Church Leadership

Our pastor is appointed by the bishop of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to conduct the ministries of word, sacrament, order, and service. Read more about the responsibilities of a United Methodist pastor here. To learn more about our pastor, visit the staff page of the website and contact Rev. Carissa Surber.

The Lay Leader of the church is the primary representative and role model of Christian discipleship and faith lived out in the church and in daily life. The Lay Leader works with the pastor to fulfill the mission and vision of the congregation. To learn more about our church, contact Lay Leader Pegg Melfa.

The Lay Member of Annual Conferencerepresents our church’s interests in the legislative body at Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference sessions. They inform the congregation about UMC activities in the conference around the world, building connections between our church and other local UMC congregations. To learn more about our church and conference, contact Lay Member Donna Sibley.

The Church Council sets the tone and vision for the church, in partnership with the pastor. This team receives reports from other committees, delegates work to those teams, and handles decisions that affect the entire congregation. To learn more about the work of Church Council, contact chairperson Cathy Junkin.

The Community Life Committee coordinates the ministries of the church that care for current members through visitation, meals, fellowship, and more. This committee includes the leaders of several other ministries, including the Turkey Dinner, Shepherd Program, 250th Anniversary, Hospital & Home, and Shepherd programs. It also includes our Church Historian and Membership Secretary. In 2023, this committee is developing a new Hospitality Team. To connect with the Community Life Committee or any of its members, contact chairperson Donna Sibley.

The Education Committee works with the pastor to oversee the intentional faith development of the congregation, including children, youth, and adults. They manage several ministries, including Nursery, Sunday School, Confirmation, and Youth Group. This team develops and updates the discipleship pathway for Hunt’s Church, recommending next steps to meet people at every stage of faith formation. To learn more about the work of Church Council, contact chairpersons Jody Waters and Kathy Davis.

The Missions Committee coordinates the helping ministries of the church that conduct acts of justice and mercy in our community, state, and world. To connect with the mission work of Hunt’s Church, contact chairperson Lynn Henss. 

The Preschool Committee oversees key management decisions that guide the direction of Hunt’s Church Preschool. This team collaborates with the preschool director to set policy, approve the annual budget, review the annual strategic and operating plans, and connect the preschool and congregation. To connect with the work of the Preschool Committee, contact chairperson Trish Funderburk.

The Reconciling Ministries Committee leads Hunt’s Church to embrce our identity as a Reconciling Congregation. This may include special programming, annual recognitions, signage, and participation in community events such as Pride. To connect with the work of Reconciling Ministries, contact chairperson Merle Bayne.

The Worship Committee sets the vision and tone for worship life of Hunt’s Church, under the leadership of our pastor. This team manages logistics including communion, altar, flowers, candles, and music, in addition to recommending sanctuary upgrades and improvements to the Board of Trustees. To connect with the Worship Committee, contact chairperson Barbara Anastasion.