Nova Villa Vitug-Thomas was born and raised in the Philippines and was a local pastor there for eight years. She was assigned to Calvary UMC Mohnton as the senior pastor in 2023 after serving Ignite UMC Kenilworth for six years. Nova graduated with a Master of Divinity and finished one year of the Women’s Religious Leadership program of Doctor of Ministry at Drew University. She was ordained as Elder in October 2020 and is passionate about proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ’s love for all and making disciples for the transformation of the world. Before Kenilworth, she led a Filipino fellowship in North Jersey and was a student minister at Vincent UMC Nutley. Nova is a missionary by heart. She is a gifted preacher and a community organizer. She is married to Justin and has two kids, Nathan and Nicole.
Matthew Davis, Assistant Pastor
Matthew joined the staff of Calvary Mohnton as Director of Christian Education in May of 2021 and was commissioned as an Assistant Pastor in Jan. 2022. Originally from Philadelphia, he currently lives near Lebanon with his wife Elizabeth and two children. He has worked in ministry with children and youth for over 17 years. He has previously served several churches throughout eastern PA as well as worked for both Pocono Plateau and Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center. In addition, he has previously served as the Director of Youth Ministries for The Eastern Pa Conference. He is currently a candidate for ministry and seeks to continue toward future ordination. Psalm 100 says, “Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”
Sue Wessner, Music Director and Organist
Sue Wessner is a life-long native of Hamburg. She has served as Director of Music at various churches in Berks County over the last fifty years, sharing her love of the organ and piano, giving lessons on both. Other free time is spent as owner of two bridge clubs in Reading, where she lectures, teaches, and directs duplicate bridge.
Sue is very excited about being a part of the wonderful Calvary United Methodist, with its rich musical heritage, as she grew up in a Methodist church and learned to play the organ there.
Janet Dearstyne, Administrator
Janet is the wife of Ken Dearstyne, Jr. and an active member of Calvary UMC for over 35 years. She has been involved in leadership and as a participant in many ministries, including: Trustees, Church Council, Calvary Before/After School Care, Nomination & Leadership, Bell Choir, Good Shepherd Mission team member, Sunday school teacher, Missions Chairperson, and Lay Worship Leader.
Janet graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 1982 with a degree in Business Administration. Prior to working at Calvary UMC, she was a Branch Banking Officer with Meridian Bank (f/k/a American Bank) for 10 years. In 1992, Janet accepted the position of Church Secretary (now Administrator). Over the years, her roles/responsibilities have varied according to the needs of the congregation.
Janet has two grown, married children, Andrea and Aaron, as well as one grandson, Blake.
Janet’s life verse is Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.