MEET OUR STAFF

REV. GEORGE MILLER

Rev. George Miller is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with over two decades of experience in ministry. With a passion for preaching, pastoral care, and building strong, inclusive communities, Pastor George has served congregations in Florida and Michigan. He has also been an active voice in numerous community organizations where he has partnered with people from various backgrounds to work as one for the benefit of all. He is excited to be a part of a new chapter at St. Lucas UCC as we continue to transform lives as the hands and feet of Christ in our community.

REV. JANET PILLMAN

Rev. Pillman retired from the position of Associate Pastor at St. John UCC, Manchester in 2017 after 11 years of service to that congregation. Prior to that time she served at First Presbyterian in Fredricktown and Ironton, and at Eliot Chapel in Kirkwood. Rev. Pillman is gifted with a delightful personality and is experienced in pastoral care and visitation.

JEFF WAGENER

Jeff was born and raised in South County and is a graduate of Lindbergh High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Missouri St. Louis and his law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law. Jeff was baptized at and a member of Bethesda United Church of Christ (k/n/a Bethesda Evangelical Church) until 2003 when he joined Samuel United Church of Christ. He has been a member of St. Lucas UCC since 2018.  

Jeff has practiced law for most of his career. In 1996, Jeff was elected to the St. Louis County Council where he served from 1997-2001. He also served as Director of Intergovernmental Relations for the St. Louis County Executive from 2001-2002 and Chief of Policy from 2015-2019. In addition, Jeff served as Program Manager for Eden Seminary’s Walker Leadership Institute. During his career, Jeff has served on numerous boards including as the inaugural president of the Great Rivers Greenway Board, the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Board and the Howard Bend and Monarch Levy District Boards. He taught courses in both law and government as an adjunct professor at Maryville University.

Jeff has three children, (Elise, John and Beckett), two stepchildren (Maggie and Patrick). Jeff enjoys music, current events, the outdoors and his 140-pound dog Leroy. But mostly, he loves spending time with his wife, St. Lucas UCC member, Julie Murphy, and their family.

MICHELE OTTINGER

Michele has over 30 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. Throughout her career, she served as the executive director for several large child development centers, as a consultant for the state of Missouri Bureau of Child Care and Head Start programs.

AMY BUSH

Amy served on the program staff at Camp MoVal for 2 years after attending camp as both a camper and a counselor for 11 years. She has been a member of Job’s Daughters International for 9 years where she has served in various leadership roles, at both the local and state level, and currently serves as an adult volunteer. Amy earned her Bachelor's in Secondary Education from SEMO.

LYNN FEY

Lynn grew up at St. Lucas UCC and is a life long member of the United Church of Christ. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Lucas UCC. Lynn was an active member of the youth group at St. Lucas UCC. She attended 5 mission trips while in school. She also attended Camp MoVal over her summers.

DEBBIE HEAGLE

Debbie mans the front desk; her cheerful and helpful personality evident when she answers the phone or when you walk in the office. Debbie is knowledgeable in all facets of the office operations and is ready to drop whatever she is doing when a congregant or visitor comes in.

DENEE BOWERS

Denee helps shape the message of the church both within our membership and the community around us. She is a graduate of Greenville University with degrees in religion and communication. Previously, she worked in a number of roles at a United Methodist Church and at Washington University. 

KELLY BLESSING

Kelly Blessing has been a part of St Lucas Preschool since 2011.  She has a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education.  Kelly is married and has 3 boys, all of which attended St Lucas Preschool. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her family, go to her boys hockey games, root for the St Louis Blues, and read. She loves the dedication of the staff and the long standing traditions that makes St Lucas Preschool such a wonderful place to work.