Learn about our ministry team that oversees the incredible work of Batavia UMC!
Pastor Melissa Meyers
Senior Pastor
Rev. Melissa Meyers is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church and has grown up in the Northern Illinois area and attended school in the Midwest. She has served appointments around the Northern Illinois Conference. Melissa is passionate about ministry in the 21st century, connecting generations together, creativity, spending time with her nieces and nephew, making sure all people are included, and pop culture. You can find her on most social media platforms @pastormelissa, listen to her as a Voice in the Wilderness on Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the youtube channel The Great Tasters where she and her nieces and nephew taste test new and unusual foods. Melissa loves hearing people’s stories and welcomes questions and conversation about any part of their faith journeys.
Pastor Meyers earned her Associate of Arts degree from Rock Valley Community College, followed by a BA in Religious Studies & Communication from the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa, and a Master of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Rev. Luke Pepper
Deacon
Deacons are ordained clergy appointed in the United Methodist Church to bridge the church and the world. While Deacon Luke serves his primary appointment at Jay Stream Middle School, his secondary appointment is to Batavia UMC where he supports our confirmation classes and other worship opportunities. In addition to his service at Batavia UMC, he has also served or assisted congregations in West Dundee, Libertyville, and Waukegan.
Deacon Luke has a degree in Political Science from American University (‘08), a Master of Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary (‘11), an Executive Certificate in Church Leadership from Kellogg School of Management (‘14), a Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education from National Louis University (‘17), and a Character Education Certificate from North Central College (‘22). Deacon Luke has recently served as a contributor to the publication by Judson Press, Raising Faithful Kids: This is the Stuff of Faith.
Eric D. Carlson
Director of Music Ministries
Eric D. Carlson has been with Batavia United Methodist Church since 2019, having served churches throughout the region for many years. An accomplished collaborative pianist, vocalist, and voice coach, Eric leads the music program with energy and ingenuity.
Theoni Limouris
Office Manager
Meredith Solfa
