Staff
Meet the Pastor
Pastor Charlie Soper comes to us after serving nine years in Bayville. While there, he united two churches into a new congregation, Faith Community. Prior to his time in Bayville, he served churches in Atco and Tansboro.
He has a passion for church growth and believes that this can best be done beyond the walls of the sanctuary on Sunday morning. “We need to be striving to make a difference in people’s lives for Christ through mission, fellowship, and small groups. Each of these opens the door for us to share our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior with others.”
Pastor Charlie has served as a Circuit Leader helping other congregation’s develop a vision plan. He is a mentor for clergy candidates. He also serves as a chaplain for the Palmyra Police Department.
Charlie attended Princeton Theological Seminary from which he graduated in 2001. He was ordained at the 2004 Greater New Jersey Annual Conference in Atlantic City.
Prior to becoming a pastor, Charlie served the church as a local and certified lay speaker. He was the Lay Leader at his home church in Medford where he also served as a member of SPR and the council of ministries. He worked for 24 years in the printing industry at various jobs including human resources, production management and as plant manager.
Diane and Charlie celebrated over forty years of marriage. They have two wonderful children. Sheldon and his wife, Laura, have a set of twins, Henry and Frankie. Alycia resides in PA with her husband, Matt, and have three great kids, Emma, Thomas and Dean.
Pastor Charlie and Diane are excited about sharing their ministry with the people of Epworth UMC and the triboro area.
Ministry Leaders
Tina Weiler – Administrative Assistant
Tina is one of those special people with an easy smile and a genuinely friendly personality. Whether by phone or in person, you will always feel welcome when you contact the Epworth office. She always seems to have time for you, and still completes the myriad of tasks and jobs that demand her attention. She helps leads our youth ministry. Tina has been a member here at Epworth for several years. A Cinnaminson resident she and her husband Tim are quite busy with their boys, Owen, Max and Camden. Tina has a passion for the children and families of Epworth.
Amy Chaplin – Music Director
Amy has worked in direct mail, retail product design and packaging, as well as corporate communications and website design. In her free time, Amy enjoys craft and DIY projects, hiking & kayaking, and dreaming up unusual ways to use handbells and handchimes. Amy has played for numerous worship services at various churches in the area. Epworth welcomes her talent and gifts. We welcome her as she comes to lead our handbell ensemble and helps lead music during worship.
Kathryn Guenther – Music Director
Kate has worked as a soloist and accompanist, playing everything from Bach to Broadway. In 2004, she made her orchestral debut performing Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto Op. 102 No. 1. Locally, she has worked as a music director and performer with numerous organizations such as Music Mountain Theatre, Maple Shade Arts Council, The Road Company, and Circle of Friends. She actively works as an accompanist for numerous school districts for annual choral concerts. Kathryn has worked for the past 17 years for the Pennsauken School District as Vocal Director for the middle school and now high school program. She has directed numerous productions for the district. Epworth welcomes her as she comes to lead the vocal groups and helps lead music during worship.