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 a life guided by the Holy 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.
Office Administrator
Cherie Craddock (she/hers) started working at Newman UMC in the fall of 2025. She recently returned to Grants Pass after a 3-decade career in the Federal Government, mainly with the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in Fire and Timber Administration in both California and Oregon. She holds a B.S. in business management from Purdue University and an associate degree in forestry from Modesto Junior College.
Cherie cherishes time with her husband Gary, their son James, and her elderly father Jack. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, fishing, and kayaking. Cherie is eager to connect with everyone and make meaningful contributions to our church community!
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.
Janitor
Scott Harper (he/him, pictured to the left) 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.
Kyle Eichner (not pictured, he/him) is an avid bowler and Star Wars fan. He always has a friendly smile ready for everyone!
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)