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.
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.
Colin Walker (Pianist/Organist)
Originally from Hudson Valley NY, Colin has adopted and blended many musical stylings from Broadway to Billy Joel, Chopin to The Beatles, adding a warm singular tone to support the experienced choral staff.
A classically trained pianist, he attended The Crane School of Music in Potsdam NY. Following various original and cover band/solo projects, he eventually settled in Atlantic county.
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.
The Ministers and Staff
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 Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Margate Community Church Choir, please contact the church at (609) 822.5050.
The Heavenly Rings: Our Bell Choir
The Margate Community Church Bell Choir is more than just a musical ensemble; it is a long-standing tradition of fellowship, precision, and praise. Often referred to as "the heart of our holiday services," the choir brings a unique, ethereal resonance to our sanctuary that vocal music alone cannot replicate.
What Makes Our Bell Choir Special?
Handbell ringing is a true team sport. Unlike a traditional choir where everyone might sing the same melody, each ringer in our ensemble is responsible for specific notes. It requires immense focus, rhythm, and synchronization to weave individual strikes into a seamless tapestry of sound.
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Diverse Repertoire: We perform everything from soaring liturgical hymns and classical arrangements to contemporary spirituals.
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Community Bonds: Our members range from seasoned musicians to enthusiastic beginners. We believe that if you can count to four and know your left from your right, you have a place in the loft!
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Seasonal Highlights: While the choir performs throughout the year, our most anticipated appearances occur during the Advent season and Easter Sunday, adding a majestic "shimmer" to our most sacred celebrations.
Join the Ring
We are always looking for new hands to pick up a bell! Whether you are a lifelong musician or someone who hasn't read a note of music since grade school, we provide all the training you need.
"There is a physical joy in ringing a bell that connects you to the music and your neighbors in a way words can’t describe." — Long-time Choir Member
Rehearsal Details:
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When: Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM.
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Where: The Choir Room (Lower Level).
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Requirement: Just a willing heart and a steady hand!
