Our Leaders & Staff

Reverend David W. Meredith

Pastor David began ministry as pastor of the Clifton United Methodist Church on July 1, 2012. A 1984 graduate of Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri, Pastor Meredith served a variety of ministry settings prior to coming to Clifton UMC: Chaplain of Research Medical Center, Kansas City; Associate Pastor at 1st Presbyterian Church in North Kansas City, Oxford United Methodist Church in Oxford, Ohio, and Armstrong Chapel United Methodist Church in Indian Hill; Executive Director of Inter Parish Ministry in eastern Hamilton County and western Clermont County; and Senior Pastor of Broad Street United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ohio.

Pastor David offers leadership on the Board of Directors of the Reconciling Ministry Network in Evanston, Illinois which is working deliberately to bring full-inclusion for lgbtq persons in the United Methodist denomination. Similarly, Rev. Meredith’s experience as Urban Ministry Director of the Ohio River Valley District will expand the congregation’s involvement in its outreach and work for social justice with persons and communities facing the struggles of poverty and race in Cincinnati. Ministry with young adults and college students will continue to grow at the church on the corner of Clifton Avenue and Senator Place as David brings his experiences at Miami University, Capital University, and the Ohio State University to the congregation’s current ministry with the University of Cincinnati and Wesley House. As a former music educator, Pastor David is also really excited to be engaged in the congregation’s vibrant children’s ministry and excellent music and arts endeavors.

Reverend Benji Sayre

Benji has been in full time ministry since 2001. He currently serves at the Wesley Foundation at UC. His previous work includes outdoor education and leadership training at Camp Joy, as well as youth ministry work at Lebanon UMC and Groesbeck UMC.

Benji’s work focuses on connecting the Wesley Foundation to the church, and the church to the university community, primarily through the SERVE team and GROW ministries.

Luke Wiseman, Music Director –

A lifelong United Methodist, Luke Wiseman graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1997, with a music minor in organ performance and a major in English Literature. He joined Clifton United Methodist’s staff as organist and keyboardist in 2000. His resume includes organist positions at Cincinnati Friends (Quaker) Meeting (Indian Hill, Ohio) and Bayport United Methodist Church (Bayport, New York). He enjoys the classical organ repertoire of Bach and Brahms as well as the works of modern and contemporary composers (Diane Bish, Lani Smith, Gere Hancock, Charles Villiers Stanford, and others). His special interests include music of the UK as well as organ descants and free verse arrangements of familiar hymns. Luke teaches English at Mariemont High School in Cincinnati.

Lorri Phile, Church Business Administrator

Since 2001, Lorri has managed the facility and office. She is responsible for coordinating building use and vendors, doing the church’s finances, and general office administration. She makes the place “hum”.

Annie Burton, Coordinator of Children’s and Youth Discipleship

Annie has many years of experience working with children and families as an educator and caregiver. She has worked with children in many different settings including teaching private music lessons, substitute teaching, childcare, and children’s ministry.

Annie has completed United Methodist Lay Servant Ministry Training. She led the Reconciling Ministries Team at Clifton UMC for 3 years and is active in the Tri-State Reconciling Ministries Team. Annie serves on the West Ohio Conference Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. In November 2018, she started the process for candidacy in the United Methodist Church.

Annie’s commitment to the broadly inclusive mission statement of Clifton UMC and her devotion to the spiritual development of children lead her to engage in ministry that nurtures the children, young people, and congregation on the journey of wonder, spiritual growth, and discipleship.

Her responsibilities include leading and youth children into lives of faithful discipleship, participating in worship leadership, overseeing Safe Sanctuary policies and practices, and mobilizing family and volunteer support.

Nick Federinko, Communications Coordinator

Nick is a graduate of Methodist Theological School in Ohio and Ohio Northern University, with a Master of Divinity and undergraduate studies in creative writing, music and youth ministry. He led children’s music and youth discipleship for a Presbyterian church in Findlay, OH. He also designed and taught a summer camp school of rock program in Michigan, offering music to kids of all ages and skill levels.Nick presently plays in countless bands, procrastinates on writing a bestseller, and enjoys the scenery.