Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy

In our communities, chaplains provide compassionate care for residents and associates and honor persons’ daily faith observances.

Meet Our Chaplains

Rev. Kim Wecht is the Director of Mission and Pastoral Care at United Methodist Communities at Pitman in Pitman, NJ. Kim is an ordained United Methodist Elder in The United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey. She has served in Pastoral Ministry for 19 years, including working as a hospital Chaplain at St. Peter’s University Hospital in 2014, and has been with Pitman since January, 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Norwich University, Northfield, VT; a Master of Divinity degree from Palmer Seminary in Valley Forge, PA; and has completed four units (1,600 hours) of Clinical Pastoral Education at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton, NJ. She is endorsed by the United Methodist Endorsing Agency as a chaplain in a retirement community. 

Speaking about her passion for ministry, Kim notes, “The Lord has gifted and called me to serve our older population and so it is a blessing to be able to minister with the residents and associates of Pitman. It is a privilege to serve these great generations who have such wisdom and life to share. I find such joy to be able to walk with our residents on this part of their spiritual and life journeys. Each grace-filled moment where God’s love and presence is experienced in the encounters with the residents is a fulfilling and life-giving blessing for me.”

She further states, “The beauty and majesty of the ocean and beach is sacred space for me and I love going there with my family.” She is married to United Methodist Pastor, Rev. Robert Wecht. The couple has five children: two step-daughters, Elena (and her husband, Kevin) and Sarah, and three children, Hannah, Joshua and Josiah. Time spent with them is one of her favorite activities. Kim also enjoys reading and taking leisurely walks in nature.

Rev. Jocelyn Tyree (Chaplain Jocelyn) began her duties as Director of Mission and Pastoral Care at UMC at Collingswood in March 2021. Jocelyn has received an Ordination from the African Methodist Episcopal Church as an Itinerant Elder. She holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education from Temple University, a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters Degree in Religion and Society from Palmer Theological Seminary. She has also attained 5 units of Clinical Pastoral Education and is pursuing a Clinical Chaplain Certification. She has prior experience working in Chaplaincy within the health care setting and we are pleased she has been called to serve in our community.

Rev. Dr. Carl Bannister joins United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen as the Director of Mission and Pastoral Care. He brings 18 years’ experience as a chaplain in healthcare.  Dr. Bannister completed his Bachelor of Arts in Theology with a minor in Biblical Languages from Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. He also earned a Master of Divinity from Andrews University (Berrien Springs, Michigan), a Master of Healthcare Administration from Independence University (Salt Lake City, Utah), and a Doctor of Ministry from The Theological School, Drew University (Madison, New Jersey). Additionally, Dr. Bannister is an ordained minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; has received ecclesiastical endorsement from the Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist; a board-certified chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains. “Chaplain Carl” looks forward to providing emotional and spiritual support to residents, associates and their families.

Reverend Marcia Stanford serves as Chaplain at the United Methodist Communities at The Shores in Ocean City, NJ. Marcia has served as the Pastor of Macedonia United Methodist Church in Ocean City for 11 years. Prior to becoming a pastor, she served as an Associate Pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Woodlynne, New Jersey for seven years. She has also served as a Director of Women’s Ministries as well as Director of Sunday School of New Strength Gospel.  She has served as Spiritual Director for Emmaus and Chrysalis gatherings for the United Methodist Church. She was the 2015 recipient of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Community Service Award and 2017 Martin Luther King Service Award in Ocean City, NJ. She attended North Texas State University where she pursued a degree in Communications. She is presently completing Course of Study at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

Marcia’s favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord, lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” When asked why this scripture, she states, “Our Christian life is a continual process of “trusting in, and leaning not,” a process of “yes Lord, I know You know best” and learning to let go because HE really does know best. I’ve learned it’s always best to look straight ahead. Straight to the one who has kept me and the one who allowed His son to hold my future in His nail scarred hands back on Calvary, my Lord, my God, my Christ Jesus.

Marcia is married to her husband Gabriel, and is the proud mother of two adult daughters, Hillary and Caroline.