Staff & leadership
The people who help lead our life together.
Meet our pastor, staff and the lay leaders who guide the ministry of Big Pine UMC.
Pastor
Rev. Rushing Kimball
Rev. Rushing Kimball earned his Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2020, following a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. From May 2020 to May 2023, he served as associate pastor in residence at Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines, Iowa, before returning to The United Methodist Church to serve in downtown Orlando. In July 2026, he was appointed to serve Big Pine United Methodist Church.
His sense of ministry has always been shaped by a heart for those on the margins. That commitment to walking alongside people in seasons of change is something he carries into his own work and hopes to continue here.
Away from the church, Rushing has a deep love for the performing arts, especially singing and musical theater, along with an equal fondness for the outdoors, whether hiking and camping through rugged wilderness, retreating to the mountains or settling in at the beach, depending on the mood. He is also known to enjoy a good glass of wine or bourbon and the occasional cigar in fine company. He looks forward to getting to know Big Pine Key, building relationships within this congregation and partnering with local organizations to serve the wider community.
Pastor Rushing is glad to talk with you about baptisms, weddings and funerals, a hospital or home visit, or simply what is on your heart. You do not need to be a member to reach out.
Photo: Ralph De Palma Photography
Pianist
James King
James King is a Key West-based composer, arranger, pianist, performer and instructor. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, he discovered an early passion for music growing up around a 1935 Everett upright piano.
After building contacts in Miami and expanding his work with composers and piano students, he settled in Key West, where the island’s creatively rich community allowed him to thrive. In addition to leading Alijam Music and teaching piano and keyboard through Bone Island Music, he serves the local community as the accomplished pianist at Big Pine United Methodist Church.
Hear James accompany worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM. About Sunday worship →
Director of Music
Jamie “Gigi” Grider
Jamie Grider, known to many as Gigi, is a dedicated professional and talented musician who serves as the Director of Music at Big Pine United Methodist Church, where her deep love for music enriches the local worship community. Based in Big Pine Key, she has translated her passion into extensive involvement with diverse music and choral organizations throughout the Lower Keys.
Beyond her prominent role directing church ensembles and elevating traditional worship services, Jamie has built a strong background in healthcare administration. She remains a pillar of the Florida Keys community, committed to cultural enrichment, missional connection and operational excellence.
Love to sing? Gigi leads the choir, which practices Sundays at 9:00 AM in Room 1. About Sunday worship →
Church Sacristan
Rosemary Lang
Rosemary Lang is a longtime resident of the Florida Keys, where she and her husband own a local construction company. Rosemary makes so much of Big Pine UMC’s worship and social events possible.
As our sacristan, she sets the Communion table, prepares the sanctuary for worship and gets everything ready for fellowship hour at 11:00 AM. She is a devoted leader with a servant’s heart.
Stay after worship for fellowship hour, Sundays at 11:00 AM. Plan your visit →
Church leadership
The lay leaders who guide our ministry
Like every United Methodist congregation, Big Pine UMC is led by members who serve on committees elected each year at our charge conference.
Church CouncilPlans and oversees the ministry of the congregation, bringing our ministries, committees and finances together around a shared mission.Show membersHide members
- Chair
- Judy Baust
- Pastor
- Rev. Rushing Kimball
- Lay Leader
- Mary Ann Teal
- Treasurer
- Jamie Grider
- Lay Member to Annual Conference
- Joy Clark
- Staff-Parish Relations Chair
- Tammy Jensen
- Finance Chair
- John Baust
- Trustees Chair
- Steve Steiro
- Financial, Recording & Membership Secretary
- Marianne Murray
Board of TrusteesCares for the church's buildings, grounds and property, and reviews requests from groups who would like to use our rooms.Show membersHide members
- Chair
- Steve Steiro
- Class of 2027
- George Rapp, Rosemary Lang, Curtis Brown
- Class of 2028
- Steve Steiro, David Grider, Charles Chappell
- Class of 2029
- Jim Teal, John Baust, Ron Jensen
Committee on FinancePrepares the annual budget, oversees the church's finances and encourages faithful stewardship.Show membersHide members
- Chair
- John Baust
- Pastor
- Rev. Rushing Kimball
- Lay Leader
- Mary Ann Teal
- Staff-Parish Relations Chair
- Tammy Jensen
- Trustees Chair
- Steve Steiro
- Treasurer
- Jamie Grider
- Financial Secretary
- Marianne Murray
Staff-Parish Relations CommitteeSupports and encourages the pastor and staff, and works with the district on pastoral appointments.Show membersHide members
- Chair
- Tammy Jensen
- Class of 2027
- Jamie Grider, Joy Clark
- Class of 2028
- Marianne Murray, Charles Chappell
- Class of 2029
- Judy Baust
Committee on Nominations and Leader DevelopmentIdentifies, develops and recommends members to serve in leadership roles across the church.Show membersHide members
- Chair
- Rev. Rushing Kimball
- Vice Chair
- Jamie Grider
- Class of 2027
- Judy Kemp
- Class of 2028
- Jamie Grider
- Class of 2029
- Winnie Regis
Church budget
See how we put your gifts to work in our 2027 Ministry Plan, with mission and evangelism first.
Want to get in touch?
Pastor Rushing is glad to hear from you, whether you have a question, a prayer request or an idea for ministry.