Welcome to Mount Zion - A United Methodist Church

We celebrate our heritage; we're not bound by it! Sure we've been around for over 140 years but no church, or person for that matter, should feel constrained by the past! We're building on the fact that God is a God of endless possibilities and opportunities.

We are a community of faith striving to know and do God's will.

Celebrative worship complimented with a variety of musical styles, incorporates a relevant message that speaks to contemporary issues. We offer challenging education opportunities to help you grow spiritually. Fun fellowship activities for all ages including exciting children and youth programs. And here you will have a chance to make a difference serving God and neighbor.

Why not join us this Sunday, God has good things in store for us!

Pastoral Staff

Rev. Malcolm Stranathan

Pastor Stranathan was called into the ministry after 15 years of service with the United States Government. He is a 1999 graduate in two fields - Master of Divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary and Bachelor of Science in Business Management at the University of Maryland. His guiding scripture is Philippians 4.13: "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me." His vision and passion is serving God by encouraging individuals and congregations to live out their calling by proclaiming and living the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and action.

Malcolm is married to his Oakland Mills HS sweetheart, Jacki. She is a student at Wesley Theological Seminary and a part-time Assistant Pastor at Trinity UMC in Martinsburg, WV. Malcolm and Jacki have three children: Brittany, Beth, and Wesley.

Barbara Jacques - Director of Youth Ministries

Barb joined the staff of Mt. Zion in September of 2002. Since graduating from American University with a B.S. degree in Nursing, she has worked in a variety of clinical and community settings, focusing on the development and implementation of health education programs. With the completion of 18 credits towards a Master's Degree in Clinical Community Counseling, Barb has temporarily put her graduate work on hold in order to pursue Certification in Youth Ministry.

Jena Meredith - Director of Children's Ministries

Jena has worked for a number of years in the Mt. Zion Weekday Christian Preschool as a teacher and music director. Over the years she has served on many education committees and programs, which gives her an insider's understanding of the children's ministries here at Mt. Zion.

Jena has an early childhood certificate, has worked as a Girl Scout volunteer, and as a parent volunteer in several local schools. Besides serving on the Education Committee, Jena has served with the UM Women, as a Trustee, church council member-at-large, and as a youth counselor. Jena has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, WV.

Jena coordinates and supervises all areas of children's ministries, from infants through 5th grade, overseeing the Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, children's special activities, Children's Church, and Summer Sunday School. Jena also recruits and trains members to assist in these ministries.

Jena and husband Bryan have been members of Mount Zion since 1989. They have two high school daughters, Tara and Ashley, who have been spiritually nurtured here at Mount Zion.

Mark Dubbs, Jr. - Director of Music

Mark joined the Mount Zion staff in March 1999. He studied music at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Mark came to us after having served as director on Vocal Music at Bethany United Methodist Church in Ellicott City, Maryland. During the day, Mark teaches World History, Economics, and Sociology at River Hill High School. He and his wife Lisa have three children, Chelsea, Jordan, and Jason.

Wendy Singer - Contemporary Music and Worship Leader

Wendy joined Mt. Zion in August, 2006. She had been a Worship Leader for several years at Bethany UMC in Ellicott City, where she has also provided vocal support and leadership at Conference worship services and workshops. For years Wendy was the lead vocalist for a dance band called Wind. She has also been a group leader and coordinator for the annual Women of Faith Conference in Washington, DC..

Here at Mt. Zion, Wendy rehearses with the praise band and give musical guidance and leadership to them and to the singing team. She works with the Mt. Zion ministers to help develop the theme and flow of the contemporary worship services. Wendy is married to husband Michael and is the mother of two teenagers, Kyle and Kelsey. She is a board member at Marriotts Ridge HS PTSA, and is also a Disciple 1 graduate.

Mount Zion United Methodist Church

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