Our Church Staff
Reverend Tayler Necoechea
“Pastor Tayler” - Lead Pastor of Centenary UMC
Rev. Tayler Necoechea (Neck-Oh-Chay-Ah) is the lead pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church, as well as Fellowship UMC in Haddon Heights. She received her Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and has a Bachelor of Art in Theology and Biblical Studies, with a concentration in Biblical Hermeneutics, from Azusa Pacific University. She has a certificate in Spiritual Formation and is passionate about the faith formation of children, youth, and adults. Though she was raised in San Diego, Pastor Tayler and her husband, Andy, happily call New Jersey their second home. In her free time she likes to curl up with a good book, sew, or drink tea.
Denise Whitecar
Director of Music
Denise was born in Camden and grew up in Williamstown. She married her late husband, Stephen, in 1973 and they raised their two children, Rachel Whitecar Engle and Matt Whitecar together. She is blessed with 2 beautiful grandchildren, Caleb and Leah Whitecar.
Denise received her BA in Elementary Education from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in 1973. She taught elementary school for four years and was a piano teacher at Erial Christian School from 1995 through 2013.
In 1966 Denise joined Centenary UMC and she became the Music Director in 1979. Her past duties included Junior Vocal Choir, Children’s Handchime Choir, Faith Pealers Handbell Choir, Chancel Choir, and playing the piano. Presently, she directs the Chancel Choir and plays piano during Sunday morning worship along with the rest of the music team, her talented friends, Diane Cordell (on guitar), Sue Saccomanno (on oboe), and Ryan Reinert (on trombone). Additionally, Centenary is blessed to have Ivannah Seesong on piano when Denise is unavailable.
CUMC is blessed to have an excellent group of musicians who share their talents gracious with others. PRAISE THE LORD!
For more information about music at Centenary,
please contact Sue Saccomanno at ssaccomanno1@verizon.net
Elaine Tuttle
Director of Sunday School