Scott Rimer, Senior Pastor

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.

Teresa Woodworth, Associate Pastor

Originally from northern California, Teresa has a background in American Sign Language and Education with a degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from California State University Fresno. Married to a retired Marine Corps officer, Teresa has traveled and lived in a variety of places, including Okinawa, Japan.


After settling in Chesapeake VA and her husband’s retirement, Teresa began pursuing her call to ministry. She has worked as Director of Children’s Ministry at Ebenezer UMC in Suffolk since September 2019.


Teresa has a passion for justice, connectionalism, missions and creation care. She is enthusiastic about ancient spiritual practices and faith formation for all ages believing in John Wesley’s small group model for making disciples. Some other interests include hiking, family road trips, Star Trek, game nights, Duke basketball, and running half marathons. 


Teresa is married to Zach, and they have three children: Maggie, in college at Mary Washington University, Caleb, 2022 graduate of Grassfield High School, and Lucy a student at Great Bridge Middle School. Six years ago, they rescued Merlin, a 70-pound lap dog, and adopted him into the family.


She graduated from Duke Divinity School in 2020 with a Master of Arts in Christian Practice and became a Certified Candidate for ministry and was approved for licensed ministry in 2021. Teresa will return to Duke this Fall in a Hybrid program pursuing a Master of Divinity Degree. Teresa is excited to be joining the Community UMC family and looks forward to an amazing and fruitful ministry together.

Jannette Clavez, Associate Pastor of Congregational Care

Jannette was appointed to Community in July of 2022 but has been a part of the Community family since 2013. She is a proud native of Maine, NY (yes, such a place does exist), where she was nurtured and encouraged to follow her passion for Jesus Christ. She is a graduate of Hartt School of Music, where she was also an athlete for the University of Hartford. Jannette has a Master of Divinity and a Master of Religious Education from Wesley School of Theology.


One of her interests is the study of Biblical characters. By learning of these folks, one can gain an incredible Biblical understanding without even realizing it. Jannette once thought her calling was going to be in outdoor ministry and administrating camps. Over time, however, she learned that God had other plans for her and had gifted her with the ability to offer comfort and hope. It is, and has been, her great privilege to be with folks in the midst of deep darkness and great joy.


Jannette is married to David, who is the pastor at Miles Memorial UMC. They have two wonderful, talented adult daughters, and a marvelous pup named Poppy.


It has been said, “If you cannot find Jannette, wait a few moments, and follow the sound of laughter.”