Our Mission is to share Christ’s love through praising God in worship, fellowship and service.
Our Vision is to build a community of love and forgiveness, living according to the example of Christ.
Rev. Javier Barroso, Pastor
Rev. Javier (Guillermo Javier Barroso-Rodriguez) is an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church. Javier is a person who loves God, his family, and his church above all else. He is a native of Puerto Rico and holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design (2006) and a Master of Divinity from the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico (2016).
Pastor Javier was born and raised in the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico, his home church, where he was called to pastoral ministry at the age of 3 and was ordained as an elder in 2018. After serving seven years in Puerto Rico (Vieques, Dorado, and San Juan), he was called to serve in the United Methodist Church. He is currently a member of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference, where he has served for seven more years – four years at Fourth UMC in Millville and at Manasquan UMC since 2022. He has served in the GNJ Praise Band, Walk to Emmaus CELE Spiritual Leader (Hispanic/Latin Community), GNJ CUIR Board, Delaware Bay District DCOM, Trinity First Hope Center VP, and as Communications Team President in Puerto Rico
Before his pastoral appointment in 2011, Javier pursued a career as a graphic designer, visual artist, and illustrator. He continues to illustrate and is active in the creative world. He is also a musician (guitar, bass) and from a young age has served in countless worship ministries. Music and art are God-given talents God has used to open doors in Javier’s ministerial journey.
Pastor Javier is married to his beloved wife, Diana. They have two children, David and Gabriela, along with the family pets – a dog named Rolo and Luna the cat.
Cristine Pasterchick, Director of Music
Meet Cristine Pasterchick – music lover, joyful noise-maker, and the woman who can probably harmonize with your coffee maker. Cristine’s musical journey started early – like, diapers-and-dulcimers early. Her dad was a touring lead singer and guitarist for country and bluegrass bands, so while most kids were learning nursery rhymes, Cristine was vibing to gospel, big band, and jazz standards in the studio (well, almost).
With a voice shaped by amazing mentors like Frederick W. Wilson, Mary Lough, Betty Ann Cluthe, and Marc McGinnis, Cristine pursued her passion with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from the College of St. Elizabeth, plus a concentration in Music Performance from Drew University – because why not blend teaching and singing into a life of musical magic?
Fun fact: At 12 years old, a friend invited Cristine to Sunday School at Manasquan United Methodist Church, and she instantly felt at home. Fast-forward a few decades: she married her husband, John, at this very church, raised three awesome daughters (all active members), and now pours her heart into leading music that lifts spirits and deepens faith.
Cristine’s mission? To fill the sanctuary (and your soul) with songs that inspire, unite, and maybe even get your toes tapping.