Church Staff & Leaders

Peggy's deep devotion to kingdom-building and her belief in the care and well-being of God's people fuel her passion for both ministry and service as a provisional elder. She served at Calvary UMC (Kearny), Wesley UMC (Belleville) and Grace UMC (Kearny). Peggy also believes we should not only celebrate God in the “church world” but more so in our secular lives. For over thirty years she worked for a non-for-profit in NYC and shared the love of God with co-workers and everyone she met along the way. She recently retired from her post as Director of Administration and Accounting.

Peggy is excited to embark on this new chapter, where she will serve the congregation and community in Cape May. Originally from Barbados, Peggy is a proud alumna of Kingsborough and Baruch Colleges within the City University of New York, as well as Drew Theological Seminary, where she earned her Master of Divinity.

Cape May UMC is a growing congregation located in a historic summer resort town. The church offers a variety of ministries, including a weekly children's program, summer VBS, Bible study, grief counseling, a choir, and active women's and men's groups. Peggy will bring her gifts as a spiritual guide and shepherd, supporting the congregation as they grow in discipleship and outreach. The congregation looks forward to the exciting journey ahead with Peggy and are confident that her leadership will inspire the Cape May UMC family and community to continue flourishing in faith and service.

Outside of ministry, Peggy enjoys traveling, and nature and is a die-hard Knicks fan. Her two other greatest joys are her daughter, Alexis, and her son-nephew, Zachary.

Originally from South Philadelphia and then Sicklerville NJ for almost 27 years, Maria and her family enjoyed vacationing in Cape May for many years before buying a home in the Villas in 2015. We moved to our shore house permanently in January 2022. Maria and her husband Vince have 2 adult children - Vincent and Nicole. Maria has worked in churches for 25 years and is so happy to be back working in a church again after "retiring" 3 ½ years ago!

I look forward to the future as the many talents of this diverse church family are utilized to do God’s work. With friends and members of the congregation contributing, we have expanded our mission throughout the world. With Pastor Peggy Holder at the helm, I am certain we will find even more ways to serve and spread the Good News! - Jon Vile

Helen Vile serves in many capacities. Her Staff position is our Minister of Music. Helen does a wonderful job directing the Adult Choir and arranging our Sunday Hymns and Special music throughout the Christian year!  She is also a wonderful addition at the Cove beach service along with Doug Moses.  Helen is a member of the Angelus Choir, a community choir, and an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and is the coordinator of Family Promise for our congregation.