Meet our Staff

Rev. Dr. Vicki Miller Brendler, Senior Pastor 

(908) 526-1414 ext 3
Vicki  joined the staff of BUMC in July of 2004 after serving as the Raritan Valley District Superintendent.  She previously served congregations in Belvidere, Fairmount/Gladstone, Union Village, Irvington, and Buttzville/Free Union. She and her husband, Larry W. Brendler, have four daughters:  Sarah (math teacher at Emmaus High School, married to Kurt Kinzel and lives in Fogelsville, PA), Rebecca (teaches third grade in the Watchung School system), Rachel (enrolled in Graduate School at Kutztown University and working as a nanny), and Jessica (working as Youth Director at the UMC of Washington and a waitress as she prepares for seminary next year). Vicki is proud to be the Grammy of Elijah James and Nathan Aaron Kinzel.  She has a BA degree from Montclair State University, Masters of Divinity from Drew Theological School, and Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. She was ordained in 1975--one of the earlies women in the UMC in New Jersey.  Her hobbies include gardening, reading, and people.

Rev. Diane W. Klemann, Associate Pastor & Director of Administrative Services

(908) 526-1414 ext 4
Diane is the "veteran" of the BUMC staff, coming on board in 1982 and serving in several capacities dealing with the "business end" of the church. She received a Bachelor of Science in Management from The College of New Jersey, was certified in Church Administration at Candler School of Theology, completed the Foundation Studies for Ordination at Drew Theological School, and was ordained a Deacon at the NNJ Annual Conference in 1998. Diane and her husband, Larry live in Annandale. She has two grown children, Lauren and Eric and a grandson, Grant. Her hobbies include gardening, reading, and "playing" with Grant.

Rev. Christina C. Zito, Associate Pastor & Director of Spiritual Formation

(908) 526-1414 ext 6
Christina returned to the BUMC staff in January 2006 after serving both at Bishop Janes UMC in Basking Ridge, NJ and at Asbury UMC in Prairie Village, KS.  She holds a Master's Degree from William Paterson University in the Social Sciences and has completed the Certification Studies and Foundational Studies for ordination at Drew Theological School and United Theological Seminary.  She was ordained in the former Northern New Jersey Annual Conference in 1997.  Christina has led numerous workshops and courses throughout the denomination about Christian Education and Youth Ministry. She has two adult daughters, Jessie and Kim and two grandchildren: Ryan and Rhaelynn.

Cathi Reckenbeil, Director of Youth Ministry

(908) 526-1414 ext 5

Cathi joined the staff in 2003 after serving as Director of Children and Youth Ministries at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for 7 years. She has a passion for youth and their families and wants to help them grow in their faith journeys.  She is a certified teacher, has taken several seminary classes and has completed her Certificate in Youth Ministry at Princeton Seminary. She is married to Don and has three children:  Brian, Ali, and Emily.

Anita Walton, Director of Music Ministries

(908) 526-1414 ext 7 (leave a message)

Anita is pleased to be a part of the Bridgewater Community as of January, 2008.  She is a native of Bucks County, PA where she served in numerous positions in a United Methodist Church there, most recently as the Music Director/Organist.  During the day, Anita can be found teaching general and choral music to grades Pre-School through 5th grade in Ewing Township.  She also runs a private music studio specializing in voice, piano, and organ.  Her many hobbies include: crocheting, reading, environmental justice/social justice issues, movies, and animals, animals, animals! 

Kevin Olds, Student Assistant Pastor

(908) 526-1414 ext 0 (leave a message)

Kevin is a second-year student at Drew Theological Seminary. He joined the staff in September of 2006 and works with other clergy and lay staff in the development of Young Adult and Men's Ministries. He has a passion for Christ and for worship in the Taize tradition.

Jannet E. Poole, Administrative Secretary

(908) 526-1414 ext 0

Jannet provides professional support to all ministries of BUMC.  She has been on staff since 2000, has computer knowledge and is bilingual.  She is married to Gary and has three children:  Jason, Matthew, and Cara.  Jannet also has a passion for the church's ministry to the homeless through the Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Janet Ledbetter, Administrative Assistant

(908) 526-1414 ext 9

Janet joined the staff in April of 2007 and brings both secretarial and financial administrative skills.  She is married to Bill and has two daughters: Jessica and Allyson.