Meet Our Team
Jim Szakacs
Jim has been Pastor at Hope Ridge UMC since July 2021. He is a graduate of Capital University of Columbus, Ohio. He previously served for 13 years as Executive Director and Pastor of The Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland. During that time he also served as the Associate Pastor of New Vision at Garfield Heights United Methodist Church.
Jim and his wife Robin have three adult children and six grandchildren.
Pastor
Lori Toth
Lori has been a part of Hope Ridge UMC since 1996, when she moved to Concord Township from Wisconsin. She has been the Office Administrator since 2013, and loves helping people get connected and involved in the Hope Ridge ministries.
She and her husband John have two adult children.
Office Administrator
Jonathan Gordon
Jonathan joined the Hope Ridge UMC staff as the Accompanist in October 2013. Following that, he has served in the role of Worship Director since 2015.
Jonathan is married to Sarah, an active member of the Praise Team and Finance Committee. They welcomed Olivia Grace, their first child, in September 2020.
Worship Director
Greg Pribulsky
Greg joined Hope Ridge UMC in 2020 as part of the Media Team, serving as the Media Director. Greg has more than fifteen years in technical theater production experience.
Greg is married to his wife Donna.
Worship Media Director
Christian Brooks
Christian joined the Hope Ridge UMC staff in July 2021 as the early service pianist. He moved to the Cleveland area from Uniontown, PA, and is excited to meet the congregation and get involved in the ministries here at Hope Ridge.
Accompanist
Alexis Pickrell
Alexis joined as Director of Nurture in June 2022. She is married to Paxton and together they serve as the Youth Group Leaders, as well as active members of the Hope Ridge Praise Team. They have two kitties, Earl and Oolong.
Director of Nurture
Paxton & Alexis Pickrell
Paxton and Alexis became Youth Group leaders at Hope Ridge in December 2021 and hit the ground running! In 2022, the Youth Group has grown by leaps and bounds with mission, faith, and FUN!
Youth Group
Our Church Council
Harry Fisheligh
Administrative Council Chair
Jim Moll
Lay Leader
Laura Moll
Representative to Annual Conference
Fred Dingeldein
Board of Trustees Interim Chair
Steve Monthey
Finance Committee Chair
Jamie Chamberlain and Lola Meek
Staff-Parish Relations Committee
Co-Chairs
Yvonne Oyler
Nurture Team
Sue Nahumck
Adult Nurture Team Rep.
Carol Benroth
Welcome Team
Joe King
Send Team
Gail Lowe
At-Large Member of Ad. Council
Gretchen Seyfried
At-Large Member of Ad. Council