Pastor: Ben Williams
ben@stmarksraleigh.org
919-787-0544 ext. 11
“I have the joy of preaching, teaching, leading, serving the sacraments, ordering worship, and ordering the overall life of the congregation. A primary focus is that of ensuring that in all ways the church sticks to and lives out its mission! “Ben was appointed by Bishop Gwinn and began at St. Mark’s in June of 2005.Some interesting facts about Ben:
Favorite food: “Growing up it was my grandmother’s spaghetti. It still would be hard to top! “Favorite TV show?
Recently, Flip This House and other home “Do it Yourself” kind of shows.
First job?
Sailing Instructor at Camp Don Lee.
Childhood ambition?
I wanted to be a cardiologist. I still work on hearts, but just in a different way!
Who inspires you?
My wife inspires me as she works and cares for our children. I also continue to be inspired by our staff team. They are an incredibly gifted group of Spirit filled servants.
What makes you laugh?
My children!
Ben’s favorite Bible verse: Acts 9:1-18
His favorite characteristic of Christ: The offer of second chances…
Pastor of Spiritual Formation: Lib Campbell
lib@stmarksraleigh.org
919-787-0544 ext. 18
Lib daily serves God by inviting others into a journey of spiritual formation and discipleship and into the blessing of compassionate care-giving.
Lib was appointed to St Mark’s in June of 2007. She grew up in Ayden, North Carolina – home of Bum’s Barbecue and the Skylight Inn – where her first job was as a crafts teacher and beginning swimming instructor in the Ayden Recreation Department.
What genuinely makes Lib laugh? Bunnies who run into the screened porch, children who jump into River Rats in the pool, a little boy who makes pizza out of play dough, the chipmunk who pops his head out of the hole just outside my kitchen window, the squirrel who slides down the copper roof to jump onto the bird feeder. “I laugh a lot.”
Her favorite Bible verse is from John 13: “Inasmuch as you have love for one another, then they will know you are my disciples.”
Lib’s favorite Characteristic of Christ: Jesus was the life of the party (John 2). “For me, he still is.”
Director of Music Ministries: Julie Gibson
julieg@stmarksraleigh.org
919-787-0544 ext.15
On her responsibilities at St. Marks, Julie says, “My area of ministry at St. Mark’s includes encouragement and support for praising God through music. I direct several of the choirs and ensembles at St. Mark’s, and oversee other ministries involved in our worship services. I love helping to plan worship!”
Julie joined St. Mark’s in April 2008, and even though she was born in Miami, FL, and was raised in Kirkland, WA – her parents were from North Carolina and Viriginia. “ Raleigh feels like home!” she says.
Interesting facts about Julie: she loves Dancing With the Stars and wanted to be a rock star – like Cher or Marie Osmond – when she was a child.
Julie says that her inspiration comes from her children (2 boys), who truly inspire her. “They are brilliant and strange creatures.”
Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 31:31-34.
Her favorite Characteristic of Christ: Lavish Love!
Organist: Nick Herrin
nick@stmarksraleigh.org
Nick is currently working on a Bachelors of Music degree in organ performance at North Carolina School of the Arts, and brings a wealth of experience to the music ministry at St. Mark’s. We give thanks to God for his guidance in both Nick’s life and in the life of this congregation.
Director of Youth Ministries: Eric Hagman
eric@stmarksraleigh.org
919-787-0544 ext. 17
Eric joined St. Marks as Director of Youth Ministries in March 2006. He was born in Allentown, PA, and was raised in Clemmons, NC.
Some interesting things about Eric: He likes K & W Cafeteria: baked spaghetti, green beans, macaroni and cheese, chocolate pudding pie, and iced tea. His first job was janitor at a mall and as a child, he wanted to be a professional soccer player.
“I get the privilege of working with the Youth of God’s Kingdom. I serve God by helping our youth develop and cultivate their relationship with God.” When asked who inspires him, Eric says “the Youth I work with inspire me. Everyday I see them do wonderful marvelous things for the Kingdom of God. They make me want to work harder to help them grow spiritually.”
Eric’ favorite Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
Co-Director of Children and Family Ministries: Jen Bauldree
jen@stmarksraleigh.org
919-787-0544 ext. 14
As co-director of children and family ministries, Jen works with families for the spiritual formation of children. Jen was born and raised in Raleigh and has been on staff with St. Marks since May of 2007.
Interesting facts about Jen: She loves chocolate, was once a waitress at Shoney’s and as a child wanted to be a professional basketball player.
Jen’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13
Jen’s favorite Characteristic of Christ: Compassion
Co-Director of Children and Family Ministries: Julie Poyer
julie@stmarksraleigh.org
919-787-0544 ext.14
Julie is also co-director of children and family ministries and shares God’s love with the children of St. Marks. Julie is a native New Yorker who joined St. Mark’s in May 2007.
What does Julie love? Mexican food, “The Office,” and her daughter’s hearty belly laugh.
Julie’s favorite Bible verse is, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “
Julie’s favorite Characteristic of Christ: Compassion
Amy joined St. Mark’s in November of 2006. A Raleigh native, Amy helps folks who want to know more about SMUMC or who need assistance from the church.
“I try to reflect God’s love and acceptance through a smile and a positive attitude.”
Amy’s favorite food is anything Mexican, and she loves to watch CSI.
Amy’s Favorite Bible passages: I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NSRV) & In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12 NSRV)
Amy’s favorite Characteristic of Christ: His devotion to those who were the least, the last, and the lost.
Director of Finance and Facilities: Denise Duncan
denise@stmarksraleigh.org
919-787-0544 x 13
How does Denise serve God through her work at St. Mark’s? “By supporting the work of ministry in this place: I manage and maintain the church’s financial and structural assets and oversee the business and operations functions of the church and preschool under the direction of the pastor and church council.”
Denise joined St. Mark’s staff in September of 2005 and has been in Raleigh since she was 4 years old.
A few interesting things about Denise: Her favorite food is Mexican (quesadilla relleno with beef tips), her favorite tv show is “The Closer” and she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up.
Her Favorite Bible passage: Matthew 18
Her favorite Characteristic of Christ: Grace
Treasurer: Ted Prather
admin@stmarksraleigh.org
Ted is the Treasurer, a Lay Witness, and does various volunteer work around the church. He has been at St. Mark’s since 1984.
Some interesting facts about Ted: his favorite food is boiled shrimp & blackberry smoothies. His first job was working at a paper mill during summers while in college, and as a child, Ted thought about being a minister since his grandfather was a preacher.
Ted’s favorite Bible verse: Psalms 92: 12-15. You’re never too old to serve God.
Favorite Characteristic of Christ: Redemption, grace, and healing.
Director of St. Mark’s Preschool: Wendy Briley
psdirector@stmarksraleigh.org
919-787-1832 x 16
Our Preschool offers a Christian-based education to our young children.
Custodian: Jerry Bryson
admin@stmarksraleigh.org
Jerry joined St. Mark’s in March of 2009. He was born in Bradford, PA but has called North Carolina home for about 26 years. He is happily married to the love of his life, Nan.
Interesting facts about Jerry:
Favorite past time – Riding his bike (2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100 – motorcycle). Fishing comes in a close 2nd.
Favorite food – Country-style steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, and corn.
First job – Working at a Chrysler dealership garage. He detailed cars, drove to get parts, and any other duties that they asked him to do.
Favorite TV shows – Cash Cab and Jeopardy.
What makes Jerry laugh – Everything!
