Church Staff

PASTOR

REV. MICHAEL CANTLEY

Tom’s Creek UMC, Emmitsburg, MD –New Pastor Mike Cantley is “fired up” about the joy of Jesus! Born in Louisiana and raised in Arkansas, Mike Cantley was a professional firefighter and an instructor with the Arkansas Fire Academy before getting “fired up” about Jesus and disciple formation with the local faith community. He served as a Christian Education and Families Minister in Arkansas, work that inspired his coming to Washington, DC to study International Relations at American University and theology next door at Wesley Theological Seminary. His fire department background cultivated a love for peace work and conflict response. Mike became a pastor in 2010 while still in graduate school, long before ordination as an elder in the UMC. He served two consecutive years on delegations to Colombia, South America with Christian Peacemaker Teams. Mike and his wife, Brooke, have three gifted young adult children, Jess, Noah, and Katie. Brooke has grown “a houseful of artistic hearts” and gracious encouragers, and she shares this ministry in many ways. The family inspires Mike’s own passion for art and for completing his music degree in classical guitar. The Cantley’s smallest family member is a little Maltipoo named Rosie. Mike began his pastoral appointment with Tom’s Creek UMC on July 1, and he is excited about what God will do through our community working together to share the goodness of Jesus’ life and Way.

HOLLY PHILLIPS

Music Director

I moved to Taneytown with my two wonderful children, Karleigh (15) and son, Hunter (11). I was born and raised in Damascus, Md and since infancy have always been a member of the Baptist church. I come from a musical-ly gifted family of singers that have been singing God’s praises in Church for many years, and still continue to do so! I remember growing up singing in the children’s choir, youth choir, praise team, and playing my violin on the oc-casional Sunday morning.

My calling as a worship leader came almost 9 years ago when I became the worship leader for Tri County Baptist Church. During this time, I became proficient in playing the keys and guitar. Even though I LOVE sitting behind the drum kit and playing along to some of my favorite worship songs, I wouldn’t call myself proficient.... yet! During my years at Tri County, I also developed a love for Youth Leadership! As the youth director I was able to provide a safe, loving and free envi-ronment for teens who were in desperate need of learning the gos-pel. Watching their faith in Christ grow is one of the greatest things that I have ever had the opportunity to witness.

Writing songs has been a passion of mine for the past 6 years. I absolutely love it when God puts words and a melody on paper for me to share with the world. This gift has led me to connecting with other worship leaders and creating a collective band know as Way-ward Saints. We love to visit churches all around DC, Maryland and Virginia, to bring special worship events that draw people to Christ through the power of song.

I do have a full time job as a surgical technician at a Veterinary clinic. The only downside of this job? Collecting animals (just kid-ding, that’s the best part!). I have four dogs (yes, you read that cor-rectly), Bud, a black lab, Ezekiel, a Golden Retriever, Reverend, a Golden Retriever, and Darla, a Great Dane Mastiff mix. The kids and I have a deep love and passion for animals, and will never turn away a four legged friend in need!

JUDY COLEMAN

Administrative Assistant

Judy worked for the Federal government and the private sector starting as a secretary with the US Department of State and ended as a Project Assistant in the private sector. Judy is responsible for the weekly bulletins, church's facility rentals, membership, website, and various administrative duties that are required. She lives in Taneytown with her husband and has four children and three grandsons who live in Maryland, Connecticut and North Carolina. Working for the church is a plus to being a part of the loving Tom's Creek Church family.

AMY MESSLER

Pastor of Connections / Newsletter