Staff
Meet the Team Leading with Faith, Compassion, and Purpose.About our staff
Welcome to the staff page of Chelsea First United Methodist Church! Here you’ll meet the pastor and ministry leaders who guide our church in areas like worship and music, lifelong faith formation, communications, finance, outreach, and administration. Whether you’re new or a longtime member, our dedicated team is here to support your spiritual journey. We are proud to be an inclusive, Christ-centered church in Chelsea, Michigan, sharing God’s love through every ministry.
Joy Barrett
Senior Pastor
I am so grateful to serve as the pastor at Chelsea First. The Christ-like love and faithfulness of the people in this congregation continue to shape me as a person and a church leader. My husband, Rob Long, and I moved here in 2004; it is a joy and privilege to be part of this congregation and community. We enjoy walks in the woods, gardening, cooking, friends and family, and just being together.
The “great commandment” to love God with everything we have and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves is central for me as a Christ-follower.
Susan Adam-Rita, Ph.D.
Director of Lifelong Faith Formation
It has been a true joy and honor to serve as the Director of Children’s Ministry at Chelsea First United Methodist Church since August 2020. Now, after five wonderful years of walking with our youngest disciples, I am excited to begin a new chapter as the Lifelong Faith Formation Director.
This new role is a natural extension of my passion for nurturing the spiritual growth of individuals and families—across all ages and stages of life. My commitment remains the same: to walk alongside this community as we deepen our faith, grow in love, and become more fully who God created us to be. I am dedicated to creating spaces and opportunities that foster wonder, connection, transformation, and belonging—all through an intergenerational, inclusive, and holistic approach to faith formation.
I grew up in a small city in southern Brazil, and today I call Chelsea, MI, home—where I live with my wonderful husband and our lively teenage triplet boys, who definitely keep life interesting! I find joy in reading, taking walks in nature, and soaking in the rhythm of my family’s many sports and music activities.
With a professional background as a Licensed Counselor/Psychologist, I have long been fascinated by the inner life—how we grow, relate, and shape our sense of meaning and spirituality. This perspective deeply informs how I work with people of all ages, especially children, creating learning environments that are reflective, engaging, and soul-nurturing.
I’m thrilled to continue serving this vibrant, justice-seeking, and intentionally inclusive community of faith. And I look forward to growing together as we embrace a culture of lifelong discipleship—one that invites all generations into God’s ever-widening circle of grace and love.
Jody Croskey
Facilities Manager
Chelsea First UMC is not only my place of employment but it has also been my church home since 2016. I strive to ensure a safe and comfortable place to worship for all. I have lived in Chelsea with my husband, Robert, since 2001. We have two adult children: a daughter who lives here in Chelsea and a son who lives in Jackson.
In my spare time I love to attend Detroit Tigers and Red Wings games and watch the tv show “Survivor”. Someday I hope to be a contestant on the show. I also have a passion for volunteering, connecting with others and learning new things.
Rodney Gasaway
Deacon
I was called into full time ministry 17 years ago. First as a missioner in inner city Detroit and now as ordained clergy serving two congregations. I love most aspects of professional ministry but my area of specialty is community engagement, missions, and outreach. I thrive on meeting individuals from all walks of life, listening to their stories, and sharing my own.
I am married with two adult sons and love camping, hiking, riding my motorcycle, and spending time with friends and family.
Liza Gray-Jarvis
Office Manager
I have been on staff at Chelsea First since March of 2005. I enjoy the challenges and experiences of my job and feel very blessed to be a welcoming presence in the office. I have three grown children that I am extremely proud of and have two grandchildren. I love the outdoors, spending time on our boat, riding with my husband on our motorcycle, and spending time with family and friends.
Tammy Melvin
Communications Coordinator
I’m so grateful to be part of this vibrant and welcoming congregation!
Before moving to Grass Lake with my husband, Jeff, I served as the secretary at Simpson UMC for over 20 years. Our move brought us closer to our three children and their families—a decision we cherish deeply.
When we found Chelsea First, I immediately knew I had discovered a place where I truly belong. I love being part of a forward-thinking and inclusive church that is so focused on being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.
What I enjoy most about Chelsea First is the amazing people who make this church so special. I’m excited to contribute by helping share its programs, services, and the wonderful community we’ve built together.
Bill Ruddock
Finance Manager
I am pleased to be a part of the mission of Chelsea First United Methodist Church. My wife and I moved to Chelsea a little more than two years ago and we have grown to know and love this church. I have been involved in church leadership, mostly in the Presbyterian Church, since I was a teenager. I grew up in a small community similar to Chelsea in upstate New York but I have lived my adult life in Michigan. My wife and I each have two adult children. I love to read, to sing, and to find ways to work towards a more just world. I look forward to serving this church to the best of my abilities.
Randy Umfleet
Director of Music Ministry
I began serving as the Director of Music Ministries in November 2021 after previous music ministry leadership in variously sized churches for over 30 years, in Illinois, Michigan and Florida. I have many talents and am a versatile musician, conversant with classical, gospel, new Christian music and everything in-between. In addition to local church choral and instrumental music ensembles, I have organized and directed mass choirs, orchestras, and music theater events.
I earned two Bachelor of Art degrees: a BA in Christian Education-Church Music from Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL (emphases in vocal music and organ) and a BA in Music Education from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL (emphases in musical theater and organ). I completed my graduate work in Choral Conducting at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.
I have two adult children: a daughter and her family who live in Holt, MI and a son in Ann Arbor. In my leisure time I enjoy cooking and baking, attending musical theater performances and concerts, watching the BRAVO Television network, as well as travel.
My goal and mission are to implement exciting and meaningful music along with other elements of the arts into the life of the church to elevate corporate and private times of worship.
Chelsea First
Our church culture
Chelsea First United Methodist Church (Chelsea First) is a Christ-centered congregation with a positive, open, and engaging spirit. We are a church for everyone, at all seasons of life, and bring a grounded, engaged, and supportive approach to Christian worship while working passionately toward making a positive impact in our community.
© 2025 Chelsea First UMC
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Chelsea First UMC
128 Park St., Chelsea, MI 48118
📞 (734) 475-8119
✉️ info@chelseaumc.org
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