Pastor Jeff Whitt

Senior Pastor

Jeff Whitt is an ordained elder with the Church of the Nazarene who founded Forest Family Fellowship back in 2003 and provides the senior leadership for our congregation.  He is bi-vocational and continues to be active in support of the commercial nuclear power industry.  Jeff and his wife have been married for 41 years and have served in ministry for four decades.  They have three adult children and enjoy family time and opportunities to travel together.  

Jeff has always remembered his father’s life verse, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

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Listen to Pastor Jeff’s latest message or live at: https://www.facebook.com/ForestCommunityFellowship/

Pastor Joanne Newman

Associate Pastor

Our church’s “enthusiasm central” is Pastor Joanne. She’s passionate about people and committed to ministry wherever it’s needed. She also manages our administrative tasks, keeps us updated on prayer needs, and leads home and hospital visits. She’s also ministering regularly from the pulpit and supports our children’s church ministry.  

Joanne joined our team when Forest Family Fellowship was just starting. She answered the call to ministry and became an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene.

Dr. Leo Percer

Meet Dr. Leo Percer, a seasoned church leader and Professor of Biblical Studies at Liberty University. He’s been the elder-leader of Forest Community Church and played a big role in merging our new congregation. He also shares the pulpit and is a key member of our leadership team. 

His ministry is a delightful blend of clear teaching and passionate preaching. And guess what? We believe he may hold the record for the longest sermon ever recorded in our church!

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Chaplain Norica Vernon-Gayle

Norica Vernon-Gayle, originally from Jamaica, is a chaplain in the United States Army Reserve who’s been faithfully serving our country’s military for over 25 years.  She’s always ready to lend a helping hand and spread joy wherever she goes. Every Sunday, she’s competing for the title of “enthusiasm central” with her infectious smile and thoughtful cards of encouragement. Norica loves using alliterations in her messages and always reminds us of the Great Commission to share the gospel and help others in need. She delivers her messages with a warm smile, leaving us with thoughts to ponder long after we are dismissed.

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John Gilmour

Music Leader & Youth Leader

John Gilmour juggles the demanding world of medicine with the joys and responsibilities of leading worship. Loriann, John’s wife, also works in healthcare, and they both love spending time outdoors and cherishing special moments with their family. 

John leads our worship team from his guitar, blending modern songs with classic church hymns. Sundays are his sacred space, where he finds peace and connection with God during our worship time. It’s like a place where heaven and earth meet.   

John also is a paragliding enthusiast.  This is his close second to getting closer to heaven!

Jill Whitt

Children’s Ministry Director

Jill has been guiding children in ministry for over four decades. She firmly believes in teaching the core stories of the Bible to young minds. Our Children’s church regularly covers these important Bible records over a four-year period.  

She’s also the Vice President of our Virginia District Missions council, which helps lead the mission efforts of our Virginia family of churches. She also helps organize the deputation of missionaries when they’re in our region, sharing the work of the global church with local congregations.  

Jill is a pro at decorating and organizing. You can find her signature everywhere in our church! She’s our go-to person for getting things done, and she loves to travel. She’s always planning the next adventure with her husband, Pastor Jeff.