Staff & Leadership
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Rev. Jake Macklin
Jake is a native of Sussex County and grew up spending time at all the local beaches. He received his degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University in 2009, and earned a Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary in 2016. Jake is an Ordained Elder in the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC).
As a pastor, he has served Kenton UMC in Kenton, DE (2013-2017) and Gethsemane in Seaford, DE (2017-2021). He has been serving as the pastor at St. Matthews By the Sea since 2021. A common theme in his preaching often comes back to the greatest commandment that Jesus gives: Love God & Love Your Neighbor.
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Sandy Donnely
Office Manager
Sandy joined our staff in 2020 and brings a lot of administrative organization to our church office. In addition to her proficient office administrative skills, she brings with her 25 years experience in Human Resource management and Contract Administration in both Engineering and Industrial Services and Aviation. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two dogs, traveling, and being at the beach.
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Debby Dudley
Director of Choir & Bell Choir
Debby brings with her 45 years of teaching experience in the Indian River School District, a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from West Chester University, and a Master's in Education degree with a music concentration from Salisbury University. Her musical passion is evident at St. Matthews as she directs and leads our Chancel Choir and Bell Choir (The Bells of St. Matthews).
Personally, Debby enjoys spending time with her three sons Ryne, Rydge, and Tanner; she also enjoys spending time with her three dachshunds. Her hobbies include attending and watching sporting events, Christian concerts, and traveling. With Debby's love of the Lord and her passion for music ministry, it is a winning combination!
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Dave Edwards
Lay Leader
Each United Methodist Church has a lay leader that functions as the primary representative of Christian discipleship and faith lived out in the church and in daily life. A lay leader is someone who shows interest in connecting the congregation with the community and the world through:
- The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39) to put love of God and neighbor above all else.
- The Great Commitment (Matthew 16:24) to embody God’s love individually through spiritual disciplines.
- The Great Requirement (Micah 6:8) to live God’s love through our actions.
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) to go and take God’s love into the world by making disciples, baptizing, and teaching faithful obedience.
Dave and his wife, Cherie, both have servant's hearts and we are grateful to have them a part of this church family.
