Rev. Sandy Messick, Regional Minister
Rev. Sandy Messick previously served as the Regional Minister for the Northwest and Northern Lights Regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since 2009. Prior to that, she pastored congregations in Washington, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Indiana and Illinois.
She received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from San Diego State University in California and her Master of Divinity Degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN. She was ordained to Christian Ministry in her home congregation, Vista La Mesa Christian Church in La Mesa, CA in 1989.
Sandy is married to Tom and together they have two adult children. Sarah is a teacher and instructional coach in Phoenix and recently married Spencer in July 2022. John is in digital marketing in Seattle and married Rebekah in July of 2020. Tom retired in 2019 after a career in health insurance, most recently as Vice President and General Manager for Premera Blue Cross in Spokane, WA. They live in Ocala with two cats and a dog and enjoy traveling the U.S. in their Fifth Wheel.
Office: (352)438-0340 Cell: (206)817-7163
eMail: Sandy@fldisciples.org
Sabbath day: Friday, depending on her travel schedule.
Rev. Mary Beth Harper, Director, The Retreat at Silver Springs
Rev. Mary Beth Harper is a life-long member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and considers herself a product of the Florida Disciples Regional Church.
Mary Beth graduated from Transylvania University in 1985 with a B.A. in Education and taught in the public school systems of AL and FL for 16 years. She earned her M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary in Orlando and was ordained in 2006 at FCC, Deland. Her ministry experience includes work as Minister of Christian Education in Deland, co-pastor of First Christian Church in Greenville, NC, and serving as part of the pastoral team at First Christian Church in Ocala.
Other ministry experiences include work with our Youth Ministry Committee, Disciples Women in AL, NC, and FL, the 2010 Quadrennial Planning Committee, Outdoor Ministry (camp) programs in FL and NC, and serving as a Children Worship & Wonder Trainer with Disciples Home Missions.
Mary Beth has been married to Rev. Terry Harper since 1983. They have 3 children: Peter, and granddaughter Madeline in Kentucky; Aaron, and wife Rebekah in North Carolina; and Sarah, a college graduate from Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Georgia, husband Daryl, and granddaughter Faith.
Phone: (352)-236-2302
eMail: marybethharper81@gmail.com
Sabbath Day: Monday, depending on Retreat activities.
Rev. Selena Reyes Martinez, Regional Support Pastor - Hispanic Ministry
Rev. Selena Reyes-Martinez serves for 30 hours/month assisting as Regional Pastor for Hispanic Ministries. She grew up as a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Puerto Rico, where she Pastored and served as a Chaplain. Later, she worked in the business field in accounting and finance for over 15+ years in diverse nonprofits in Massachusetts. She planted and pastors Nueva Comunidad Christian Church, a progressive bilingüal hybrid church, and helps Winter Park Christian Church as their supply pastor. She also serves as a Hospice Chaplain.
Selena received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Accounting and Management from the University of PR and her Master of Divinity degree from the Evangelical Seminary of PR. She also has a Master’s degree in Business Administration in Finance from the InterAmerican University of PR. She is now working on completing a Doctorate in Ministry from the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN. She was ordained in the Annual Assembly of the Christian Church DOC of Puerto Rico in 1993.
Selena is married to Luis Roberto who works as a Dental Assistant in Winter Park, FL. Their daughter Selys is a social worker who works as a Hospice Bereavement Counselor and just married in 2024. They live in Orlando with their red dachshund, Ketchup.
Office: (352) 438-0340 Cell: (774) 535-4844
eMail: Selena@fldisciples.org
Sabbath day: Saturdays, depending on the Regional activities.
Rev. Merline Cadet Pierre, Regional Support Pastor - Haitian Ministry
Passionate and dedicated with over twenty years of experience in ministerial leadership.
I thrive in dynamic environment where collaboration and problem-solving are key. As a
Florida Disciples regional staff member, I’m committed to fostering the connection of the
Haitian Congregations to each other and to the wider Church.
My line of duties journey encompasses a diverse set of responsibilities, combining spiritual, interpersonal, organizational, and leadership competencies. I’ve preached, taught, and prepared others for the kingdom of God.
I graduated from Trinity International University with a BA in Interpersonal Communication and an MS Education from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. I’ve earned different types of certificates in Theology, Child Protective Services,
Leadership, etc. I’m a member and pastor of New Evangelical Missionary Church of God. I’ve been called into the kingdom of God in 1990 and called into ministry in 1997.
I’ve been married to Rev. Rubens Pierre since 1988 who is the senior pastor of my home church. Together, we have 5 children and 5 grandchildren. Let’s work together as Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness as we share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
eMail: merline@fldisciples.org
Brenda Turrentine, The Retreat Administrative/Regional Church Accounting Assistant
Brenda is a member of First Christian Church of Ocala, and serves as The Retreat Administrative/Regional Church Accounting Assistant. She comes to us with a strong Disciples background serving in many capacities. She has 30+ years experience in the administrative field and is a great asset to our staff.
Office phone: (352)-236-2302
eMail: adminassistant@fldisciples.org
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Rev. Tina Christian, The Regional Church Administrative/Digital Assistant
Tina began her service in ministry October 2010 and was ordained July 24, 2021. She currently serves as Senior Pastor of Edgewood Avenue Christian Church in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to an M.Div. from Philips Theological Seminary, Tina also holds degrees in computer programing and network systems. Her previous work experience included web design, computer networking and programing, as well as in the administrative field.
Tina lives and works remotely in Jacksonville, FL.
Office phone: (352)438-0340
eMail: tina@fldisciples.org
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm