Church Staff & Leaders

Hi, I'm Pastor Peggy, and I believe that God is always inviting us into something new—to grow in faith, to build a stronger community, and to live a life of joyful service.

Whether I'm preaching on Sunday morning, praying with friends at 6:00 a.m., gathering for worship on the beach, or sharing a conversation over a cup of tea, my greatest hope is that everyone knows they are welcomed, loved, and called by God.

I’m an elder in full connection with the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference, and since July 1st, 2025, I have served as the pastor of Cape May United Methodist Church. Before entering full-time pastoral ministry, I spent more than thirty years in nonprofit leadership in New York City, where I discovered that ministry happens just as powerfully in offices, neighborhoods, and everyday relationships as it does in a sanctuary.

Originally from the beautiful island of Barbados, I carry with me a love of hospitality, resilience, and community. I am a graduate of Kingsborough College, Baruch College of the City University of New York, and Drew Theological Seminary, where I earned my Master of Divinity.

My ministry is grounded in the conviction that faith should shape the way we live every day. I love bringing people together through worship, Bible study, mission, and service, creating spaces where questions are welcomed, friendships are formed, and lives are transformed by God's grace. Serving a historic church in a vibrant seaside community reminds me daily that the gospel is both timeless and wonderfully alive.

When I'm not planning worship or visiting with members of the congregation, you'll probably find me exploring a new place, enjoying the beauty of nature, enthusiastically cheering for the New York Knicks, or spending time with my favorite people—my daughter, Alexis, and my grand-dog, Honey.

Whether you're a lifelong Christian, returning to church after many years, or simply curious about faith, I would love to welcome you to Cape May UMC.

There is a place for you here, and I look forward to walking alongside you as we grow in Christ and share God's love with the world.

Originally from South Philadelphia and then Sicklerville NJ for almost 27 years, Maria and her family enjoyed vacationing in Cape May for many years before buying a home in the Villas in 2015. We moved to our shore house permanently in January 2022. Maria and her husband Vince have 2 adult children - Vincent and Nicole. Maria has worked in churches for 25 years and is so happy to be back working in a church again after "retiring" 3 ½ years ago!