Staff Bios

James Carver - LEAD Pastor

Jim Carver is passionately committed to the cause of Christ and loves seeing people fulfill their God-given potential. Early on, Jim learned that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ carried serious social implications, and believed that the desire to make a difference in the world could best be carried out through the local church environment.

Following a significant encounter with Jesus, Jim’s formal education took on a new meaning. Graduating from Lycoming College, he then pursued a Master’s of Divinity degree, starting at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and finishing at United Theological Seminary. Jim became Lead Pastor of Sanctuary in July of 2004 and is committed to seeing the vision and mission of SUMC come to fruition. Jim, along with his wife Becky, have four children and nine grandchildren.

john musika - director of music

John's ongoing desire as director of music is to reach as many people as possible. He looks for different ways to let music touch the hearts of worshipers and inspire faith, belief, hope and joy in them. John felt a call to ministry as far back as 1963; over time, he realized God was leading him to church music ministry.

John holds both Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from West Chester University.  He is retired after teaching music for 35 years; for 30 of those years, John was Choral Director at Abington Senior High School in Abington , PA.   John has been he Director of Music at Sanctuary UMC for the past 21 years, primarily directing the Chancel Choir and
Ensemble as well as overseeing the traditional church music program. 
John resides in Lansdale with his wife Linda and four sons.

tammy Johnston - praise and worship director

Tammy's passion for connecting people with God has sustained her in providing contemporary worship throughout her eight years in Sanctuary's Praise Band. Tammy's heart for integrating music, media, message and a multi-sensory environment has been at the core of her mission. Becoming the Praise and Worship Director in August of 2005, she is committed to growing the spiritual and musical aspects of the Praise and Worship Service at Sanctuary.

Outside of church, Tammy has a degree in Dental Hygiene, and is currently senior hygienist at a local dental office where she has worked for nine years. Tammy currently resides in Lansdale with her greyhound Maxx.

Janis Zimmerman - Director of Children's Ministry

jane richards - director of bell, carol, and junior choIrs

Jane joined the Sanctuary UMC staff in 1984; she firmly believes that all children should have a chance to use their musical talents to worship; whether it is singing, playing an instrument, handbells or participating in a drama production. Jane feels it is important to provide opportunities to involve children in church, as it is likely that these activities will continue to be an important part of their lives as they grow. This is a growing challenge, since many distractions compete for young people's time.

Jane has a B.S. in Music Education from West Chester University , as well as graduate degrees in music and elementary education. Outside of church, she is a music instructor in the Abington School District , where she has taught since 1983. She resides in Montgomeryville with her husband John, and her two daughters Hannah and Olivia, all of whom contribute their music talents to worship at SUMC.

Denis Buehler - leader, sanctuary UMC bighouse youth fellowship

Denis' s energy and passion for youth ministry has exploded since developing a personal relationship with our Lord. He believes that if youth come to know Christ now, they will begin to develop and build a personal relationship with Christ that will direct them throughout their life. One key part of the Youth Ministry is Bighouse Youth Fellowship. It utilizes meals, small groups, games, music, service, and worship, to reach the youth of today.

Denis holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He presently works for a construction management firm as a Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Project Manager. At the end of May 2008, he completed the requirements to become a Licensed Local Pastor within the United Methodist Church. Denis resides in North Wales with his wife Pam, and two children Doug and Emily.

james smith - organist

Jim believes that music is an integral part of Sunday morning worship. The sounds of the organ and voices raised in song combine to exalt and glorify God. Soli Deo Gloria ? To God alone be the glory!

Jim has been a member of Sanctuary since 1963 and our church organist since 1996. Prior to that, he served as associate organist (1986-1996), substitute organist and sang in the Chancel Choir. Jim graduated from Mansfield University in 1973 with a BS in Music Education and studied organ under Kent Hill.

In 2007, Jim retired from the Allentown School District, where he taught music for 34 years at Hiram Dodd Elementary School. Jim resides in Quakertown with his wife Sue. Children are Alicia, wife of Mike Hott, and Missy.