Matthew Tennant
Senior MinisterDr. Matthew Tennant has degrees from Carson-Newman College, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, and University of Oxford. Matt worked in the world of finance before being called into ministry. Most recently he served as the Senior Pastor of Kilmarnock Baptist Church in Kilmarnock, VA, for 8 years. He has written several books, including 'Crossing the Lines We Draw' (Judson Press 2020). Matt, his wife Melanie, and their sons Dean and Eddy enjoy sailing, hiking, and many other activities. Follow him on Twitter @theologymatt or check out his blog https://god-is-here.org/.
Val Fisk
Associate Minister for StudentsRev. Val Fisk holds a M.Div. with a concentration in Biblical Studies & Languages from Truett Theological Seminary (Baylor University, Waco, TX), and a BA in Ministry from Judson University (Elgin, IL). She has received various academic awards including the Dr. Ruth Ann Foster Outstanding Graduate Award (Truett, 2018) and the Erickson Prize for Excellence in Biblical Studies (Judson, 2013). Val has also spent years pursuing training in the Enneagram of Personality as a tool for spiritual growth and development (she's an 8!). Val enjoys visiting Dollywood theme park, which is the actual happiest place on earth, and she considers winning free queso for a year at Torchy's Tacos one of her greatest personal achievements.
Susan Deal
Intentional Interim Minister of MusicRev. Susan Deal holds a Master of Music in Church Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Ft. Worth, Texas) and a Bachelor of Music Education from Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama). Susan has recently retired after 30 years as a Minister of Music, serving churches in Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. In addition to her ministry at UBC, Susan works with CBF's Thriving in Ministry initiative as a Facilitator for the Church Musicians Cohort. She is also the Project Manager for The Harmony Project, a research initiative asking church musicians what they need to flourish and thrive in worship and music ministry. Susan and her husband, Tommy, feel as if they have returned home, readily admitting that the primary reason they now live in Virginia is to be close to their three grandchildren--Thomas and his twin cousins, Adeline and Dorothy.
Director of Jubilate & Voces Laetae
Will Cooke
Director of Jubilate & Voces LaetaeWill Cooke has been a fixture in Charlottesville since 2007, and joined us at UBC in 2021 to lead our music programs. He is the Choral Director at Charlottesville High School (CHS) where he leads four choirs, in addition to Voces Laetae, a community youth choir he started at UBC in 2022! Born in Keysville, VA, Will grew up attending Ash Camp Baptist Church, and has led music programs in a variety of settings, including the United Church of Christ and the Episcopal Church. He went to college at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he received a degree in music education. Will and his husband David are both beloved educators in the community, and together they have been providing foster and respite care for seven years. In the summers, they can often be found at their favorite vacation spot at Ocracoke Island!
Linda
Linda Weirich
Office CoordinatorLinda Weirich holds a BS degree in mathematics from the University of Richmond. She joined the UBC staff in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in church administration. Linda also serves as the music director for Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church. She has 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
Amanda Ohlms
Financial CoordinatorAmanda holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from UVA and a master's degree in Counseling from UNC Greensboro. She worked as a counselor in Augusta County before becoming a stay-at-home mom for 12.5 years. Amanda and her family (husband Peter and two children, Luna and Micah) have attended UBC for many years. Amanda was excited to join the UBC staff as the Financial Coordinator in 2022.
Barbara Taylor Moore
OrganistBarbara Taylor Moore has served as Organist and Principal Accompanist since 1987. She holds the Bachelor of Arts degree in music (piano and organ) from Mary Washington College, the Master of Music in Performance (organ) from Baylor University and has done postgraduate work at The University of Kansas and the Summer Organ Institute in Zwolle, The Netherlands. She is active as a private teacher of piano and organ and on the keyboard faculty of UVA. Barbara is a member of the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists and the Charlottesville Music Teachers’ Association and she is a volunteer firefighter with the Charlottesville Fire Co. Her husband, Jim, is also an active member of UBC.
Thomas Hill
CustodianThomas Hill, the longest serving member of our staff, has been our custodian since 1982. Thomas is well respected and is always helpful and generous. He and his wife Nellie have two sons and four grandchildren. Thomas’s favorite pastime is fishing.
Alaysia Toney
Social Media AssistantAlaysia graduated from Longwood University in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a concentration in digital Media. She lives in Buckingham County and is extremely excited to work for UBC as their Social Media Assistant. Alaysia loves social media and putting her gifts to work in a church.