Meet our Pastor & Staff

The Reverend Bertina J. H. Westley came to Stephens City UMC in September 2021. She was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Illinois and drinks from a White Sox cup every day, despite not having seen a baseball game in years.

Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Systems from Truman State University, Bertina has served in both civilian and sworn jobs in the law enforcement field (police dispatcher, alarm coordinator, and police officer). While serving as a police officer in Kansas City, Missouri, Pastor Bertina answered God’s call to a vocation in ministry. She attended Saint Paul School of Theology and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree.

Pastor Bertina was licensed, then commissioned for ministry in the Virginia Conference. Prior to being appointed to SCUMC, she served congregations in the York River and Eastern Shore Districts. She enjoys being in ministry within the community and cherishes the teaching of 1 John 3:18, “Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” (NRSV)

Bertina is married to Vince and has two wonderful sons. In her spare time, she enjoys reading mysteries, and movies, and listening to a variety of podcasts. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Administrative Assistant – Rob Moss

David Renner

Music Director – David Renner

David has served as the director of music and choir director for many years. He has been instrumental in acquiring instruments and employing a variety of professional musical ensembles to enhance our worship.

David holds a BS in Political Science from James Madison University and a Church Music Institute Certificate from Shenandoah University Conservatory of Music . He is also a member of the Winchester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

Bell Choir Director – Jacquetta Owen

After retiring from teaching, Jacquetta has stayed busy helping kids and adults learn about music, hand bells, sewing, cooking, and leading Bible school. She developed the hand bell program at SCUMC (which is for all ages) and most recently started STEM camps for elementary age kids to encourage problem solving and creativity skills.

Believing in the value of learning life concepts through rhythm and rhyme, Jacquetta also runs the music programs for the church Daycare and Preschool. Additionally, she and Pala plan and prepare the Wednesday night meals for Wholly Wonderful Wednesdays, emphasizing delicious, healthy, home-cooked food choices. Jacquetta has organized yard parties, bake sales, our annual Trunk or Treat, social events, guitar lessons, and more for Stephens City UMC. In her spare time, she teaches sewing classes at Hobby Lobby and manages the local Saturday morning farm market at Trinity Lutheran Church during growing season.

Building & Groundskeeper – Tony Cook

Tony Cook is our faithful building and groundskeeper. He’s the person working quietly behind the scenes, keeping everything in tip-top shape and looking pristine. Tony succeeds his father, the late Robert “Bobby” Cook, who worked tirelessly in this role for our church from 1986 until his death in 2020.