Programs Team

Dr. Matt Caine

Director of Traditional Music

Email: mcaine@stjohns-umc.org
Phone: 803-648-6891 ext. 206

Dr. Matt Caine is a Fulbright Scholar and holds four degrees: a Doctorate of Music Arts in Conducting from the University of South Carolina, a Master in Choral Conducting and Voice from the University of South Florida, a Master of Music Education, Instrumental Music (trombone) from Samford University, and a Bachelor of Music, Church Music, from Birmingham Southern College focused on voice, organ, piano, and trombone. In addition to serving as the Director of Music Ministries in various churches, Matt has been the Chorusmaster for the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and the Interim Director of Choral Activities for St. Petersburg College and Allen University. He has also taught at several institutes of higher learning. 

Christopher Nash

Organist

Email: christopherknash@gmail.com

Christopher is originally from Greenwood, SC where he began musical studies at a very young age. He received his degree in Organ Performance from University of South Carolina in Columbia. He has performed throughout the Southeast and was accompanist for the University Choir during his time at USC. Christopher has been a veteran of church music for over 20 years and considers it an honor and joyous occasion to sit down and play a worship service. Our hand bell choir, the 8:30 Sonrise Choir, and the Foundation Singers (our youth choir) are also under the direction of Christopher. In addition to his job in our music ministry, he also owns a retail holdings company, based out of Columbia.

Bekah Muir

Director of Student Ministries

Email: rmuir@stjohns-umc.org
Phone: 803-648-6891 ext. 212

Bekah grew up as a member of St. John’s UMC’s Foundation Student Ministries.  She graduated from Aiken High and earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership, Change, and Social Responsibility from the College of Charleston.  She serves St. John's as the Director of Student Ministries.  In her free time, she enjoys live music (especially Zac Brown Band) and being on Edisto Beach or Lake Murray.

Amy Jernigan

Assistant Director of Student Ministries

Email: ajernigan@stjohns-umc.org
Phone: 803-648-6891 ext. 207

Amy moved to Aiken in 2005 and has been a member of St. John's UMC since 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Columbia College and a Master's degree in Reading and Literacy from Walden University.  Amy spent 8 years teaching in public schools in Columbia and Aiken. She has been on staff since June 2013. 

Michelle Pearson

SEED Preschool Director

Email: mpearson@stjaiken.org
Phone: 803-648-4745

Michelle was born in Lansing, Michigan, but has lived in Aiken for over 40 years. To her, the best aspect of being the Director is watching the children laugh and learn while sharing the love of Jesus Christ with them. She has been on the staff at St. John's since 1994.

Brian Hall

Videographer & Video Technician - Traditional Worship

Email:bhall@stjohns-umc.org
Phone: 803-648-6891

Brian was born in Aiken bul lived in Florida and texas before returning to attend the University of South Carolina. After graduating college, Brian worked in recordin and photography studios and created content for onlin publications before starting his own photography and videography business. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, the outdoors and nature photography. 

Calvin Chance

Audio Technician - Traditional Worship
Email: cchance@stjohns-umc.org
Phone: 803-648-6891

Calvin comes to St. John's as an aspiring audiovisual technician, as he is currently a Junior at Augusta University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a Cerificate in Media Production.