our team

Jim is thrilled and honored to serve a congregation that means so much to him. He served as Associate Pastor for two years, and became the Lead Pastor in 2019. He graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary with his Masters of Divinity degree in 2015.  Prior to serving at Peace, he 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.  He has two amazing children, Zachary and Madison. Jim loves sharing meals with others, hearing people’s stories, and laughing together. He loves going to the movies, the beach, and theme parks to unwind and relax. He believes 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 his calling.

Julie has 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.  Her hobbies include running, gardening, and cooking. She has an undergraduate degree in Musical Theater and a Masters in Children and Family Ministries where she developed a passion to help families grow together in Christ. She loves helping parents develop spiritually sound Christians, and engaging the entire church body to support each other every stage of life. She also loves kids! Stop by on Sunday morning to see what fun we have learning about God.

Laura was born into the church, with her parents being founding members of the congregation. She has dedicated over 8 years to working in childcare and is now in her third year at Peace Preschool. Laura loves working with kids, watching them learn and grow, and ensuring they have a fun, learning, and loving preschool experience. In 2024, she earned her director's credentials, marking a significant milestone in her career. Laura has been married to her husband Dean for 15 years, and together they have a beautiful daughter, Lillian. In her free time, Laura enjoys indulging in anything spooky or Halloween themed, visiting theme parks, and crafting.

Gabe 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 4 kids. Gabe is excited to continue serving Peace Church by leading its efforts in worship, youth ministry, and communications.

Mary Glass is absolutely thrilled to get to serve as part of the Family Ministries team at Peace! She received her Bachelor of Music Education from Valparaiso University where she met her husband, and spent two years teaching music and choir grades 6-12. With experience as a Children's Ministry Director, Preschool teacher, and private lesson instructor, Mary is excited to use her gifts and talents to help kids grow in their walk with Jesus.

Madian Maquivar was born in Queens, New York, and raised in Humacao, Puerto Rico, where she was actively involved in church life as a dance team member, youth worship leader, and Sunday school teacher. After moving to Florida post-college, Madian gained valuable experience across several industries, including retail, customer service, pharmacy, and education. She has over 13 years of experience working in education, including time as a bilingual paraprofessional for ESOL students in Hillsborough County, followed by administrative roles in Orange County Public Schools as a secretary, bookkeeper, and registrar. Outside of work, Madian enjoys cooking, spending time at the beach, singing and dancing to music, studying the Bible, and watching series and movies. Her favorite Bible chapter is Psalms 121, and her favorite verses are Psalms 3:5 and Psalms 4:8. She is also a proud mom to her amazing 16-year-old son, Noah, who loves video games, baking, movies, theme parks and collecting "vintage" items like VHS tapes, CDs, and records.

Maria de Los Angeles Rodrigues joins us after working for 2 years for local medical office facility as a housekeeper and supervisor. Maria has been married for 41 years to Alberto. She is a mother of 2, Joel Alberto & Faith Carmen Halia, and a grandmother to Amaris, Hannah and Jeremiah. Maria enjoys taking cruises, eating out and giving advice from life's experience. She enjoys cleaning, organizing and bringing order to her surroundings with a posture and prayer that her work is done "as unto the Lord".  She also loves to support the church through serving in Childrens Ministry.