Rev. Larry buckland
Head Pastor
Larry is a native of McDowell County; he graduated from West Virginia University and the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He previously served as pastor at Life UMC in Fairmont, Sabra and Highland Park United Methodist Churches in Morgantown and the North Jackson Charge in Ravenswood, WV.
Larry’s desire to serve and connect is a guiding light for how he spends his time and his partnerships with the community. In his previous appointment at LIFE UMC he served on the Boards of the Tygart Valley United Way, Marion County Child Advocacy Center, volunteered at the Disability Action Center, the Marion County Communities of Shalom, the Union Mission and served on the Fairmont State University’s Wesley Foundation. He currently serves on the WV Annual Conference CORE Leadership Team. Larry was appointed by the City of Fairmont as a Commissioner for the Human Rights Commission.
Pastor Larry’s sermons often encourage the church to love our neighbors in everyday, ordinary ways that make a kingdom impact that changes the world. He believes that small acts of kindness change the world, because small things can happen now, and now leads to a larger movement that will grow the kingdom.
He is inspired daily by his wife Christi, son Trey, and daughter Catherine Grace. In his free time, Larry enjoys watching WVU sports with his family and friends.
Larry’s desire to serve and connect is a guiding light for how he spends his time and his partnerships with the community. In his previous appointment at LIFE UMC he served on the Boards of the Tygart Valley United Way, Marion County Child Advocacy Center, volunteered at the Disability Action Center, the Marion County Communities of Shalom, the Union Mission and served on the Fairmont State University’s Wesley Foundation. He currently serves on the WV Annual Conference CORE Leadership Team. Larry was appointed by the City of Fairmont as a Commissioner for the Human Rights Commission.
Pastor Larry’s sermons often encourage the church to love our neighbors in everyday, ordinary ways that make a kingdom impact that changes the world. He believes that small acts of kindness change the world, because small things can happen now, and now leads to a larger movement that will grow the kingdom.
He is inspired daily by his wife Christi, son Trey, and daughter Catherine Grace. In his free time, Larry enjoys watching WVU sports with his family and friends.
Angela Smith
Director of Music
Angela Smith serves as the full time Director of Music at Suncrest United Methodist Church in Morgantown, WV. Angela received her Bachelor's in Music Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College and her Master's in Choral Conducting from Louisiana State University. Before coming on board at Suncrest UMC, she led music for various churches, children's choruses, and taught school in Waynesburg, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and India.
Christina Hostutler
Executive Assistant
Christina Hostutler is a graduate of West Virginia Junior College. She has been employed at Suncrest United Methodist Church since 1995 serving in many different roles. She was also the financial secretary at Spruce Street UMC until November 2013.
She is the founder of the Little Miss and Mister Liberty Pageant as well as the former S.A.S.S. (Strong and Sophisticated Sisters) organization, which is a group for girls ages 12 to 18 that focused on positive self image, fellowship and support, and community service. She serves on the Husky Pups Football Boosters, Hundred Sportsman's Club Board of Directors, and the Hundred FFA Alumni Association.
She has two children, Zackary and Jakob. Her favorite activities are taking photographs, hiking, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family and dogs.
She is the founder of the Little Miss and Mister Liberty Pageant as well as the former S.A.S.S. (Strong and Sophisticated Sisters) organization, which is a group for girls ages 12 to 18 that focused on positive self image, fellowship and support, and community service. She serves on the Husky Pups Football Boosters, Hundred Sportsman's Club Board of Directors, and the Hundred FFA Alumni Association.
She has two children, Zackary and Jakob. Her favorite activities are taking photographs, hiking, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family and dogs.
Rich Chaffins
Contemporary Music Director
Rich Chaffins is a native of Oceana, WV. He majored in jazz and classical guitar performance at WVU under Scott Elliott, and has (mostly) been in Morgantown ever since. Credits include staff musician at Cedar Point Amusement Park; pit musician for West Virginia Public Theater, Morgantown High School, and University High School; Assistant Music Director at Chestnut Ridge Church; Worship Director at Kingwood Christian Fellowship. He’s been a guitar instructor at Fawley Music 2004-present, is owner and luthier of Agape Guitars, and serves as Contemporary Music Director at Suncrest UMC. He and his wife, Alise, have been making beautiful music together since 2009, and at SUMC since 2015.
Beth Roberts
Director of College Ministries
A native of McDowell County, Beth’s first careers included teaching and school counseling. After living in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle for 20 years, Beth and her family relocated to her former college home of Morgantown in 2016.
Beth is passionate about forming small groups to build relationships and community through shared interests in everything from books to decorating, baking, Bible study, and service projects. She has been working with Suncrest's college program since the Fall of 2022.
Beth is married to Brian Peterson, and they have three children, two cats and an ornery Tibetan terrier. When she’s not in church, you might find Beth volunteering at a Morgantown High School band concession stand, giving tours at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, or checking out her favorite fiction books at one of the local libraries.
Sandy Cobun-Greene
Parish Health Coordinator
I have been a nurse since graduating from WVU School of Nursing in 1980. I worked at WVU hospital for 16 years in adult critical care. My husband Doug and I were blessed that I was able to take 5 years off to be a stay at home mom for my two children, Kristin now 27 and Evan 22. My 1st day back to work as an IV infusion nurse was the day my son started kindergarten. Since then I have worked in various positions at Mon General Hospital, Health South as well as WVU CPRC (Clinical and Pharmacologic Research). I worked there part time and was praying that I would find another part time position. After a week of earnestly seeking God for direction, I saw the Parish Nurse position advertised in the Sunday bulletin. It was a true answer to prayer. I have been blessed with this opportunity to work with the SUMC congregation and serve God in this way.
Both my grandparents and parents were members of Drummond Chapel and I grew up in this church. So coming back here was like coming home. I look forward to getting to know you and providing any support, resources, or education needed to promote health and wellness in the church body. Thank you for this opportunity.
Both my grandparents and parents were members of Drummond Chapel and I grew up in this church. So coming back here was like coming home. I look forward to getting to know you and providing any support, resources, or education needed to promote health and wellness in the church body. Thank you for this opportunity.