Pastor & Staff

Rev. Carissa Surber is passionate about heartfelt worship and authentic engagement with scripture. From lifelong membership in the United Methodist Church and a heart for service with the broader community, she believes that all of life – from the sanctuary to the school, from the kitchen to the workplace – is an act of worship. She is interested in having deep conversations with everyday people and exploring together what vibrant Christian living looks like in the 21st century.

Carissa received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA, where she worked with foster families through Lehigh County Children and Youth Services. Before attending seminary, she spent time serving in direct care at the Board of Child Care. She graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in May 2015, and was ordained as an elder in full connection in May 2019.

Carissa was the pastor of Trinity UMC from 2014-2016 and served as Executive Pastor of Severna Park UMC from 2016-2021. While at Severna Park, Carissa launched a network of young adult small groups, guided a robust program of mission work, led a large staff team with a focus on excellence and faithfulness, and collaboratively developed creative and engaging worship series. Before serving in Severna Park, Carissa led Trinity UMC (Odenton) through a variety of new experiences, including intergenerational worship, missional partnerships, and a stewardship campaign grounded in a theology of abundance.

Rev. Carissa has been our pastor since July 2021, when she and her husband returned to Baltimore County, where they got married in 2012. Matthew is a native of Baltimore County, and grew up as part of Carroll’s-Gill’s UMC. He enjoys long distance trail running and all types of table-top gaming. Carissa enjoys singing, playing piano, hiking, listening to podcasts, and playing board games. In 2019, Carissa and Matthew welcomed their first child, Deacon, who is the light of their lives. They live in Idlewylde with their dog, Maisy.

Office: 410-339-7770 x116
Cell: 443-353-0439
Email Rev. Carissa Surber
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With years of service to numerous ecumenical ministries, Beth has been utilizing this background to enhance her role as a key member of our staff since 2006.  She serves faithfully as the public face of our church, as was demonstrated during the Covid pandemic when she maintained the normal, daily business hours in the church office.  Beth is the contact person for church members, visitors, neighbors, business representatives, etc.; striving to meet their needs in a Christ-like manner. In addition to clerical and administrative duties, Beth coordinates and updates publications like The Point (the monthly newsletter) and the weekly church bulletin. 

Phone: 410-339-7770
Email Beth Woody

Cameron Laque joined our team in November 2023. Her creative journey began at the age of 13, when she discovered a love for photography. Over the years, she’s expanded her skills into graphic design, marketing, communications, and more recently, cinematography. Recently, her focus has gravitated towards working with nonprofits and churches, finding so much fulfillment though helping people connect more closely with one another and with God. She previously served as the Communications Coordinator at Woods Church in Severna Park, MD. Outside of her professional endeavors, she’s an avid coffee enthusiast and loves to travel. She finds joy in capturing the beauty of new places through her lens. Whether she’s capturing landscapes, interesting architecture, or candid moments with friends, photography is a constant source of inspiration. Cam lives in Millersville with her black lab, Maggie. 

Email Cam Laque

Chase was born and raised in Metro-Detroit and has a strong musical background dating back to singing in the youth choir at First United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Michigan. He graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Music Education. Following graduation Chase taught Choir and Orchestra for Mt. Pleasant Public Schools in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. He also served as choirmaster at the local Episcopal church. Recently, Chase was a graduate assistant to the choral department of Western Kentucky University, where he earned his Master’s of Music in Choral Conducting. During his graduate studies Chase also led the choir, band, and children’s music at St. James United Methodist of Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Chase and his wife Tori have been married two years. Tori is a chemistry, physics, and environmental science teacher with a passionate interest in environmental conservation and sustainability. She received her Masters in Teaching the same day Chase received his Masters in Music. Chase and Tori enjoy hiking, cooking, playing board games, knitting/crafting, and listening to a wide variety of podcasts and audiobooks.

In addition to leading the Choir and Praise Band at Hunt’s Church, Chase is the choir director and music teacher at the St. Paul’s School for Boys on Falls Road.

Email Chase Simpson 

Nancy joined our team in October 2023, bringing her beautiful piano and organ music to grace our worship services. She is a trained soprano and the Music Director for local theater company, Third Wall Productions. She also serves as the Director of Accessibility at Goucher College, where she advises students and teaches on the First Year Experience.

Email Nancy Williams-Nettles

Rick joined our Tech Team in July 2022, bringing years of Audio Engineering experience and a background in music education and website development. Rick also is responsible for the Audio Engineering at several live music venues around the Baltimore area.