Meet Our Peace Church Staff

Pastor Jim Berlau

I am thrilled and honored to be able to pastor a congregation that means so much to me!  For two years I was the associate pastor, and then in July of 2019 became the official pastor.  I graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary with my Masters of Divinity degree in 2015.  Prior to serving at Peace, I served at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park for seven years as the Pastor and Executive Director of South Street Ministry in downtown Orlando. 
I have two amazing children, my son Zachary and my daughter Madison.  I love sharing meals with others, hearing people’s stories, and laughing together.  Going to the movies, the beach or to theme parks are all ways I love to unwind and relax.  I believe we all have something within us to offer this world, and creating a place where we can explore those gifts and share them to glorify God is at the core of my calling.

Katie Aguirre, Nursery Director

Children are my absolute passion and I am so blessed to be a part of our Children’s Ministry here at Peace.  I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Baldwin Wallace College and have taught in the Orlando Public schools in the past.  I currently oversee the education of call center agents with a virtual company from home full-time.  I very much so look forward to my Sundays with the children of Peace.  In my free time I love to do anything that involves time with my family and pets, read, and travel.  I look forward to sharing the love of Jesus with your children.

Gloria Barber, Treasurer

Writing “about me” can be difficult – but only because there is so much possible material, especially the older you are. I have had the opportunity to live in Illinois, Tennessee, Connecticut and the past 20 years to reside in the Hunter’s Creek area of Orlando, Florida. 

My Business Degree enabled me to work within the healthcare system of HCA.  As a Director, I worked with many doctors, nurses, and directed a staff of 54 in beautiful Nashville, TN.  The past 7 years, I have worked part-time for Peace UMC as Treasurer.  Overall, I have been at Peace for 12 years and have enjoyed many friendships. My most favorite job is being the mother of two sons, Craig and Brad. God has also blessed by life with Kelley and Katherine, my two beautiful daughter-in-law’s.  My Grandson Wes now 17, is my heart and he calls me Grandy.

My spare time goes to facilitating GriefShare Classes twice a year to help people to move forward after their loss of a loved one.  Other interest include running, taking care of my home and yard, and the care of my demanding precious little Morkey, Aurora.  There are days she is very high maintenance. Most important I love to read and study anything Bible related.  My personal growth throughout my life has been my constant walk with God and seeking His direction in all that He has given me to do.  It is my hope and prayer that God will utilize me where He plants me; and, that I will remain an empty vessel to be utilized for His purpose. 

Julie Chatfield, Director of Family Ministries

I have been a member of Peace Church and an avid volunteer in the Children’s Ministries since 1998, securing the Director of Children’s Ministries position in 2007.  I am married to Alex Chatfield and am mother to Jessica who is 22, and Savannah who is 18.  My hobbies include running, gardening, and cooking. 

I have an undergraduate degree in Musical Theater and a Masters in Children and Family Ministries where I developed a passion to help families grow together in Christ.  I love helping parents develop spiritually sound Christians, and engaging the entire church body to support each other every stage of life.  In case you were wondering, I also love kids.  Please stop by on Sunday morning to see what fun we have learning about God.  

Luis & Lesbia Colon, Custodians

Luis has been a custodian for Peace Church since 2005 – his wife Lesbia joined us in 2018!

Gabe Glass, Director Music, Contemporary Worship

Gabe Glass has been serving in ministry since his college days at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana where he earned a BA: Music. Adopted from South Korea at 5 months old, Gabe grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago where his love of music and the Lord began as he volunteered at his home church in almost every role imaginable. Gabe met his wife, Mary, in the music department of Valparaiso University. They married in 2012, and now have 3 kids. The Glass family has been all over the country serving churches, like Indiana, Texas, Ohio, and Florida, with a deep desire to help people view worship as an opportunity for an authentic encounter with the Holy Spirit. Having served in 5 previous UM churches, Gabe is excited to join Peace UMC and continue the work God is doing in and through the body of Christ!

Emma Harmon, Director of Student Ministries

I have been attending Peace since 2008 when my family and I joined the church. I have been a part of the youth ministry here in some way for 11 years and am thrilled to be in the role of Director of Student Ministries now. I hold an undergraduate degree in Music Education from Florida State University and teach Elementary Music in Orange County Public School in addition to working here at Peace. I absolutely love creating a space for students to love, serve, and grow at Peace Youth. In my (very limited) free time I like to go to Disney, hang out with family and friends, and watch TV shows. Check out what we do in Peace Youth at peaceyouth.net.”

Jana Hart, Business Manager

“I am the chaos coordinator”, or so the sign on my desk reads! I’m blessed and honored to help organize the Peace Church front office. I’ve worked for the United Methodist Church for 26 years, predominately in higher education for the Florida Annual Conference—as Stetson University Wesley Foundation Director and Executive Director of the FLUMC Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry. I received my Bachelors Degree in Social Science (History/Psychology/Sociology) from Wingate University and was a Gator for some graduate work in Anthropology. I joined Peace as a member in 1996 and the staff in 2006. My husband Kevin and I met on a soccer field and we still have a passion for the sport (you’ll usually find us at Orlando City SC games). We have one adult son we still love to spoil.  My hobbies include road cycling and walking, reading and travel of all kinds!   

Jane Moore, Assistant to the Music Director

Jane has served as Assistant to the Peace Music Director and Traditional Worship Accompanist since 1997.
 

Jonathan Morris, Music Director

Music has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I am so blessed that God brought me here to the music ministry at Peace! My college degree, oddly enough, was in Computer Science at Georgia Tech, and I’ve worked for a number of small and large companies supporting computer systems. My wife is also active at Peace, and we have one wonderful daughter, who, with her husband and their two delightful children, lives in Orange County, California.

Jenny St. Jean, Peace Preschool Director

I’m originally from Michigan but enjoy my adopted Florida home! I holds a BA from Michigan State University and a Masters degree from the University of Central Florida. I fell in love with early childhood education years ago and feel blessed to have served as Director of the Peace Preschool since 2009. 

Michael Tschanz, Praise Team Accompanist

Michael joined the Peace staff in 1998. He served as the Praise Team director for 20 years and is currently the Praise Team Accompanist.