Our Team

1. What brings you to 'the Church' and Old Bridge UMC in particular?

I was raised in the church and spent my first 16 years in the UMC. In 1988, my family started attending a Pentecostal church across the street (yep...you read that right! I was Pentecostal!). In the early 2000s my family moved all over the country and world, meaning I served in a variety of positions in the church including being the youth director, worship leader, singles director, associate pastor, and church planter/pastor. In 2018 I returned to the UMC, realizing that this was where I belonged. I was sent to Old Bridge in July of 2025 to be the pastor here.

2. What is your role at Old Bridge?

I'm the lead pastor.

3. Why is it important to you?

I've known since I was 15 that I was called into ministry, and called to be a pastor. It's who I am and all I ever wanted to be. 

4. What are your favorite parts?

I enjoy meeting people, listening to them and helping to point them to Christ. I love studying each week for the message, learning the context behind what was written in the scriptures because context is everything. I love administering the sacraments, doing pastoral care. Basically, I love all of it!

5. Personal Interests: Where are you originally from? What's your hobby? What's your favorite food? What's your favorite sports team? What was your first job?

I was born and raised in Savannah, GA. I moved away in 2000, but I still have lots of family there. I am a fan of good music, especially all things 80s. I also play three instruments (piano, bass, drums). I absolutely love reading sci-fi books, especially before I go to sleep because I keep hoping I'll have spaceship dreams (hasn't happened yet, sadly...). I am a diehard Notre Dame fan and love college football in general. And I am a long suffering Washington Wizards fan. My first job, which lasted about two months, was at Hardees when I was 16. For three years after that I bagged groceries at Piggly Wiggly. 

I’ve been a part of the Old Bridge United Methodist Church family since I was a child, attending services with my family and growing up in a community that became a constant source of support and inspiration. 

I am honored to serve in a role that allows me to support the work of the church by planning, creating, and managing communications. I believe deeply in the mission of the United Methodist Church and its commitment to spreading God’s love locally and globally.

Originally from Virginia, I enjoy staying active by running with my dogs and friends, as well as hiking with my sisters. I’ve always had a passion for trying new sports, and I’m especially fond of the USA artistic gymnastics team. Growing up, I spent many weekends watching the Old Bridge UMC softball team play in the spring, and I fondly remember playing tag, climbing trees, and raiding players’ Gatorade and sunflower seed cooler from the players. 

I am truly grateful to be part of this team and to contribute to the mission of Old Bridge UMC in meaningful ways.

My name is Erin Prendergast. I was born in Okinowa but grew up in Germany and all over the states. You can say I was an Army Brat. 

My hobbies include sports of all kinds and crafting. My favorite sports teams are the Capitals and the Washington football team. My favorite food is chocolate of any kind. My first job was working at Burger King. 

I came to Old Bridge Church about 15 years ago. My mom had invited me to come to church with her. I said sure why not. I fell in love with the Pastor and the people at there. They made me feel at home. I become a member shortly thereafter.

I volunteered to help with the children since I had three of my own. I had become good friends with the Children’s Director, and she asked me one day if I wouldn’t mind leading children’s worship. I told her that I would love to, but I really don’t know the bible as well as one should.

I love a good challenge, plus I get to learn the bible a little bit better. I am now the Youth Leader at Old Bridge. I believe it’s important to keep our children engaged in the teachings of the Word. They are the next generation of disciples. I love being the hands and feet of Christ.

I get to teach the youth, as well as learn from them. My favorite part of being the Youth Leader, besides having so much fun with all the activities we do and feeling my age (thanks kids), is watching them grow in their faith.

I came to Old Bridge United Methodist Church in 2014 after searching for a church for over a year, this church finally felt like home.  The congregation and the pastor were very welcoming and warm.  My husband and I knew from the first visit that this was a great match for us.  

I grew up in Luray VA and  went to Virginia Tech for Psychology and Human Development.  I received my Master's in counseling from the University of Memphis and for several years worked for a company called Youth Villages as a children's counselor and a program manager.  

As my husband and I began our own family, I decided to switch to a more family focused career in 2013, pet care.  I own and operate a dog boarding and pet care business called Cada & Company. 

I love being a big kid and having a good time.  You can often find me playing outside with my boys, running, playing games, and hosting family and friends.  I love music and get a lot of spiritual fulfillment through listening to it. I also love cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies all year long, especially during football season!

Being a wife and mother of 3 boys, my passion is to ensure families are feeling welcomed and being spiritually fed.  As the Family Ministries Leader here at OBUMC I get to live out that calling.  I love meeting new families and helping them to connect and build relationships within the church.  You can usually find me working in our children's ministries often as I also love to working with children.