Salem United Methodist Church

jwchildress@umcsc.org

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, who is married to Andrew, who has a son, Micah. The Childress family feels extremely blessed to be part of the Salem family of faith and is enjoying their time living in the Midlands.

smethodist@aol.com

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.

toverton@sc.rr.com

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.

garrett.patriciaj@gmail.com

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 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.

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.