Our Staff

Pastor & Teacher

St. Paul is in a pastoral transition and is actively searching for our next settled pastor. Watch for updates.

Lisa Cleveland

Office Manager

Lisa Cleveland began serving as Office Manager at St. Paul United Church of Christ in mid-2024. She brings decades of experience in both education and church music ministry, having retired after 23 years as a music teacher and 42 years as a church musician.

Lisa remains active in the local arts and music community. She continues to serve as a guest conductor, accompanist, and substitute church musician. She plays in the Edwardsville Symphony and accompanies for area schools and individuals.

Originally from the area, Lisa grew up at St. John United Church of Christ in Fairview Heights. She and her husband, Jeff, live nearby and enjoy spending time with their family—including two sons and four grandchildren who live locally. She also remains close with children and relatives in Scottsdale, Seattle, Charlotte, Dallas, and Eureka Springs.

Lisa brings warmth, organization, and a deep love of church life to her role at St. Paul. She is often the first friendly face or voice people encounter, and she’s always happy to help with a welcoming spirit.

Michelle Washburn

Assistant Office Manager

Michelle Washburn joined the St. Paul’s staff as Assistant Office Manager in the spring of 2025. She retired from teaching after 33 ½ years, most of which were at Belleville West where she was a Spanish teacher and World Language/Fine Arts Department Chair. Michelle lives in New Baden with her husband, Rodney, also a retired teacher, and has twin daughters, Rachel, an elementary teacher in Mattoon and Megan, a band and elementary music teacher in the Wesclin School District.

Nancy Helmich

Music Director and Organist

Nancy serves as the Music Director and Organist for St. Paul UCC. She has led the St. Paul Chancel Choir and the St. Paul Ringers since 2013, bringing more than forty years of music ministry experience in the United Church of Christ. Before joining our faith family in Lebanon, she directed music in congregations in Marine and Highland.

Nancy is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she earned a Bachelor of Music Education and Performance. She is a charter member of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, performing regularly with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. She is also the former director of The Gateway Ringers of St. Louis, an auditioned community handbell choir, and she currently serves on the board of the Handbell Association of Greater St. Louis. Over the years, Nancy has led handbell workshops at the local, state, and national levels, sharing her expertise with musicians of all ages.

Her dedication, creativity, and steady leadership enrich our worship each week and continue to be a blessing to our church community.