Staff

Michele was appointed to St. James in March of 2023 and is grateful to be a part of the St. James community. Prior to coming to St. James, Michele has served at churches in Texas, Arkansas and in the Omaha area. Her call to pastoral ministry is one she takes seriously and she enjoys connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Michele is the mom of two boys, Wolffe who attends SMU in Dallas and Felix who is in middle school in Gretna. In her spare time, you'll find her writing, reading and enjoying the outdoors (when the temperature is about 60).

Like Pastor Matt, Michele is a big fan of Diet Coke. You'll usually see a can or two on her desk at any given time. If she's not drinking Diet Coke, she's getting her caffeine kick with coffee.

Crystal is a loving mother of three beautiful children. She has been a member of St. James since 2017. After joining the church, Crystal jumped in with both feet serving in the A/V booth for both contemporary and traditional services. Her children have loved serving as Acolytes, Ushers, and Liturgists. You will also find them all engaged in our Children and Youth programs.

In April of 2021, St. James was blessed with the opportunity to have Crystal join the staff as our Office Manager. Before working at St. James, Crystal owned and operated her own daycare for over 15 years. As a military spouse, she offered a loving, caring, and God-filled environment to other military families in need of childcare.

As the Office Manager, you will find Crystal's bright smile radiating as you walk through the church doors. Crystal is a faithful servant of God and works hard at ensuring that His love shows in everything she does and speaks. Her office door is always open, and you are more than welcome to stop in when you visit! 

In Crystal's free time, you will find her cooking, going to the movies, and camping. You may even see her at the shooting range. When you see her, be sure to ask her what new food genre she is trying to master!

As a native of Greenville, NC, Mrs. Bryan’s love of music afforded her opportunities to travel and pursue degrees and numerous experiences at Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA, the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, the University of Missouri in Kansas City, MO, and the University of Nebraska in Omaha. The younger child of two educators, her parents were a very strong influence in her life spiritually, physically, mentally, educationally, and personally. 

There was never a doubt that Mrs. Bryan would be an educator and touch the lives of future musicians. After many years of teaching in the Midwest, Mrs. Bryan started a Tone Chimes program for children at St. James. 

You may find Mrs. Bryan giving back to the community by playing for weddings and funerals, at nursing homes, or even accompanying choirs, vocalists, and instrumentalists at festivals, competitions, and services. Others may see her comforting and caring for families during their time of bereavement at a local funeral home.   

However, her proudest blessing is her loving family. Mrs. Bryan is the mother of three adult children and loves three beautiful grandchildren. A big smile comes over her face at the mere mention of her family as well as Duke basketball and Coach K! 

At her retirement ceremony, she revealed “I love edifying God’s Word through my music ministry. It brings me great joy and gratification to open the world of music to children and to touch the lives of future musicians, composers, and performers as well as those who will come to appreciate the art of music. As I play to God’s glory weekly, it thrills my heart to touch others and to see that experience serve as a blessing to all who witness God’s amazing grace and mercy.”

Johnna and her husband Eddie became members of St. James in August 1988. Their children Brittani and Jonathan grew up in the church. In 2013, Brittani married Mitchell Laski. They have two children, Mack and Aurora. In 2017, Jonathan married Vanessa Daves.

After joining the church, Johnna and Eddie taught the senior high Sunday School class for two years. Then a few years later, Johnna became Sunday School Superintendent and Christian Education Chair.

In 1992, Johnna felt that God had placed upon her heart that St. 

James UMC should have a childcare center. This dream had to wait until 2010 when 

Johnna became the Director of St. James Warm Hearts Child Care and Learning Center. 

The childcare is located at the Franklin Campus.

During these years, Johnna has been honored to be a part of St. James and have the childcare be an outreach ministry of the church.