OUR STAFF
James Baty, LLP
Lead Pastor
Pastor James is in his third year of a four-year Master of Divinity program at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, serving as the Methodist Student Bishop. In the last decade, he has participated heavily in Conference work, becoming elected first as a North Central Jurisdictional Conference lay delegate participating in the election of our current Iowa Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai. He was then elevated to Lay Delegate with voting status for General Conference 2020-24, participating in the good work to secure the foundations of the UMC and the focus on God’s love for all persons. Most recently Pastor James served as worship leader at UMC of Mt. Vernon.
Pastor James and his wife, Julie, celebrated 34 years of marriage in 2025. They have lived in Mount Vernon, IA for 24 of these years, raising their three grown children, Trevor, Trenton, and Tessa.
Pastor James' top passions and hobbies include walks with his wife, family time, worship and the study of Scripture, fly-fishing, golf, Cyclone sports, curling, gathering with friends, and broadcasting sports.
Shelley Berger
Administrative Assistant
& Financial Secretary
Shelley joined the staff at St. Paul’s UMC in April 2022. She lives in Marengo with her husband, Craig, on their farm with many chickens, cats and dogs that they fondly call "The Zoo". Shelley and Craig married in 1994 and raised 4 children (Bailey, Gage, Tanner & Eli) at "The Zoo". She enjoys traveling, fostering orphaned kittens, and helping in the surgical department at Safe Haven of Iowa County animal rescue.
To contact Shelley, please call the church office or email office@stpaulsumcwilliamsburg.com
Kristin Scandridge
Wednesday Programming Coordinator
Kristin started as our preschool coordinator in February 2013. She’s been serving in various areas, many with children and youth programming, ever since. As a mom to 5 amazing children (2 boys: Haven and Hudson & 3 girls: Lynnea, Marielle & Alora), Kristin's love for children and youth runs deep.
When she's not busy coordinating programming, Kristin can be found cheering her kids on at various school, music and sporting events, spending time with her kids and pets, and singing in the SPUMC Praise Band.
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To contact Kristin, please email: spumcchildrens.ministry@gmail.com.
Sue Heitmann
Organist
Sue started as our Administrative Assistant, but has been our church organist and choir accompanist now since 1984. She retired from US Bank where she was employed for 28 years. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Russ and their 2 children and 4 grandchildren. She also enjoys playing the piano and organ, and reading.
Noah Cornelius
Choir Director and Praise Band Director
Noah Cornelius has been teaching music in Iowa for 20 years. He is currently in his 2nd year as PK-12 vocal music director at English Valleys. Prior to this, he taught 5 years at Marquette Catholic Schools, 4 years at Central DeWitt, 7 years at BCLUW, and 2 years at Sidney Community Schools. Noah has had multiple students selected for the Iowa All-State Chorus, and his students have enjoyed much success at state festivals. Noah has also directed or sang in church choirs in Maquoketa, Marshalltown, and Shenandoah, Iowa. Noah graduated from Simpson College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, and also has a Master’s Degree in Music Education from University of Northern Iowa. He lives in rural Williamsburg with his wife, Danielle, his daughter, Avery, and son. Benson.
Melissa Savage
Custodian
Melissa has lived in Williamsburg for 25 years, and raised 2 daughters, numerous cats, and 2 dogs during those years. Her daughters are in Iowa City, IA, and Jacksonville, FL. (She has her first granddaughter on the way in January 2023!) she's worked in QA/production, and wanted a big change of pace so St. Paul's was the perfect fit!. She enjoys animals, live music, reading, natural gardening, and photography.
