Who We Are
About our Community
Margate Community Church (MCC) is an interdenominational, community oriented congregation, over 300 people strong and representing more than 11 different denominations. We are united in God’s love through our shared commitment to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and our neighbors as ourselves.
In the 87 years since MCC began, our ecumenical spirit has proved to be a wonderful experiment. As a covenant congregation, we are joined in fellowship through a covenant promise, not rigid doctrine. We recognize that people’s religious convictions and spiritual journeys are varied. This spiritual freedom has allowed a wide range of people – from Methodist to Quaker, Baptist to Unitarian, Catholic to Jew, Presbyterian to Lutheran – to unite in a fellowship marked by joy, hope, and sincere love.
MCC shares our financial and spiritual support with both the American Baptist Churches USA and the United Church of Christ. Our pastoral affiliations have been diverse, from Baptist to Congregationalist, to Lutheran. Our pastor has dual standing with the United Church of Christ and the American Baptists.
The Ministers and Staff
Reverend Victoria Ney: Pastor
Pastor Vicky is serving as the Senior Minister, beginning November 1, 2018.
A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary in 1999, she served as Associate Pastor for Parish Life at the Presbyterian Church in Westfield (NJ) and Pastor/Head of Staff at the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield (NJ). She is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Pastor Vicky has had a long association with MCC, serving as organist for many years (before going to seminary), working with Dr. Wisznat, Dr. Johnson, and Rev. Fleming. She has been married to Richard Ney for over 30 years, has 2 sons, and is the proud grandmother of 2 grandchildren.
Carmella Marcheski: Administrative Assistant
The Church Administrative Assistant provides confidential, comprehensive administrative support to the Lead Pastor, ministry staff, and various church teams. This role is often the "face" and "voice" of the church office, serving as the central point of communication and ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the church's day-to-day administrative and clerical needs in support of its overall mission.
Rob Tucker: Director of Music
Rob Tucker earned his BA in music at Wagner College in 1985. With a focus on Early Music and classical guitar performance, he continued studies at NYU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Rob was previously the tenor soloist here at Margate Community Church and now directs the Chancel Choir and Bell Choirs. He has been an active member of MCC for over 30 years.
Chris Simonini: Church Organist
The Church Organist is responsible for enhancing the spiritual life of the congregation by providing appropriate instrumental music for all scheduled worship services and special events. This role requires mastery of organ technique, deep knowledge of sacred music repertoire, and the ability to effectively collaborate with the clergy, choir, and other musicians. The Organist serves as a key member of the music ministry team.
Betty Nathanson: Church School Coordinator
Betty Nathanson has been a teacher and program administrator for over 20 years. She has previously taught Church School at MCC for 17years. She will work with the Board of Christian Education to provide a Sunday School program. She will recruit teachers and communicate with families about special activities and events associated with Sunday School. Betty resides in Margate.
Cindy Facenda: Nursery School Director
Cindy Facenda graduated from Stockton University with a B.S. in Social Work. She’s a state-certified teacher with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. Cindy resides in Absecon with her husband and their son and daughter
Scott Chaffin: Sexton
Scott Chaffin helps maintain the church facilities and assists with special event setups on church property.
Margate Community Church Choir
The Choir leads the congregation in worship through hymns, choral responses, anthems and spiritual songs that augment the spoken word as it is read and preached. Drawing on the rich choral music heritage and a wide variety of other musical traditions, the MCC choir tries to reflect a diverse repertoire. Members are adults (high school vocally inclined youth are encouraged to participate) who love music and have pleasant voices. Participation includes Sunday services at 10:00 am. The choir assembles at 9:30 am on Sundays. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:30 pm. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Margate Community Church Choir, please contact the church at (609) 822.5050.
