About Our Staff

Serving Together
 

Eric Lane Email

Pastor
Rev. Eric Lane has faithfully served Salem UMC since July 2020. 

Eric has an undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Hood Theological Seminary. His favorite part of ministry work is connecting with people and doing life together.

In his spare time, Eric likes to go kayaking, hiking, and ride his motorcycle. Catch him if you can!

Cheryl Barker    Email

Director of Music and Fine Arts

More About Cheryl

Being involved in a musical family and growing up in a Christian home, I also realized I was blessed with the gift of music.  At the age of 16 I became accompanist of the high school chorus and continued after high school as a pianist in my home church.  In February of 1987, as a part-time choir director, I found God’s place for me, eventually leading to my position as Director of Music and Fine Arts.  My position includes directing and accompanying various musical groups and drama ministries as well as coordinating the Audio/Visual minsitry.  I also serve our community as Director/Co-Producer of the East Lincoln Community Chorus. Together my husband Ronnie and I have 5 children and 6 grandchildren.

 

What I like about Salem: I love watching God find ways to use gifts and talents of church members who may not be aware of their gifts, but my favorite thing about Salem is that it feels like family and home because everyone is accepted no matter what and and loved with the love of Christ.

A few fun facts: I love antiques. I love science fiction movies.  I am a collector of snowmen, Santas, nutcrackers, bells, & Hummel figurines. I make dream catchers along with other crafts. I enjoy watching the Carolina Panthers and, of course, the Purrcussion drumline.  Popcorn is my favorite snack.  Miriam Robinette and I are co-writers of a version of the “Doxology” that is sung at Salem UMC.

Beth O’Brien    Email

Office & Financial Administrator 

More About Beth

I grew up on a farm near Mooresville, NC. We have been worshipping at Salem for about 17 years. We actually came to Salem for about 10 years before we joined as “official” members. I have been married to my husband Jeremy for 22 years and we have two teenage children, Thomas and Cat.

What I like about Salem: What I love most about Salem is the people. We are a caring, generous bunch who are growing in faith together.

A few fun facts: I am a Clemson University graduate, an avid reader of biographies and true crime stories, a hiker, a soccer mom and a crazy cat lady

Jenny Reilly    Email

Director of Christian Education 

More About Jenny

I grew up in Charlotte and heard God all me to Salem in 2005 after serving churches in Gastonia and Charlotte. My husband Dan and I have three children.

What I like about Salem: Salem has a family feel where people care for one another. They want the best for you and for all God’s people.

A few fun facts: I love to travel. I have been to over 15 countries, but there are so many more to see as well as trying to get to as many National Parks and states as possible. I also enjoy photography, playing flute, and watching crime shows.

Gary Tench

Facility Manager

More About Gary

I spent four years in the US NAVY – two years on the aircraft carrier USS BON HOMME RICHARD CVA 31 as a flight deck fuel crew leader and two years as a Survival Evasion Resistance Escape instructor  for all Navy pilots, Seal teams and river boat crews going to Vietnam. I retired from Duke Energy after 42 years at Cowans Ford Hydro. My wife and I came to Salem 46 years ago.

What I like about Salem: The PEOPLE. They are friends and neighbors and are willing to help you when you cannot do it yourself.

A few fun facts: I love to hunt and garden and be in God’s great outdoors.