Meet the Pastors & Staff
WUMC is a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network, and is dedicated to building a more diverse community of committed Christian servants. Our motto is “Christ-Centered. Engaged in Community. Sharing God’s Love.”
Rev. Jennifer Casto
Lead Pastor
Jennifer Kimball Casto (she/her) was appointed Lead Pastor in July 2025. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she holds a B.A. from Westminster College and a M.Div. from Methodist Theological School. Jennifer was then ordained an Elder in 1994. She is passionate about helping people grow in their commitment to Jesus’ call to love God and serve others, especially our most vulnerable neighbors. She believes the church is called to welcome all people.
Rev. Christian Taylor
Associate Pastor
Christian Taylor (he/him) was appointed Associate Pastor in July 2026. A native of central Ohio, Christian earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Toledo, where he first felt called to ministry. Since then, he has served several United Methodist congregations throughout Ohio. Christian earned his Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School in 2024 and is currently pursuing a Master of Theological Studies at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, with plans to graduate in spring 2027. Outside of ministry, Christian enjoys classical music, Ohio State athletics, and cheering on his favorite professional sports teams. He and his wife, Melody, share their home with their children, Gabriel and Naomi, and their dog, Sophie.
Ashley Gerard
Director of Discipleship from Birth to Young Adult
Ashley Gerard (she/her), Director of Discipleship from Birth to Young Adult, has been on staff since June of 2013. She has a degree in Human Development and Family Science from The Ohio State University, and a Master of Practical Theology degree from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio. She has a heart for camp ministry and seeing the next generation in leadership. She believes the Church should welcome all.
Jarod Ogier
Director of Music
Jarod Ogier (he/him), Director of Music, oversees all music activities and conducts the Chancel Choir and Jubilee Ringers. He holds degrees in Vocal Performance and Musicology from Otterbein College and The Ohio State University, respectively. Jarod also holds a M.A. in Public Policy and Management from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State. His interests include ensemble music making and building generational pathways for musical participation in the church.
Tim Byrer
Children’s Music Ministry
Tim Byrer (he/him) holds a Bachelors of Music in Music Education from Capital University. He began his time at the church as Tenor Section Leader and soloist in February 2014. He continues to sing with the choir, and took on the role as Director of Children’s Music Ministry in the fall of 2021. With this position, Tim is responsible for the Children’s Choir, Children’s Handbell Choir, and all music during Vacation Bible School. He loves making music with people of all ages!
Jennie Hayes
Financial Manager
Jennie Hayes (she/her) holds a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Stony Brook University. Originally a New York native, born in Queens, she worked in IT at an Investment Bank for eleven years, before relocating to Worthington, Ohio. Jennie has been married to her husband Robert for fourteen years, who works as a Senior Architect for IBM. After having children, she stayed home to care for her son Noah, and her daughter Rose. Although She was not in the workforce, she stayed active in the community through service, leadership with various organizations, including her daughter’s Girl Scout troop and her son’s Scout troop, along with many others.
Eddie Jarrell
Facilities Manager
Eddie is responsible for management and upkeep of all church facilities and vehicles.
Craig Kramer
AV & Office Technology Manager
Craig is responsible for operation of our AV facilities and office network, and for training all our AV volunteer staff. He has bachelor’s degrees in Physics (with minors in Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Geology and Biology) and in Math-Science Education. He also has a master’s degree in Science and Environmental Education.
For general information and questions, please contact the church office.
office@worthingtonumc.com or 614-885-5365