Our Staff at Calvary UMC

As an ordained clergywoman in the United Methodist Church with a background in music therapy and training as a spiritual director, Michelle has pastored and interim-pastored multiple congregations during the last twenty-six years and served as an associate district superintendent. 

Since January 2022, she has served as Senior Pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg. Michelle’s leadership and teaching gifts really blossom as she encourages and mentors others’ spiritual formation in small groups, spiritual direction, Bible studies, retreats, and workshop settings.    

Michelle and her husband, Eric, have an amazing teenage daughter, two apricot mini Goldendoodles, and one Schnoodle. When not drinking Earl Grey tea, you can find her riding in her husband’s classic car with ’80s music blaring! She will tell you that she is “…an above-average Duke Blue Devil basketball fan who enjoys dark chocolate and a good book.” 

Before becoming an ordained pastor, she worked in the Lithuanian office of the United Methodist Church as director of the Diaconal Programs, as the UMC worked to re-establish itself after being nearly stamped out by the Soviet takeover following World War II until 1991. Jolita felt the Holy Spirit guiding her to be a leader in the church.

With that in her heart, she attended and graduated from Asbury Seminary in Kentucky and was ordained in Lithuania. She loves praying, preaching, and meeting people where they are. Her love of those and her enthusiasm are a spark for others.

Jolita met her husband, Andrew, in Lithuania. Together, they have three outgoing and bright school-aged children. Her favorite activities beyond her calling in the Church include time with her family (especially at the beach), hiking, walking, and a good cup of coffee.

Mark is in his twentieth year as the Director of Music and Worship at Calvary UMC, where it is his joy to cultivate an active ministry of vocal, handbell, and instrumental choirs. He also plays Calvary’s world-class pipe organ and leads the worship team. Mark holds degrees from the Jacob’s School of Music at Indiana University, the University of Notre Dame, and Goshen College.

In his free time, Mark follows his boys’ band activities and volunteers as a photographer for the Carmel Marching Band.

Tonya has been married to her husband, Mark, for thirty-three years. They have two adult children. In her free time, she enjoys walking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her Mini Aussiedoodle, Cooper.

Melissa has been a teacher in the Brownsburg community for over 30 years and has especially loved the past 24 years teaching at the Early Childhood level at CLA. She looks forward to meeting the needs of the children in a different capacity as Assistant Director.

Melissa and Steve are lifelong members of Hendricks County. They have 3 grown children, a bonus daughter in law, and an amazing grandson. In their free time, they love to camp and boat in the mountains of Tennessee.

Emory lost his wife, Sandy, to cancer in 2011. He is blessed with four children and seven grandchildren who keep him on his toes! He will tell you that he felt a serious calling from God to come out of retirement and assist Calvary during these times of opportunity.

Lisa and her husband, Eric, have two wonderful adult daughters. They spend their vacation time visiting their daughters and family, who all live outside of Indiana.

Holly, Mark, Matt & Liam Surufka – Church Custodial