618-537-4991 | Sunday Worship at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
(with a few exceptions for special services)
618-537-4991 | Sunday Worship at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
(with a few exceptions for special services)
Meet the dedicated people who lead, serve, and care for the St. Paul United Church of Christ Faith Family.
Rev. Josiah Accola-House serves as the Pastor and Teacher of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Lebanon, Illinois. A native of Southern Illinois, Pastor Josiah was born in Alton, raised in Edwardsville, and has been a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ — attending St. John’s UCC (Midway) as a child and young adult, and later First Congregational UCC (DeKalb) during his college and law school years.
Before entering ministry, Pastor Josiah practiced law with a focus on family justice, housing advocacy, and child welfare. At Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, he assisted low-income individuals with family law and housing concerns. As an Assistant State’s Attorney in Madison County, he worked in Child Support Enforcement and Juvenile Abuse and Neglect Court. He later practiced at several private firms, concentrating on divorce, child custody, and general family law. He brings that same passion for justice, compassion, and advocacy into his calling as a pastor.
Pastor Josiah holds a Bachelor of Arts in French and Political Science from Northern Illinois University, a Juris Doctor from NIU College of Law, and a Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary. He began his ministry at St. Paul in September 2024, was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in November 2024, and was installed as settled Pastor and Teacher in January 2025.
Pastor Josiah believes the church is called to be a place where questions are welcomed, faith is lived, and love is the measure of all things. His ministry is grounded in genuine welcome — especially for those too often pushed to the margins, including members of the LGBTQIA2+ community. He believes that all people are called to be a blessing to one another, and that together, we are called to be the Church — no matter where we are. More than anything, he believes the world will know we are Christians by our love.
Pastor Josiah lives in the area with his husband, Ryan, and their cat, Salem. He enjoys singing with the Gateway Men’s Chorus (where he and Ryan met), everything tie-dye, a strong cup of coffee, and quiet mornings at home with a good book.
Pastor Josiah would be honored to welcome you into the life of our faith family — and you’re always invited to stop by his office for a cup of coffee and good conversation.
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 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 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.
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