Meet Our Staff
Pastoral Staff
Rev. Jennifer Lambert
Senior Pastor
Reverend Jennifer Lambert is the Senior Pastor of Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, where she began serving in July 2024. An ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, she brings a passion for whole-person wellness, spiritual formation, and compassionate congregational care. Jennifer’s ministry emphasizes connection, purpose, and embodied faith for people at every stage of life.
Pastor Jen is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree, with a focus on spiritual formation and holistic well-being in the life of the church. She considers it a privilege to serve alongside the people of Sun Lakes UMC.
Rev. Chan Kim
Associate Pastor
I am Chan Hong Kim, an Associate Pastor appointed in December 2024. My home is Incheon, South Korea, and I have lived in Arizona for 26 years. Before that, I was in Claremont, California. I like Sun Lakes UMC because the people are very kind and full of grace, and there are many activities for older adults. I have been married to Yungmee for 35 years, and we have a daughter, Rebecca; a son-in-law, Isaac; a grandson, Isaiah; and a son, Soohwan. I enjoy listening to music, reading books, vegetable gardening, doing housework, and watching dramas.
Music Ministry
Bart Evans
Music Director
I first attended the church in September of 1995, when I joined the choir to sing under my choral teacher at Northern Arizona University, Mel Kinney, under whom I had studied for my bachelor’s degree in music education. My wife Cris and I were married in the church by the founding pastor, Marshall Lindsey in January 1998. We became members shortly after and Cris succeeded Mr. Kinney as the music director in the spring of 1998, a position she held until January of 2025. Born in Texas, I have lived in Arizona for 71 years. I grew up in Morenci and Prescott, taught high school music for 36 years all over the state (30 years at Dobson High in Mesa), and spent 9 years at Arizona State University, conducting choirs and teaching music ed classes before retiring. Cris and I are fortunate to have our family of two sons and a daughter, our amazing in-laws and 8 wonderful grandchildren. We love our new home in Sun Lakes. Being closer to our church and our friends is great!
The privilege of serving as the Music Director for the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church was given me on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The blessings of working with the people in our amazing volunteer choir are greater than I could have anticipated. In over 30 years here, I find our congregation to be one of the most kind, welcoming, warm set of people I have ever known. It is my judgement that the United Methodist Church strives to follow Jesus’ words from Luke 10:27, a verse that finishes by telling us to love your “neighbor as yourself.” That is followed by the parable of the Good Samaritan to answer the question “who is my neighbor?" We not only allow others to attend and partake, but we also welcome them. Everyone is welcome!
Mary Sievert
Counselor, Bell Choir Director, and Choir Accompanist
Mary has 2 rolls here at SLUMC, and loves both! As a licensed therapist, she provides a safe place for people to talk about different life events they are going through, and receive guidance and tools for moving forward. She is also an integral part of our music program here, playing piano and directing the bell choir. Mary started attending SLUMC January of 2016, playing piano for the Saturday services, and began counseling services spring of 2020. "Home" is Minnesota, and Mary enjoys traveling to Minnesota each summer visiting cousins and a 94-year-old aunt. Mary has lived in Arizona since 1982, and before coming to SLUMC, she attended Dayspring Methodist church in Tempe. What Mary loves about this church . . . is the people. The people here are very accepting. Regardless of where you're from, what you do, or what your flaws are, you are accepted just the way you are. Mary loves spending time with her 3 children whenever she can, which can require plane flights to Wyoming or New York. Mary also enjoys cooking, entertaining, and working on her photo albums. Staying healthy is a priority. Mary lost her husband of 28 years, November of 2024; she is grateful for the time she had with him.
Caroline Brown
Organist and Choir Accompanist
I started as organist and choir accompanist at SLUMC 10 years ago in 2015. I have been a church musician in some capacity, as choir director, organist or accompanist, for 56 years in 5 different states. I have been married to Bill for 54 years, we have two children, 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. We are snowbirds and our other home is Rapid City, South Dakota We purchased a home in Sun Lakes December of 2009. I love the friendliness of our church and the opportunity to be involved in the music ministry. When I'm not preparing music, I like to be on the golf course.
Jean Nelson
Pianist and Organist
Jean Nelson is the Assistant Organist at SLUMC and has been a member since 2016. Jean grew up in South Dakota, then moved to Nebraska in 1979, where she worked at First National Bank of Omaha for 30 years before retiring as Vice President of the branch. She is a member of the bell choir, and loves the church for the many activities available and, of course, the music. She and her husband, Gary, have two sons, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Office Staff
Deanna Betz
Finance Treasurer and Gardens Secretary
Deanna considers both the Monterey, California area and Klamath Falls, Oregon to be home, as they are places deeply connected to her family. She and her husband moved to Arizona in 1999, following her mother-in-law, who had settled here in 1983. Over the years, her mother-in-law formed many meaningful friendships within the community, and through her, Deanna was introduced to several of the original members who helped establish this church—beginning humbly in a living room. Before joining the church staff in 2016, Deanna participated in a financial stock club founded by a few longtime church members, which strengthened her connection to the congregation and its history. These experiences have given her a deep appreciation for the church, its roots, and the heartfelt intentions of the people who built it. Deanna is grateful to serve as Financial Treasurer and Gardens Secretary, roles that allow her to support a community with such rich history and enduring spirit.
Jackie Young
Administrative Assistant
Jackie Young joined Sun Lakes United Methodist Church in May 2013. Over the course of her tenure, she has served in several key roles, including Office Manager and Finance and Human Resources Manager. She currently serves as a part-time Administrative Assistant, where she also supports Sunday worship through the creation of media visuals.
Originally from Danville, Illinois, Jackie relocated to Arizona in 2005 with her husband and two daughters. Her daughters are now married and reside in Chicago. Jackie values the relationships she has built within the church community and is grateful for the many meaningful connections that have enriched her time at SLUMC.
