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.
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.