Welcome to the United Methodist Church of Summit! We invite you to join us on a journey of faith, worshiping and serving God.
About UMC Summit
Mission Statement:
The United Methodist Church of Summit is a diverse church committed to serving the Lord Jesus Christ, dedicated to building disciples, passionate about growing in faith, and motivated to be a voice of hope for the world.
Our Four Core Values: Serve. Build. Grow. Witness.
Contact Information
Address: 17 Kent Place Boulevard, Summit, NJ 07901
Click here to get directions to UMC Summit via Google Maps.
Phone: (908) 277-1700
Email: office@umcsummit.org
Statement of Inclusivity
We invite all people to participate in our community and worship life, without insisting that they become like us in order to be acceptable, including but not limited to:
- believers and seekers
- those who hope for a better world and those who have lost hope
- conventional Christians and questioning skeptics
- women, men, children, and youth
- those of all sexual orientations and gender identities
- those of all races and cultures
- those of all income levels
- those of all classes and abilities
We look forward to welcoming you! Our Hearts, Our Minds, and Our Doors are always open.
Our Staff and Team
Rev. laura Steele, Pastor
Rev. Laura Steele serves as the senior pastor for UMC Summit. Pastor Laura graduated from Centenary University in 2005 with a B.A. in Theater. Before answering the call to lifelong ministry, Pastor Laura worked in the theater world for most of her young-adult life. After many years of volunteering in youth ministry programs within the United Methodist Church, she began working as the Director of Youth and Family Ministries for Del Ray UMC in Alexandria, VA. While in that role, Pastor Laura discerned the call to full-time service in moving God’s mission forward in the world. She graduated with her Masters in Divinity from Drew Theological School and has served as Associate Pastor at Bridgewater UMC, and Senior Pastor at East Millstone UMC, Mt. Zion UMC and Hopewell UMC respectively. Pastor Laura has a passion for children, youth, and family ministries, as well as a passion for forming disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world. Pastor Laura and her partner Lou have three children, Juliet, Lucas and Harper (deceased). Their family also includes a puppy, Jingerbread, and a cat, Gizmo.
Email: Pastor@umcsummit.org
Joanne Teubner-Prussak, Director of Music
Ms. Joanne Teubner-Prussak joined the staff of UMC Summit as the music director in 1999. Ms. Prussak brings a wealth of talent, education, and experience to the position in music and choral direction. She attended Mannes College of Music and has studied at Julliard School of Music focusing on piano, organ, and choral direction. Ms. Prussak shares her gifts by directing all our choral groups and determining how music can enhance our worship experience and our Christian lives.
kimberle gray, Office Manager
My name is Kim Gray and I have recently joined UMC Summit as Office Manager. I retired in 2022 from 27 years of teaching Classics in college and public schools. My academic concentration is in Archaeology, and I have excavated on digs in Greece, Cyprus and here in New Jersey. My other interests are dance, yoga, travel, sustainability and conservation, and animals. I currently volunteer at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo as a docent; if anyone wants a tour, let me know! I am very happy to be here at UMC Summit, and I look forward to meeting all of you.
Email: Office@umcsummit.org
FRED HERSE, SEXTON
Fred spent the majority of his career as an auto mechanic, known for his expertise and dedication to his craft. With over two decades of hands-on experience in the automobile industry, Fred recently transitioned to a new role as a facility technician for the UMC. With a strong work ethic, Fred uses his hands-on skills to ensure the church remains a welcoming and well-maintained space for everyone.
Geraldo Rivera, Facilities Manager
Geraldo is a bilingual “jack of all trades” who is self-sufficient, utilizing innovation to solve problems. Geraldo possesses exceptional project management skills with 15 + years experience managing a diverse team of operations. He is extremely goal oriented and consistently exceeds expectations. Geraldo’s previous employment includes Long Island University, Columbia University, Radio City Music Hall, and most recently managing the campus at Liquid Church.
Email: Facilities@umcsummit.org
CARRIE LEE FARNHAM, Children and Youth Minister
When it comes to children and youth ministry, I am no stranger. After graduating from high
school, I would volunteer at my home church with the children and youth ministry when I
could. During my time at East Carolina University, I volunteered with the youth at all three
levels (local church, district, and NC Conference). After I graduated from undergrad, I accepted
a position as the Assistant Children’s Director at my home church while also helping with the
youth group when I could, as well as helping staff some conference youth event.
Along with working as an Assistant Children’s Director, I also served in other positions where I
worked with children and youth in roles like a Recreation and Park Management Intern and
Health Care Assistant at a United Methodist affiliated summer camp in North Carolina, a Camp
Lead for a year-round/teacher workday camp at a sports camp, and most recently as a Pre-K
Assistant Teacher/School Age Teacher for a Kinder Care facility in North Carolina.
Children’s and Youth ministry hold a very special place in my heart and am excited to serve as
your Children, Youth and Family Minister
