Rev. Ainsley Herrick (she/her) started working with Newman in October 2022. She is an ordained Presbyterian Pastor. Most recently she served as pastor at Phoenix First Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, OR and is the founder and pastor of Queer Church, an online community of faith by and for LGBTQ+ people. Ainsley received her masters in divinity  from Louisville Seminary.  Pastor Ainsley is passionate about inclusion and social justice and hopes to bring that passion to our young people. 

In her free time Ainsley performs in local theatre. She is also a talented artist. 

Rev. Steven Berry (he/him) has been a part of the Newman community for a number of years. He became our Pastor of Adult Education in February of 2022. Pastor Steven is licensed clergy in the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference. He received his education the Claremont School of Theology in Southern CA and at the University of the South (Sewanee) School of Theology. Previously Pastor Steven has also worked as a ministry consultant in the Episcopal Church. Pastor Steven also serves as the pastor to Gold Hill UMC in addition to his duties at Newman. 

Pat Sita (she/her) began working for NUMC in August 2022. She is a longtime United Methodist and has previously served in administrative support roles for other United Methodist Churches in California. Pat brings her compassion and kindness to her role in the church office. She is passionate about supporting our ministries and our pastoral team.  

Tim Wallace (he/him) and Michelle LeComte (she/her) have a passion for music and creating meaningful experiences in worship for people from all sorts of backgrounds. Being married for a number of years, they naturally work well together as a team and bring a lot of musical talent to Newman. They are both life-long professional musicians and have many skills to offer. Tim plays piano, anything with a reed, and sings too! Michelle has a beautiful voice, plays guitar, and has been known to do some songwriting as well. 

Tim and Michelle enjoy  traveling to the Oregon Coast and spending time with their energetic golden retriever, Max. 

Charlotte Ashley (she/her) works on Sunday's to ensure the church is open and ready for you. She unlocks the doors, gets the coffee started, and works to make sure that Newman is a place of welcome and hospitality to all who walk through our doors. Charlotte will also help you handle any church office business you may have on Sundays. 

Scott Harper (he/him) has many years of janitorial experience and is committed to keeping our facilities clean and welcoming. He is a Grants Pass native  who enjoys spending time in the outdoors. 

Lauren James joined the music team at Newman in 2022. She has been playing the organ since she was 11 years old! Lauren brings with her a ton of talent, and a vibrant attitude. Lauren is the daughter of a Lutheran minister, so she is no stranger to the particularities of church settings.  Lauren also plays piano and performs at various venues around the region. 

Our sanctuary pipe organ is featured in worship on the first Sunday's of the month. 

Sandy Metcalf is our talented and enthusiastic percussionist. She has been playing drums and other percussive instruments her whole life. Sandy helps bring energy and rhythm to our worship on 2nd and 4th Sunday's with our Spirit and Soul Worship Ensemble. Sandy has a teenage son and often brings her mom with her to church.