We thrive on your leadership

Newman United Methodist Church is primarily a volunteer led church. Much of the work of the church is directed by our church council, a group of volunteer leaders, and our pastors. In addition to our volunteers we have a wonderful team of staff who are committed to making Newman a place where love works. 

  • Senior Pastor

    Rev. Logan McLean Strike (she/her) has been our pastor since July 1, 2024.  She was raised in Billings, Montana. Her passion for ecumenism started as an undergraduate at Carroll College, a small Catholic liberal arts school in Helena, Montana. After graduating, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota to learn from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and to live in intentional community with other like-minded women.  These religious women taught her about compassion and justice, laughter and resilience— they showed her what it means to live by the Spirit.  After a year in Minneapolis, she returned to Montana to serve as a Youth Director for First English Lutheran Church.  It was here that she remembered that a parish can be family—quirky, supportive, loving, and faithful.  It was there she discerned the call to ministry and become a pastor of word & sacrament of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).


    Before moving to Grants pass and serving at Newman UMC, Logan served as the pastor of Florence UMC and as a hospital chaplain.  She loves poetry, knitting, & bikes. She loves spending time with her spouse, Paul Strike, their son Beau, and dog, Beans. Together, they love to play board games, cook, and explore the outdoors. 

  • Pastor of Adult Education

    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. 

  • Administrative Assistant

    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.  

  • Music Directors

    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. 

  • Sunday Host

    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. 

  • Janitor

    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. 

  • Organist

    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. 

  • Percussionist

    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. 

  • Regional Leadership

    Rev. Wendy Woodworth, Crater Lake District Superintendent (SW Oregon) 

    Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth, Bishop to the Greater Northwest Area (OR, WA, ID, AK)