Board of Trustees

Rachel first arrived at Cedar Ridge Community Church in 2010. CRCC quickly became a church home – a place where members of her family, with their different experiences of church and religion, could find a place to be. In her twenties, Rachel felt called to service and justice work after participating in the Lutheran Volunteer Corps. Since that time, she has been involved in community organizing, advocacy and policy reform work often in partnership with people of faith in various Christian denominations and traditions. At Cedar Ridge, she has helped with the Racial Justice Team, with preschool classes, and occasionally the farm.

Ginger’s 15 years at Cedar Ridge have helped her to lean into experiencing God’s great love, as well as expanding the ways she shares God’s love throughout the various aspects of her life. She also credits Cedar Ridge with helping to broaden her perspective in many areas, opening her eyes and heart in ways that were at times quite challenging. Ginger is a long-time small group member; she served in the nursery for many years, and now enjoys working with our preschoolers. Ginger has developed strong friendships at Cedar Ridge, and has been challenged to engage with the messages in a transformative way.

Matthew has served as Lead Pastor at Cedar Ridge since 2006. Originally from England, he trained and practiced as a medical doctor and then worked in Latin America during the '80s and '90s developing Mother and Child Health programs in poor and marginalized communities. In 1995 Matthew moved into pastoral ministry, serving as a pastor at Vineyard churches in Cincinnati, Ohio and Exeter, England before becoming part of the Cedar Ridge community. He is married to Lisa (a nurse) and they have four adult children. Matthew loves nature; he is a keen beekeeper, enjoys rugby, football and cricket, and likes nothing more than just relaxing with his family. He is passionately committed to Cedar Ridge because of all the amazing people who have made it their home, and because of our vision to follow Jesus and be the change that can bring healing and reconciliation in our world.

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Jennifer began attending Cedar Ridge in late 2012, at a time in her life when she was “shopping around” for a church community to call home. She immediately was drawn to Cedar Ridge’s open, accepting culture, relatable and thought-provoking Sunday messages, and commitment to continued growth. Over the years, Jennifer has served with the children’s ministry, Care Circle, Guatemala team, and the Economic Justice team. Jennifer is employed as a genetic counselor; her current role involves counseling patients about the implications of their genetic test results, as well as educating healthcare providers and the public about the utility of genetic testing.

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Andrea has been a member of the Cedar Ridge community for over 10 years. She enjoys serving in children’s ministry and has worked in Early Childhood education for the past 16 years.  She visited our partners in Guatemala, which she describes as “tremendously rewarding.” Andrea is mother to three young adults: Kathy, DeAnnah, and Darren. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, and traveling when she can. 

Margy came to Cedar Ridge over 12 years ago at the suggestion of a friend. Not wanting to rush into things, she finally became an official member in 2020. When she first arrived, she was confused as to why there was no set “statement of faith” outlining what the church believed. Margy writes: “I came to realize that the church is itself on a journey to be a place of hope and shelter for all who want to seek and follow Jesus. I am drawn especially to the genuine faith of the people here, where it’s okay to say we don’t know and to find answers.” Margy has enjoyed serving on the greeting team, helping in children’s ministry, and sewing dolls and bears for Guatemala.

Tinica has been coming to Cedar Ridge since 1995. She currently works as an acute care nurse on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park. Tinica didn’t grow up going to church but in young adulthood felt a pull to engage with something bigger than herself. She has found Cedar Ridge to be a safe space to learn, love, serve and grow. As a member of Cedar Ridge, she has served as a leader in youth ministry, as a small group leader, as a coordinator for our farm plot’s produce distribution, and on various community outreach and social justice teams. 

Ben joined Cedar Ridge in the early 2000s, growing up in the children’s ministry, before attending as an adult. Through the years, Ben has always appreciated that he could come to Cedar Ridge as he was, with all his thoughts, beliefs, and baggage. Ben notes: “I love that Cedar Ridge approaches spirituality as a journey, where we are all on the winding path with Jesus, taking this journey step by step, while also supporting one another and those in our communities both near and far.” 

Nadine has been a participant in the CRCC community for 19 years, becoming an official member in 2018. She is primarily drawn to the sermons, which she finds intellectually and spiritually stimulating. She also appreciates the openness, flexibility, and non-judgmental nature of the community, as well as Cedar Ridge’s activity on behalf of social action and justice. Nadine is grateful that Cedar Ridge encourages independent thought but is still based on scripture, and she feels a freedom to be open and honest about whatever is on her mind.

Debi first experienced Cedar Ridge Community Church in 1999 after being invited by a best friend and church member who failed to show up that Sunday. Growing up in the strict rules of Pentecostal church, Debi found the teaching sermons at CRCC to be eye opening, thought provoking, and have enabled her to better understand the bible.  CRCC helped her understand that God welcomes everyone – no exclusions. Debi has served on the Greeters team, with Children’s Ministry, Care Circle, Popcorn Makers, and other areas needing a volunteer.