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
Keeley DiMartino
Keeley and her family joined the Bluffton community in 2021 after feeling led from God to move south. She has a degree in Music Education from Kent State University and a Master of Elementary and Special Education from Seton Hill University. Keeley served as the Director of Traditional Worship Arts at Community Church in Irwin, PA for seven years prior to moving.
Keeley is currently working on a Master of Divinity at Candler School of Theology (Emory University) as part of her goal to be ordained in the United Methodist Church.
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When she’s not making music at church, she’s spending time with her wonderful husband Joseph, their three beautiful children, Clayton, Isla, and Bennett, and their two crazy dogs, Figaro and Feodor!
ORGANIST
Michael Cole
At the age of fifteen, I was gifted a Lowrey spinet organ and began playing 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 while pursuing my primary career in 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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I am married to Melea Brotherton, from West Virginia, and we are blessed to have a blended family including 3 children and 7 grandchildren!
I am extremely excited to begin my ministry at Bluffton United Methodist Church and look forward to serving your community for many years.​
Laurie Palmer
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
