COMMUNITY UMC IN ACTION

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Scott was appointed as our Senior Pastor on July 1, 2021.  Born in Oklahoma, Scott grew up in Virginia Beach and his home church was Virginia Beach UMC. A graduate of Frank W. Cox High School, he earned his B.A. degree from Virginia Wesleyan College, and his Master of Divinity degree from Duke University. He is an ordained Elder in full connection in the Virginia Annual Conference, and is beginning his 30th year of ordained ministry.

In his free time, Scott enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his wife, Vicky, their boys, Ryan and Evan, and a Boston Terrier named Murphy. Scott and Vicky enjoy going to the beach, standup paddle boarding, bike riding, skateboarding, and playing sports with their boys.

Scott has a passion for preaching and leading traditional and modern worship, helping connect people to Jesus Christ by relating the Gospel to today’s living, and for growing the church’s presence in the community.

Saunnie is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and the University of Virginia. She is a Licensed Local Pastor of the Virginia Conference. Prior to becoming a Pastor, Saunnie served for over twenty years in Youth Ministry, Young Life and Missions. She has a passion for evangelism to young people and families, as well as social justice ministries to homeless and hungry individuals. She has experience in leading both traditional and contemporary worship. Her dynamic, down to earth style of preaching and teaching transitions easily across worship platforms, including social media.  

Saunnie is passionate about helping others embrace the joyful, good news of the Gospel, trusting in Jesus’ words, “I have told you this so my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete” (John 15: 11). She enjoys challenging others to discover their own giftedness for ministry and working in partnership with laity in mission to the world. Serving as a compassionate, comforting listener and encourager to others, Saunnie trusts deeply in the power of prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit. She enjoys leading by example and can often be found building decks for disabled persons, serving in a homeless shelter or delivering meals to homebound individuals.

Saunnie is married to Spence, a retired Navy pilot who currently works with Environmental Projects at Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk. They have lived in Virginia Beach for over 30 years and have three grown children, Jessie, Rachel and Zach, as well as four grandchildren. Saunnie loves spending time with her family, relaxing on the beach and watching college basketball (Go Wahoos!) She serves as a volunteer, conducting home repairs, with Faith Works Coalition and the Jeremiah project as well as disaster relief efforts with Operation Blessing and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission. Saunnie has an infectious zeal for living out her faith and encouraging others with the love of Christ. She and Spence are excited to become part of the Community UMC family.