We are pleased to share with you that on October 11th, Mariel Vela will join New World UMC as the Director of Worship Ministries and Gara Stark will assume a new role as the Minister of Congregational Care.

As the Director of Worship Ministries, Mariel Vela, will be responsible for organizing and leading the Sunday Worship service. She will also be supporting the development and integration of the children and youth worship ministries as part of the church’s life.

Mariel has years of experience developing worship ministries as well as training worship leaders (children, youth, and adults). She also works at the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church as an Administrative Assistant and Graphic Designer.

Here is a brief introduction about Mariel and her husband, Tony:

“Mariel and Tony have been playing music and serving churches together for the past 10 years. They are passionate musicians with formal music education from Berklee College of Music (Mariel) and Collin College (Tony). In addition to music, Mariel and Tony have a love for behind-the-scenes tech, including stage and lighting design and audio engineering.

Tony graduated with a degree in Music and Audio Engineering from Collin College. He works for Metroplex piano as a piano technician (tuning, rebuilding, etc.). Tony also works in the DFW area as a professional drummer and percussionist. He has played for a wide range of projects including Jazz, Metal, Salsa, and Tejano.

They live in the North Garland area with their pup, Bubbles. If they aren’t playing music, you will probably find them trying out new restaurants or watching one of their many favorite shows.”

We are thrilled to welcome Mariel as part of our church staff and have both of them join our church family.

Please continue to pray for our congregation as we look with excitement to a future of becoming a thriving community of faith for many new families and people.

Beth Steerman, SPRC Chair

Edgar Bazan, Pastor