Looking to stay United Methodist?
This hybrid New Faith Community is designed to respond with care, compassion, and support for those displaced due to disaffiliation in our Annual Conference. It is designed to help individuals, families, and small groups who wish to remain United Methodist.
Our pastoral support team.
As we kick off this new year of ministry within The United Methodist Collective of The North Carolina Conference we wanted to take a moment to introduce you to our chaplains and share how you can connect with them. We are so thankful for these pastors and their leadership.

Laura Wittman
Coordinating Pastor
Laura Wittman is an Ordained Elder currently planting The Mills Church in Rocky Mount. Laura has been serving in pastoral ministry for 16 years and her passions include collaborative ministry, Wesleyan history, and of course, Star Wars.

Clay Parker
Capital District
Pastor Clay Parker currently serves as Pastor of Princeton United Methodist Church, Pastor of the Remnant Congregation of the Capital District, and Co-Coordinator of Capital District Youth Ministries.

Tracy Sexton
Heritage, Fairway, Gateway, and Corridor District
The Reverend Doctor Tracy Sexton has served churches in Robeson, Wake, Nash, Gates, Alamance, Vance, and Halifax Counties. She is also a United Methodist Earthkeeper and serves on the Conference’s Creation Care Team.

Renee Edwards
Beacon District
Since 2007, Renee has served in the Beacon District, where she continues as the Lead Pastor of Mt. Hermon UMC, Elizabeth City and oversees the EC – Beer, Hymns and Other Songs Gatherings. She is also serving as the newly appointed Associate Pastor at The Mills Church in Rocky Mount. Renee is passionate about engaging new people in new spaces.

Mark Gustafson
Harbor and Sound District
Mark is a second career pastor, having spent 20 years as a transportation engineer, primarily focusing on bridge design and inspection. Now God is calling him to spiritual bridges of the heart. He looks forward to coming alongside you, hearing your stories of pain and hope, and helping you traverse God’s bridge towards a new future. Mark is currently serving in Bladen County at Bethlehem and Live Oak UMC’s and working with the UMCollective to serve you.