Rev. Craig C. Newman
Craig previously served congregations in Orange, Lynchburg, and Roanoke. He is originally from Northern VA but calls Lexington his home. He is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and seminary at Emory University. His ministry background includes camping ministry, food ministry, and both hospital and prison chaplaincy. In his spare time, Craig loves sports of all kinds, cooking, thought-provoking movies, listening to music, and spending time with his wife, Melissa, children, Reece and Sawyer, and their dog, Beau.
Rev. Robert Stutes
Robert grew up in Texas as a “Methodist preacher’s kid,” and has served in pastoral ministry since 1981. He is a graduate of the University of Houston, and did his theological studies at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Mo.., and United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He served churches in Houston and East Texas before relocating to Roanoke in 2013. He has served as a part-time associate pastor at SRUMC since July 2024. He and his wife Betsy have two adult children, Jeremy and Whitney, both of whom live in California.
Kathy Kuelz, Administrative Assistant
Kathy grew up in Carroll County, VA. and moved to Roanoke in 1989 then got her associates degree from Virginia Western. She came to South Roanoke UMC in March of 2012 after serving 7 years as Office Manager at First Presbyterian Church, in Waynesboro, VA. She manages the business operations of the church, while assisting the staff, ministry committees, and the congregation. She enjoys her job and considers it a blessing to get up and go to work each day.
Kathy has been married to her husband, Karl for over 39 years. They have 2 grown, married children and 5 grandchildren. She enjoys her grandchildren, gardening, fishing and spending time on Smith Mountain lake.
Kathy has been married to her husband, Karl for over 39 years. They have 2 grown, married children and 5 grandchildren. She enjoys her grandchildren, gardening, fishing and spending time on Smith Mountain lake.
Judith Clark, Organist and Accompanist
Judy Clark feels privileged to play the 45-rank 4-manual Moller organ at South Roanoke Church. An organ student of Richard Cummins, she has made several recordings on the instrument. A pianist since age 5, she especially enjoys musical collaborations and looks forward to helping develop special programs at the church. Judy has been married to Richard Clark for over 50 years. She has been organist at South Roanoke Church since 2009. Formerly Executive Director of Opera Roanoke, she now directs Young Audiences – Arts for Learning in western Virginia and works as a freelance accompanist. Judy earnestly believes in music’s ability to draw humanity into relationship with God. She believes that music can ennoble and nurture people of all ages and is delighted to work in a church that recognizes its value.
Jacqui Schilling, Choir Director
Kailyn Bear, Preschool Director
Kailyn Bear is the Director of South Roanoke United Methodist Preschool, "SRUMPS." She studied at Virginia Commonwealth University, earning her BA in English and Masters of Teaching, focusing on PreK-6th grades. She moved to Roanoke in 2013, her husband Michael's hometown. They have two children, Kensington & Davis. They are members of SRUMC and enjoy playing music and singing in the praise band. Kailyn loves to take and share photos, in 2016 she started her photography company, K. Bumble Photography. For fun she loves playing pickleball & crafting!
Sara Cox, Children's Ministry Director
In addition to Miss Cox being the Children's Ministry Director, she has been with SRUMPS for 15 years as a teacher and has her Associates degree in Early Childhood Development from VWCC. Teaching young children fills her soul with sunshine. When she's not teaching, she loves hanging with her son and pup while enjoying live music, dancing, & good food!
Nathaniel King, Media Ministry Director
Nathaniel Orban King is married to a dedicated preschool teacher at South Roanoke United Methodist Preschool and is the proud father of two teenage sons. With a passion for communication and a unique blend of experiences, Nathaniel brings a wealth of expertise in Mass Communications and public affairs. His journey encompasses over two decades of service in the United States Army Reserve and a concurrent career as a Deputy Sheriff.
Nathaniel earned his Bachelor of Science in Business and Art from Liberty University and is currently working on his master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from West Virginia University.
When he's not immersed in his professional pursuits, Nathaniel finds solace in nature. He enjoys spending time outdoors, immersing himself in the beauty of the natural world. His commitment to excellence, his love for his family, and his dedication to serving his community all define Nathaniel's character.
Nathaniel Orban King is married to a dedicated preschool teacher at South Roanoke United Methodist Preschool and is the proud father of two teenage sons. With a passion for communication and a unique blend of experiences, Nathaniel brings a wealth of expertise in Mass Communications and public affairs. His journey encompasses over two decades of service in the United States Army Reserve and a concurrent career as a Deputy Sheriff.
Nathaniel earned his Bachelor of Science in Business and Art from Liberty University and is currently working on his master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from West Virginia University.
When he's not immersed in his professional pursuits, Nathaniel finds solace in nature. He enjoys spending time outdoors, immersing himself in the beauty of the natural world. His commitment to excellence, his love for his family, and his dedication to serving his community all define Nathaniel's character.