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 Reverend Jessica Fuller - Youth Minister
Jessica has been pursuing her passion and calling to youth ministry since she was a teenager herself. She graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary receiving her Master’s of Divinity with an emphasis in youth ministry in May of 2006. She was commissioned as a probationary deacon in the Virginia Conference of the UMC in June of 2007. She is from the small town of Big Stone Gap, VA and a graduate of VA Tech, where she met her loving and supportive husband, Brian. They have a son, Braden, who was born in August of 2007 and a daughter, Madeline born in April of 2009.
She is thrilled to be a part of the staff at Grace UMC. “The youth and families here at Grace are phenomenal. It is such a blessing to be in ministry with all of them.”
Kristen Runaldue – 6th Grade Small Group Leader - Kristen has been a member of Grace Church all of her life. She is currently the Nursery Coordinator at Grace as well. She is a senior at George Mason University and will graduate with a bachelors in Psychology. She is pursuing a Masters in Education to become an elementary teacher. One day she plans to become a high school guidance counselor. She was involved with her youth group at Grace and loved every moment. "I became a youth leader because I wanted to make an impact on our youth"
David Wurst – 6th Grade Small Group Leader - David is a land surveyor, and father of Shawn (College Sophomore) and Noel (Junior). He first started working with youth when he tried talking his son into going on the 6th grade mission trip. He wouldn't go unless Dave went with him, so they both went. Even though Dave only stayed one night, he really enjoyed the experience. Since then he has gone on several other youth mission trips. “I enjoy being around the youth because I'm a big kid myself, and because I like to think I'm setting an example. I have also studied the Bible, and sometimes have been able to answer some of their questions or find a story that someone was looking for.”
Terri Costello – 7th Grade Small Group Leader Terri has been happily married to Brad for seventeen years. She is a mother of three daughters; Caiti, Cayla, and Caryn. Terri has been an elementary school teacher in Prince William County for eighteen years. She has been a member of Grace UMC for fifteen years, actively involved with children from the beginning with volunteering in the nursery, to serving as a first grade Sunday School teacher, to T.A.G. leader for three years, and finally working with the youth. “I am joining the youth group to complete the journey with so many young members at Grace UMC as they go out into the world as young adults. I am very excited tto work with the youth at Grace and be a part of their church life.”
Doug Glysson – 7th Grade Small Group Leader - Doug, and his wife Erin, were brought to Grace by their son Scott’s activities in the Youth Group. Mr. Glysson received a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering from Sacrament State College in Sacramento, CA and a Master in Engineering Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. He has worked as a Hydrologist for the U.S. Geological Survey for over 35 years specializing in sediment transport. “I enjoy working with the Junior High youth because of the enthusiasm and intelligence that they bring to the group.”
Anne Ellis – 8th Grade Small Group Leader
Anne and her husband Rick have been married for 19 years and have been members of Grace since 2000. They have two daughters, Katie (10th grade) and Cassie (7th grade). Anne has a BS degree in Mathematics from Virginia Tech and worked in software development for many years. Anne is an active member of the United Methodist Women, is the current church librarian, was co-leader for T.A.G. for two years, and participates in the Wednesday morning prayer group and Bible study. Anne has also helped with Vacation Bible School and designed the past two church directories for Grace. “I am really looking forward to spending time with the youth as we experience a “leap of faith” together this year.”
Dale Rohrbach – 8th Grade Small Group Leader
Sandy Weidman – 9th Grade Small Group Leader
Brian Fuller – 9th Grade Small Group Leader - Brian is married to our youth minister, Jessica Fuller and works as a Park Planner for Loudoun County. He is a two time graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Landscape Architecture and a Masters of Natural Resources. He enjoys playing all sports and watching Virginia Tech Football in his spare time, which is limited since he spends most of his free time chasing around his two-year-old, Braden and taking care of new baby Madeline! “I enjoy being a part of the youth group, because youth group was such an important part of my ‘growing up’ experience, and I want to be a part of the lives of other young people.”
Cyndee Sirk – 10th Grade Small Group Leader - Cyndee has been attending Grace for approximately two years thanks to her husband Scott. They have four children Michael, Corinne, Sam, and Levi. They love Grace church and so do their kids! Sam attended Kindergarten here at Grace and Levi was in Mom’s Morning Out. Corinne is involved in Wesley Singers and Youth Group. Cyndee has a bachelor’s degree from George Mason in Psychology, a Master’s degree from Marymount University in Forensic Psychology, and works for the United States Park Police. She loves football, especially the Dallas cowboys and also enjoys playing softball for Grace. In her spare time you can find her working in the garden, taking care of their two horses, and spending time with her family. “I am involved in youth group, because I want to share my faith experiences in a way that may help the youth grow spiritually while also learning from them.
Dan Vetal – 10th Grade Small Group Leader - Dan works with the 9th graders. He loves working with kids of all ages. He lives in Manassas with his wife, Cathy, and three children, Mark (JMU Sophomore), Julie (Senior), and Brian (Freshman). Every summer Dan tags along with the senior high youth as a Mission trip chaperone. He is a small business owner, and a BIG Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. In his spare time, Dan also coaches and co-directs the Bull Run Wrestling Club (youth grades 1-8) in Manassas. “My goal as a youth leader is to be a positive influence and to provide the kids with a space outside of home to make friends and grow in their faith.”
Peggy Foor – 11th Grade Small Group Leader - Peggy and her husband Ron have been members of Grace UMC since moving to Manassas in 1993. They have three children; Will, Shelby and Haylee. Peggy loves spending time with children of all ages. She has volunteered at Grace in the nursery, as a Sunday School teacher, as a youth leader and most recently as the co-leader for TAG. “I am really looking forward to working with our youth again this year. I hope to encourage them to grow in their relationship with God while creating opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime.”
David Boyer – 11th Grade Small Group Leader - Dave has been working with the youth for several years. He has been involved in adult and youth mission within the U.S. and abroad. He is an active Christian and church member. “I enjoy providing advice and guidance for the youth.”
Debbie Cali - 12th Grade Small Group Leader - Addicted to youth ministry, Debbie has been working with the awesome youth at Grace for many years. She loves mission, the 30 hour famine and just hanging out... don't forget the whipped cream games. Her husband, Brian, and two children, Brandon and Samantha, indulge her passion. She is originally from New Orleans and a big LSU fan! She also works with young adults here at Grace UMC. “I want youth to live the life God wants them to lead, and I am honored to help them on their faith journey while having fun along the way.”
Brad Costello –12th Grade Small Group Leader - Brad grew up here in Prince William County living in a hunted 250 year old house that used to be an Inn in Dumfries. He has been a member of Grace United Methodist Church since 1990. He met his wife, Terri, when attending Ferrum College. They were married June 9, 1990 and now have three girls, Caiti, Cayla, and Caryn who have all grown up here at Grace Church. He grew up working with his Dad and brother in a plumbing business. After college he and his brother Jeff bought the business from their dad. They still run a small plumbing business and manage properties they bought through the years. “I enjoy the privilege of being part of the youth group here at Grace along with all three of my daughters Caiti and Cayla. Being part of the youth program gives me the opportunity to know the youth in our church who attend meetings and activities on a more personal level which gives me a real since of Church family.”
Youth Group Floaters: Lindsay Knizer, Kjersti Smedley, and Jeff Wisch
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