Our Church Leadership
Our Pastor, Staff, and Church Leaders
Our Pastor
Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin
Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church with a passion for ministry, spiritual care, and walking alongside people in their faith journeys.
Carol earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Psychology from MacMurray College, a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Illinois State University.
Carol’s Native American heritage has deeply shaped her spiritual journey, theology, and ministry. Growing up in Peoria, Illinois, she developed a strong connection to faith, community, and service—connections that continue to influence her work today. As a Global Ministries missionary, Carol was the founding pastor of Dayspring Native American United Methodist Church in East Peoria, Illinois. She continues to support and advocate for Native American ministry through her involvement with the United Methodist Native American Caucus and the Native American Course of Study, a program providing pastoral education and training.
Throughout her ministry, Carol has served congregations and communities in rural, small-town, and urban settings throughout the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. She has also served as a pastoral counselor with BroMenn Counseling Services, bringing together her gifts in ministry, counseling, and compassionate care.
From 2014 to 2022, Carol served as District Superintendent of the Kaskaskia River District, where she became familiar with the Salem area and many of its communities. After two years of retirement, during which she continued coaching church leaders, teaching, and engaging in research and writing focused on pastoral and spiritual care, Carol has returned to full-time ministry.
Carol and her husband, Rev. William Eastin, live in Mount Vernon, Illinois. They enjoy being near their son, Luke, and his family, who also live in Mount Vernon.
Carol is grateful to serve as pastor of Salem Grace United Methodist Church and looks forward to growing in faith, serving the community, and sharing God’s love with the Salem area.
Our Staff
Diane Leonard
Adminastrative Assistant
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Jeannie Malone
Director of Music
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Larry Maxey
Contemporary Ministries Coordinator
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Laurie Ward
Tech Coordinator
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Carol Ann Short
Director of Missions & Outreach
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Lisa Clifton
Nursery
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Phil Jones
Custodian and Maintenance
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Church Council
Chairperson
Mike Lewis
The council chair works closely with the pastor, lay leader, and chairs of major committees like Trustees, Finance, and Staff-Parish Relations.
Board of Trustees
Chairperson
Frank Addison
Board of Trustees chairperson leads the local church committee responsible for maintaining property, managing legal assets, and overseeing building safety.
Staff-Parish Committee
Chairperson
Yvetta Hays
Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) or Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC) chairperson leads the local church group that bridges communication between the congregation, staff, and clergy.
Finance
Chairperson
Earlene Ferrell
In the United Methodist Church (UMC), the finance chair leads the local church's Committee on Finance. This person guides budget planning, runs meetings, keeps the congregation informed on money matters, and works with church staff and the Discipleship Ministries team to support the church's mission.
Prayer Team
Chairperson
Chair Person's Name
Chair Person's Contact Info
Brief Description of committee's responsabilities.
Lay Leader
Levi Ward
A lay leader in the United Methodist Church (UMC) is an elected layperson who serves as the primary representative and advocate for the congregation's members. They partner closely with the pastor to guide the church's mission, connect the local body to the wider denomination, and encourage everyday ministries.