mEET OUR CHURCH STAFF

  • Rev. Jinx Barber
    senior minister

    Jinx was appointed to St. Stephen’s in June 2025. There was a time in his life when he wanted nothing to do with God, or the Church. He says it wasn’t a miracle that brought him back; it was through authentic Christian relationships that he began to see a different side of God than he was taught growing up. Because of this, Jinx is passionate about reaching out to those who are skeptical of the church or are unsure how to start their faith journey.


    Jinx holds a Master of Divinity and a Biblical Languages degree from Phillips Theological Seminary, where he is also currently working towards a Doctor of Ministry in Homiletics (Preaching). 


    He has a diverse work background that includes logistics and retail, as well as music production and marketing. He also served as a U.S. Army Chaplains Assistant, Youth Pastor, and Church Consultant before finally answering his call as a pastor to the local church. Since Jinx hasn’t always been a pastor, he had the opportunity to become a “Jack of all Trades” and used this background to assist in development and launch of different ministries and technologies to keep people connected and help maximize their reach and potential for engagement. 


    Jinx is married to Jena (pronounced Gina) Barber, who works at the UMC Conference Communications Department, and she has a lot of creative hobbies. Together they have two wonderful daughters (Cadence and Kali) and one genius grand baby (Charlotte).

  • Sharon ringrose

    Administrative assistant

    Sharon is married to Len Thomas, and they have two children, Rose and Elijah Thomas. Sharon grew up in Guthrie, and she is the daughter and granddaughter of physicians. She got her Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Oklahoma State University and her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Iowa State University. Sharon and Len have lived in Ames, Iowa; Kansas City; Enid; Pasadena; and Norman. Sharon enjoys reading, gardening and watching Korean dramas in her spare time. She is grateful to be a member of such an inclusive church.

  • Marci corey

    Director of music ministries

    Marci is a long time resident of Norman and joined the St. Stephen's staff in October 2021. She has a degree in instrumental and vocal music education from the University of Oklahoma and taught music in Norman Public Schools for 8 years. Marci was a member and the director of the Oklahoma City Handbell Ensemble for 5 years and has a passion for developing and leading ensembles of all ages and skill levels. She has led vocal and handbell choirs at several greater metro area churches over the past 25+ years and is very excited to be leading the music ministries at St. Stephen's. She also works as Program Manager for Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma. When she's not leading music, you can find Marci and her husband, Lance, out on their homestead raising dairy goats and chickens and tending their large raised bed gardens.

  • Jennifer mcDanel

    Director of Children's ministries

    Jennifer joined St. Stephen's staff in September 2023. She attended St. Stephen's as a small child and, after attending other UMC churches, rejoined St. Stephen's with her family in 2020.  An OU anthropology graduate, Jennifer works full time at Reagan Elementary in Norman as the attendance and enrollment secretary.  She and her husband Bryan have two adult children and their spouses, two grandchildren, and two children still at home -  Rachel and Nora, who are active in St. Stephens Youth Group.  In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys watching college football (BOOMER SOONER!), spending time with family, playing with their three dogs, traveling and all crafting but especially scrapbooking.  She is honored to serve the families of St. Stephen's and play a small role in the spiritual journey of the children.  

  • Alyssa Miller
    Director of Youth Ministries

    Alyssa joined St. Stephens in 2015 and volunteered as a youth group sponsor for about three years before becoming Youth Ministries Director in December 2018. She grew up in Anadarko and moved around after graduation to play college softball in Texas and Oklahoma. She earned a degree in kinesiology and currently works as a business analyst in a local bank compliance department. Alyssa is married to Amber Mathis, and they have three fur babies: Fiona, Finn and Fergus. In their free time, Alyssa and Amber enjoy hiking, fishing, sports and spending time with family. Alyssa loves being a member at St. Stephen’s because, “I know that I can come here and worship with like-minded individuals without the fear of judgement.”

  • Mary Moon

    Director of congregational care

    Mary joined the St. Stephens staff in September 2024. She is the daughter and granddaughter of United Methodist clergy. Her mom also worked at the United Methodist headquarters for decades. Mary graduated from OU with a degree in Journalism. She also plays the French horn and was in the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band for five years. Mary worked at KWTV9 as a marketing producer and also worked at Keller Williams as a real estate agent in Boulder County, Colorado.

    She and her husband, John, have two adult children, Jack and Meredith. Mary LOVES dogs! She enjoys music, movies, friends, family and travel. She is eager to serve the wonderful St. Stephen's congregation with love, joy, hope and compassion to all.

  • Julie sondag

    Worship and choir accompanist

    Julie and her husband Rick visited St. Stephen's in 1996, and it was the worship service music, and the welcoming message, that kept them returning.  While Julie completed her doctoral studies in Piano Pedagogy and Music Education from the University of Oklahoma, she also joined the church staff as choir accompanist and has been "warming the bench" ever since.  Julie has been an early childhood music teacher for over 25 years and she owned and operated Gymboree Play & Music of Norman for 18 years. In 2021, Julie opened The Learning Leaf of Norman, which provides family and parenting classes in music, arts, sensory, baby signs, as well as an independent preschool curricula. Julie and Rick are proud to raise their daughters, Evie and Audrey, in a reconciling congregation that focuses on global-mindedness and respect for all life. "Our family is grateful to belong to a church whose members bravely step forward and put love into action."