Staff

Melissa Newsome, Parish Administrator

A native Dallasite, Melissa began her ministry at St. John's in February 1997. She brings a cheerful spirit and terrific administrative gifts to the parish office. She doesn't let it go to her head, but she is the veritable hub of the St. John's wheel. Should a parishioner, priest, or member of the staff have a question about the church, Melissa is the one who knows the answer. Just don't call her at home!

Mary Preston, Organist and Choirmaster

Mary Preston is our brand-spanking-new, full-time Organist and Choirmaster. She is also the Resident Organist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, a concert organist of considerable reputation (go to marypreston.com to learn more about her live and recorded performances), but on top of it all, a Christian who seeks to glorify the God she loves and serves through music. Prior to St. John's, Mary was the well-loved Director of Worship and Artistic Ministries and Organist at King of Glory Lutheran Church for twenty years. She is joined here at St. John's by Joe, her husband of thirty-nine years, and "Mom," May Preston, all of whom are originally from California.

Jeanne Webber, Christian Education Director

Jeanne has lived in the Lake Highlands area since 1968. She earned her BS from Lamar University and has done graduate studies in education and theology. She is also a member of the National Association of Episcopal Christian Education Directors and serves on the Diocesan Christian Formation Commission. Jeanne came to St. John's in October 2005, after almost fourteen years of C.E. ministry at Church of the Incarnation. She has a passion for Godly Play, children and creating Ukrainian eggs. Jeanne has been married to Duane for 22 years and they have two teens, Veronika and Sergei.