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Meet the StaffPhil Ayers, Pastor
I graduated from South Carroll High School in Carroll County, and at that time I dreamt of being a professional organist. Two years later, I discerned a call to minister as a musician trained in theology. As a student at Vanderbilt Divinity School, I received my first appointment as a Student Pastor in the Tennessee Annual Conference. Since that time, I have served three appointments in Maryland as a member of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference. Having ministered among the people of Covenant church has offered me the wonderful opportunity to experience the amazing diversity of this community. The members of this community of faith represent over twenty different nations. This international diversity appropriately represents the community in which we live. This same diversity also offers a unique unity for this congregation as we experience a myriad of traditions, and learn how our world can grow together through the love of the Creator. Marcia Pitts, Director of Children's Ministry
In over 20 years that my husband, Steve, and I have been members of Covenant Church, we and our daughters have been touched in so many ways by this wonderful church family. For a number of years as Youth Director, I was blessed with the chance to know and work with a great bunch of teenagers from our church community. I now lead the Children's Ministry and direct the Terrific Twos program. Reach me at (301) 926-8920 x105 or marcia.pitts@covenant-umc.org. Marian Banfield, Director of Youth Ministries
While raising her two children, Marian served many times as a volunteer Sunday school teacher and later worked with youth groups serving as a teacher and mentor. These amazing experiences inspired Marian to attend formal classes for more training. She began studying at Wesley Theological Seminary and is currently completing classes to obtain a Master of Theological Studies with a focus on Youth Ministries. As Marian says, "It is a tremendous experience and gift to walk with a youth as he or she explores the Bible and the teachings of Christ and begins forming a faith for a lifetime." Formerly a high school mathematics teacher, Marian has worked at the U.S. Department of Education since 1990, working on various school reform initiatives over the years. Reach Marian at marian.banfield@covenant-umc.org. Shelia Mullett, Director of Preschool
I had intended to teach older children after graduating from Marshall University; however, after the birth of my daughter, I completed graduate work at Trinity College in Early Childhood Education. That was over 27 years ago and I continue to love my job as much as I did on the first day! I love doing the Hokey Pokey, rolling out play dough, or reading a story to the little angels entrusted to my care. During my 22 years as a Director, I have always reminded parents that my door is always open and that in order for their child to succeed, a partnership must be formed between the school and the parents. I am grateful for all the challenging and rewarding experiences the children of Covenant United Methodist Preschool have given me. The most important goals of our school are that the children have a good experience and know that Jesus loves them. Reach me at (301) 527-9300 or shelia.mullett@covenant-umc.org. Kathy Herman, Music DirectorKathryn (Kathy) Herman is delighted to return to Covenant United Methodist Church as Director of Music, where she has previously served from 1985-1999. In addition to directing choirs at Covenant, and playing organ and piano, she has led choirs at both Grace United Methodist Church and Chevy Chase United Methodist Church. She regularly accompanies various choral groups and soloists. Kathy has over 25 years experience as a choral music teacher in both the Sachem School District, NY and Montgomery County School System. She is presently a school counselor at Hoover Middle School. She received her B.S. in Music Education from Hofstra University, and holds two Masters Degrees – one in Music History and Theory from S.U.N.Y. Stony Brook and one in School Counseling from The Johns Hopkins University. She has recently completed her certification in school administration from Hood College. Kathy believes that music ministers to the congregation in a very special way and she searches for pieces in a variety of styles that will provide joyful, welcoming and Spirit-filled opportunities to praise and worship God. Reach Kathy at kathy.herman@covenant-umc.org.
Nancy Reding, Office Manager
As an active member of Ascension Episcopal Church in Gaithersburg, I enjoy spending my working hours supporting another faith community. I love interacting with the Covenant members and Terrific Twos parents in many ways. Call or stop by the church office, Mon - Thurs, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reach me at 301-926-8920 or nancy.reding@covenant-umc.org or office@covenant-umc.org |
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