Leadership

Pastor, Staff, & leaders

Elizabeth Brick   
(she/Her/Hers)

Pastor

I am interested in co-creating Christian community that is rooted in God's love and responds to God's grace with joyful service. I believe that Christian community can and should  reflect the many images of our creative, loving God.
I want to help people to view Christianity as an open, vital, healing, loving, and relevant path to meaningful life.I live in Carmichael with my wife, Shari and our four cats.  (Two pampered indoor cats and two  pandemic "sojourners" who found their way into our hearts and home.)

I  began serving the UMC of Rancho Cordova in 2018 after twenty years of service in other United Methodist churches in Lake County and the greater Sacramento area.
  • BA Chapman University - Psychology & English/Music 1992
  • Masters work Fresno State   University - Education & Creative Writing 92-94
  • M.Div Boston University School   of Theology   -  1998
  • Ordained Elder in the United   Methodist Church - 2001

Nargis Karamatova    
(she/Her/Hers)

Staff Musician

I love making music in church because I get to come to a place of worship and community as well as serve in a way that brings joy to others and myself. Making music in church has helped me grow every day. 
Collaborating with various people is an experience I value greatly.

I sing, play piano, violin, and guitar. I studied piano under my father and sister.  I also worked with Dr. Gilman, who taught me theory, chord progressions, and the best approach to chords to our hymns. 

Andrea Eve Thorpe 
(She/Her/Hers)

Song Leader

 "I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music.”
                           -Johann Sebastian Bach

I believe that music  is therapy for the heart, mind and spirit. God has granted in me a beautiful instrument and I am 
so grateful to share it with church family and guests on a weekly basis. I studied voice under James E. Bryant and regularly participate in community theatre. By day, I work with an amazing team of information technology and change management consultants.

Fay Kerekes    
(She/Her/Hers)

Lay Leader

It is my privilege and pleasure to serve as Lay Leader here at the United Methodist Church of Rancho Cordova. I often reflect on the capacity for Unselfish Service, Thoughtful Discourse and Effusive Love demonstrated by the folks in our congregation. All are truly welcome here!
I have lived in Rancho Cordova for over 40 years and joined UMCRC in 1984. My two children were blessed to be encircled by this loving church family. Following my retirement after 35 years as a local educator and administrator, I found more time to say “Yes” to church and volunteer activities.As Lay Leader, I am reminded that our Methodist forefather, John Wesley tasked us to: Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.

Jacob Auer   & LUNA
(he/Him/His)  (good Girl!)

office manager


Lifelong Methodist, Son of a school teacher and a Methodist Minister. Audiophile and Bibliophile. Married and Father of two great kids. I have enjoyed being part of UMCRC and its community for the past 10 years.
I believe UMCRC is a vital part of the community and I enjoy being involved in community outreach and helping with the vital missions our church provides to the community.  

Sarah Jane gebhart  
(she/Her/Hers)

Nursery CAre Coordinator

(awaiting bio)