The United Methodist Church
of Rancho Cordova

Leadership

Pastor, Staff, & leaders

Rev. Elizabeth Brick   

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 three cats.  (One pampered indoor cat 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. 

Corey Estelle

(he, him, his)

Song Leader

I come from Houston, Texas, and have built a diverse career as a performer
and educator. I hold a Master's in Vocal Performance from USC and will be
completing my DMA there as well, expected in Spring 2025. My performance experience includes collaborations with Los Angeles Opera, Long Beach Opera, Mercury Chamber Orchestra, and Ars Lyrica, among others. 
Prior to my graduate studies, I taught choir in Houston and performed regularly with the Bach Society. I believe that through music one becomes closer to God. My favorite Bible verse, Psalm 96, says that we are to sing to the Lord a new song.

With the instrument that I have been given I will gladly lead our congregation in praise!

Sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
    proclaim his salvation day after day
.
-Psalm 96:1 – 2

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.
  

Nursery CAre Coordinator

(awaiting bio)