Hailing from the mountains of Southwestern Virginia, Rev. Rebecca comes to Trinity UMC to begin her 23rd year of ministry in The United Methodist Church. As a cradle United Methodist, she became a preacher’s child at the age of three. Raised in the United Methodist Church, she never anticipated that she would be called by God to serve among his people as a United Methodist pastor. She firmly believes God has a wonderful sense of humor as being a pastor is where she finds the most peace even though her plan was to become an elementary school teacher.  Prior to arriving in Smithfield in late June she will have served as the Pastor of The Prospect Charge, 2003-2008, on the then Farmville District where she began ministry among the three churches of the Charge, Prospect, Smyrna and Olive Branch United Methodist Churches, while she concluded her seminary studies at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C. For five years, she was loved into ministry by these folks. She then served among the people of Annandale United Methodist Church, on the then Alexandria District, as the Associate Pastor for two years following her ordination as an elder in the summer of 2008. After leaving that appointment, for the next three years she served as the pastor of St. James United Methodist church on the then Staunton
District, prior to serving as the Senior Pastor of Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Oldhams, VA, on the current Mission Rivers District, for 10 years (2013-2023). The last three years (2023-currently) she has served among the people of Central UMC in Mathews, VA.

 

            Dr. R. Samuel Rajaratnam (who goes by Sam) was born to the first generation Christian parents in India who became followers of Christ through Wesleyan Methodist Missionaries who offered a Small Group in the mid-1950s in his dad’s village. Sam accepted Christ as his personal Savior as a teenager and has had a good relationship with Christ by daily reading the Scripture and praying diligently. He felt God’s call as a high school senior to serve in multicultural contexts locally and globally. He moved to the U.S. in 2015 for higher education and to serve God. He has been in the ministry for the last 26 years preaching, teaching, evangelizing, spiritually mentoring all age groups, leading small groups, serving people from all walks of life, helping people to have close walk and relationship with Christ, identifying gifts, talents, and graces among congregants in the church & community and inviting them to serve in different capacities, recruiting volunteers, inviting people to participate in evangelism, mission activities and outreach programs, imparting visions and inviting people to serve the larger community, and the world. 

 

        

          I grew up in Smithfield, Virginia and I am a member of Trinity UMC. I began working with children at the age of 14 at my local dance studio. I graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance and from The College of Charleston with a Master’s of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education with a Fine Arts endorsement. I taught in the public school setting for seven years and was teacher of the year in 2012.  My experience in the education field has helped me to understand the importance of communication and building relationships.  I am blessed with two beautiful children and a loving family.  God blessed me with the opportunity to use my gifts to serve my church and community.

 

        Zac Taylor is the Director of Contemporary Worship for the Rivers of Life Service, and the Audio/Visual Department lead. He graduated from Colorado Christian University with a Bachelors in Project Management and Masters in Education. As part of a military family, he and his wife have been blessed to travel both overseas and various U.S. states. At each duty station, Zac has found his way back to music ministry, honoring God through song and worship. Their most recent move has brought the Taylor family to the lovely town of Smithfield. Prior to his current position at Trinity United Methodist Church, Zac has served as music director, choir director and vocalist in different churches in both military installations and major cities. Along with his love for music, Zac has found his niche through the world of education and training, project management and A/V. He holds certificates as both an audio/visual engineer and certified technology specialist which he enjoys applying at his full time job at NASA Langley Research Center.  In 2023, Zac also earned his Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. Using these qualifications, Zac continues to give all glory to God and strives to reflect God’s love through his service.

      Not long ago, the Lord transplanted me nearly 2700 miles across the continent, away from my lifelong home amid the palm trees, billboards, and bustling freeways of Southern California, to my beautiful new home surrounded by expansive blue skies and the verdant farms and forests of Central Virginia! I brought along with me years of experience as a church musician, having served congregations as a choir/music director, worship leader, section leader/soloist, and accompanist, while also having taught music and performed professionally in vocal ensembles and as a freelance soloist since my early years in college. Additionally, I have an extensive background in wholesale distribution, business to business sales, account management, and supply chain services, and have served communities as an elected chairperson, board member, and activities leader within locally and nationally prominent environmental organizations. I am so blessed by the warm welcome I have received here at Trinity, and am tremendously blessed and thankful to have been given the opportunity to serve my brothers and sisters in Christ within the Church and wherever in the world the Lord leads me!

 

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          Kim Orrock is our Director of Children’s Ministries. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Her teaching experience is varied including a natural science museum, Sea World, a rehab center for adults with acquired brain injuries, and a private Christian school. Family time is very important to Kim. She especially enjoys spending time with her family playing games, cooking, doing crafts, and visiting science museums and zoos.

          Rebecca is a Brittle girl from Wakefield, VA and played for her church there growing up. She has loved music all of her life, and besides my family, was encouraged to play and sing by older musician friends. (The singing came later.) Rebecca moved to Smithfield in 1987 and started going to Trinity soon after moving. She has been involved with the early service since it began.

          Judy has been the nursery coordinator at Trinity for many years. She is also an Algebra teaching assistant at Smithfield High School. Judy is married and has 3 sons. She often enjoys chaperoning school and church events.