard Performance from Bob Jones University, he has been actively involved in church music ministry for several years, accompanying congregational singing, choirs, and special music.
Manager of Business and Finance
Angie Lain
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 the Church Council on the financial status of all church accounts. She 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-law, and their precious granddaughter.