Bluffton United Methodist Church
Meet Our staff
Rev. Scarlett Hester
Our Pastor
My family and I arrived at Bluffton UMC in the middle of Covid in the summer of 2020. Wayne, our teenage kids Samantha and Zach, our dog Grady and I have come to love our church and community. It is very different from the farming communities where Wayne and I grew up, but we have found the same faith and welcoming love here as in our home United Methodist churches. We are glad for the way Bluffton UMC has welcomed us and been a part of our kids’ spiritual formation via youth group, Bible studies and encouraging relationships.
I graduated Wofford College with degrees in Spanish and Political Science, and taught high school Spanish and English for a few years before obeying God’s call into ordained ministry. I served a 3 church charge while pursuing my Masters of Divinity at Duke University Divinity School. In the summer of 2004, I was ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church and Wayne and I married 2 weeks later.
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Bluffton UMC is my sixth church appointment. I serve in the Conference on the Board of Ordained Ministry and in the district on the District Committee on Ministry. Wayne also works for the South Carolina Conference of the UMC, administering the Orangeburg District.
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I am an avid reader, I love Sci Fi and old TV programs and 80s music. Walking with Grady gives me opportunities to meet our neighbors and be a witness in the world!
DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Sally LeSage
Jerry and I joined the church in the fall of 2020 under the big tent where Sunday evening worship was held during the pandemic! After participating in Bible Study groups, volunteering with Children’s Ministries, being a member of SPPRC, and facilitating a Disciple class, I joined the staff in November 2022.
My bachelor’s degree was in Communications, and I worked for about 10 years in the Advertising/PR world. After staying home for a few years with my 3 daughters, I felt called to work in the church preschool arena. I served as Director for 6 years at Rock Spring Presbyterian Preschool, and before that as Music Director for 8 years at Northside UMC Preschool, both in Atlanta, Georgia.
Jerry and I “retired” to the Lowcountry in 2018 and I continued to work some part time jobs to keep busy – after school programs, medical receptionist, and veterinary receptionist! I learned a lot, but when offered the DCE position, it felt like “coming home.” I enjoy working with Children and Youth and Adults – and all the event planning and curriculum planning that goes with it.
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My husband Jerry and I enjoy the Lowcountry lifestyle – he enjoys golf and I enjoy the beach! We have 3 grown daughters, Sara Lynn, Annie and Audrey and a precious daughter-in-law, Aroua. Our adopted rescue dog Maggie keeps us hopping.
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY
Josh Wall
I’m excited to be joining this church family as the new Director of Music Ministries! Over the past few years, I’ve visited BUMC as a member of the congregation, choir member on a few occasions and filled in on the piano and organ benches. Each time I was welcomed with open arms and friendship - so when the opportunity was presented to join the staff…it felt like the right thing to do!
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July marks my 10th year living the Lowcountry having moved here from Irmo, SC, after teaching high school choir in the Columbia area for four years. Hilton Head High School was my “work home” for 8 years until I transferred to May River High School. In January of 2023, I earned the opportunity to move to a job at the School District Office as the Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts. In this position, I’m fortunate to work with all 32 public schools in our county.
I often say I’m a bit of a “denominational mutt” - I was dedicated at First Baptist Church of Newberry, SC; baptized at Clover Presbyterian Church and then joined Clover Methodist Church. In my church work, I’ve been music director/pianist/organist for Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Associate Reformed Lutheran (ARP), Lutheran, Catholic and served a Synagogue. All these experiences have helped shape me as a person in what I believe and what I feel can be incorporated into worship services here at BUMC!
I am looking forward to making music and worshiping with all of you in the coming days! Hope to see you in the choir loft on Wednesday and Sundays!
ORGANIST
Michael Cole
At the age of fifteen, I began my hobby and avocation of playing the organ, both self-taught and with private instruction. My first true employment as a musician was as a last-minute substitute for a church organist who fell ill, and it ended up becoming a permanent position when I was 21. I continued as part-time organist at various churches in Vermont and Ohio while pursuing my primary career in Lumber Sales and Management, Home Building and Construction Management.
In 2006, I moved to Bluffton to open my cabinet and woodworking business, continuing to play both in substitute and permanent roles here in Beaufort County at Church of the Cross, All-Saints Episcopal Church and most recently, Carteret Street UMC in Beaufort.
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​My wife Melea and I are blessed to have a blended family including 3 children and 7 grandchildren!
I am excited to be part of the Worship of Christ and the Music Ministry at Bluffton United Methodist Church.
Laurie Palmer
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
