Our Staff
Pastor
Rev. Chris Waks
Pastor Chris Waks is an ordained elder in the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He previously served as an Associate Pastor at Moody Methodist Church in Galveston, Texas. There he oversaw the contemporary worship service, discipleship, and missions. During that time, he helped develop an exciting community ministry: a transitional housing program for folks in Galveston to transition out of homelessness.
Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Azusa Pacific University in California and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey. Chris is married to Diana Waks, who he met in college when they were paired to serve communion together during chapel. They are parents to a wonderful daughter named Eleanor. And a delightful dog named Bella.
Chris grew up in Arizona, but he and his wife have been Texans since 2016. When not working, Chris loves to cook, hike, watch sports, and play at the park with his energetic two-and-a-half-year-old! Chris is passionate about helping folks learn more about the bible, growing in our faith, and doing ministry that makes a difference in the community.
Administrative Assistant
Holly Newton
Holly joined the church office team the summer of 2018 as the Administrative Assistant. Holly takes care of many of the daily and weekly tasks including printing bulletins for all services, updating prayer requests, answering phone calls, greeting guests. Holly makes sure that the sanctuary is ready for Sunday service (or special services) by making sure that children folders and materials in church pews are replenished and that the sanctuary is in good condition. Holly also supports several church committees.
Holly was born in and raised in Lexington. She spent ten years away in Houston area where she met her husband. Before coming back to Lexington, Holly was a member of Channelview UMC where she was the Worship Chair, Lay Leader Committee Member; Family Life committee member and Day School Committee member. She also worked for the day school as an Administrative Assistant.
Holly is married to Chase and they have three children: Aiden, Sophia and Haddie Mae. The Newton’s enjoy doing things as a family; rather it be outdoor activities or traveling or just watching movies on the couch. The family also consist of 2 dogs, 2 cats, a fish and a bearded dragon.