112 S. Cherry Street
PO Box 235
Cherry Valley, IL 61016

Our Staff

Alex Lee

Pastor

​Alex began his ministry in 2006, serving a church in Los Angeles. From 2011 to 2018, he served as Lead Pastor in a Non-denominational multicultural church in Sierra Vista, AZ. He served as Assistant Pastor at the Korean UMC of Flossmoor from 2018 to 2021. Most recently he served Alden UMC (2021-2023) and Harvard First UMC (2021-2026).

He was born in Seoul, South Korea. At the age of 10, his family immigrated to Argentina. After graduating from high school in South America, his family moved to the United States. He lived in Los Angeles and Arizona for 22 years before moving to the Chicago area.

Alex is passionate about pastoral care, preaching, and teaching. His passion for ministry is centered on 1 John 3:16. He is committed to serving the church and the community for God’s glory. ​

Pastor (continued)

He has been actively leading and participating in mission trips. In 2019, he was part of mission trips to Pine Ridge Native American Reservation in SD and Guatemala.

He is trilingual (English, Korean, and Spanish). He has experienced many different cultures hands-on. He loves playing musical instruments and singing praises. He also has skills in computers (software and hardware) and multimedia skills for the rapidly changing environment.

As of 2026, he has been married for 18 years to Ji Young, and they are blessed to have two children: Sean and Jason.

—

“Don’t think you are, know you are”

 

Nancy Laurent

Administrative Assistant

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Nancy came to Cherry Valley UMC in 2005 after a 3-year term as the Human Resource Director for the City of Belvidere.  Prior to that, Nancy had an active duty career in the Illinois Air National Guard, a component of the United States Air Force, where she served in various areas of Human Resources.

Nola Carnine

Music Director

​“I believe that the Lord gives us music so we can taste a little bit of what heaven will be like.” – Nola Carnine

Music Director, Nola Carnine lives in Roscoe with her husband, Glenn. Nola and Glenn have been blessed with two grown children, Kathleen & Hunter.

She served as organist and accompanist for 25 years in her home church, Roscoe United Methodist. She spent 35 years teaching Music, Band and Choir and is now enjoying “retirement.”

Nola was in-home care-giver for her parents until they passed away. She is so grateful for the time that she was able to give and spend with them in their precious final years.

Although “retired”, she is ready for the next life adventure: that of being a part of the Worship and Ministry Team at Cherry Valley UMC. She is sharing her knowledge and expertise and is eager to share her passion for music and her devotion to the Lord.

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