Russel Shuluga - Pastor
Pastor Russel is a second career pastor, experiencing the call to ministry after working at the Carbon Limestone Company for ten years. With a Bachelor of Science in Education from Slippery Rock University, and a Master of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, he was ordained a Full Member in 1991 by Bishop Bashore. Russel has been at SUMC since 2006, fulfilling his mission to create an inclusive atmosphere where the Good News of God's unconditional love can be celebrated by all of God's children.

Hurst Bartley - Worship Leader
Hurst has been involved with the music ministry at SUMC for a number of years and has led the Worship Team since 2009. He serves on various committees within the church, including the Board of Trustees, and is a certified lay speaker. He has been playing and singing since he was eleven years old, but it has only been in recent years that he has come to understand why he received these gifts, and he is very thankful to the Father for the opportunity to lead God's people in worship each week. He strives in his work with the ministry to fulfill God's commandment through the prophet Micah, "...to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

Joe Bollman - Bass Guitar
A graduate of Mansfield University, Joe studied elementary and music education. He participated in numerous vocal groups, including the Heinz Chapel Choir, and has experience playing several instruments. Joe searched for twenty years to find a church that made him feel welcomed, and through a series of unlikely events, God guided him to Leap of Faith, where his knowledge of music theory and an ear for harmony have been a blessing to many. Joe enjoys blending musical elements into worship, and sharing the worship experience with others who have similar passions. It is his goal to provide others with the opportunity to enhance their relationships with God.

Joe Boward - Saxophone
After picking up the saxophone in fourth grade, Joe participated in a number of different ensembles, including his high school marching, symphonic and stage bands. He also played with Purdue bands for a short stint, then put his efforts into family and career while his sax collected dust. Fortunately, via a series of events impossible to assign to coincidence, God called Joe back to the instrument to make music in His name with SUMC's Leap of Faith. With a mostly cerebrally-based faith journey prior to that point in his life,the contemporary service exposed Joe to emotionally-charged and genuinely spiritual Christian experiences. Joe feels truly blessed to be called to participate in LOF and the SUMC contemporary worship service.

Jim Canfield - Lead Guitar
Jim has played in many punk bands for over twenty years in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. He likes playing in church because no one ever boo's.

Jeff Canter - Lead Vocals
Jeff Canter has been singing in church since childhood as both a choir member and soloist. He has performed in numerous musical theatre productions and solo concerts. Jeff believes that Christian music can be a lifeline to someone who appears to be doing well on the outside, but is secretly hurting on the inside. He has often felt that God was calling him to ministry, but not necessarily as a worship leader. Having the opportunity to be a part of Leap of Faith has revealed to him what God expects him to do with the gifts he has received. He never feels more spiritually connected than when singing in God's house, whether the music is of joyful praise or prayerful confession. "Music is only love looking for words."

Pam Mayo - Keyboard
Pam has been offering her musical talents at our church for many years and considers music one of her most cherished gifts from God. She is constantly amazed at its power and ability to touch the soul, delivering a message in a way that the spoken word does not. Music is the channel God uses most often to speak to us---leading, teaching, re-assuring, comforting, and reminding us of what is most important in this life. The opportunity to sing praises and worship with everyone on Sunday mornings is the highlight of Pam's week.

Jack Moffett - Drums
Jack has been playing drums since the sixth grade when his father told him to stop beating on the table and join the band. He was a member of the acclaimed WVU drumline and plays a large array of percussion instruments, his favorite being the marimba. Jack hadn't played much after college, but found a new calling when the contemporary service was founded. It quickly became the highlight of his week and pushed him to develop a much deeper relationship with God. Now a certified lay speaker, Jack considers it an honor to use his talents in the Lord's service.