Our Team

Pastor: Rev. Eric Kleppinger

I thank God for calling me to be assigned to Bermuda Hundred UMC as Pastor!

Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 is the basis for my call towards ordination, with its challenge to “go, make disciples of all the nations.” We do that by living the Great Commandment: love God, and love our neighbors. That’s the essence of what we’re about at BHUMC!

I’ve been a United Methodist since 1993, but was only called into the pastorate in 2017, and became a pastor in the United Methodist Church in June 2019. I served part-time as the Associate Pastor of Sydenstricker UMC in Springfield, VA (2019 – 2023), and as the Pastor of Silverbrook UMC in Lorton, VA (2023 – 2024).

My first job after college was at a Top 40 radio station in my hometown of Burlington, Vermont. In June 2024, I retired from the Federal Government with over 32 years of service and transitioned into full-time pastoral ministry; BHUMC is my first full-time appointment.

I’m humbled by the love and support of my wife Mary, and we have been married since 1993. We love travel, doing things with friends, British mysteries, and cozy nights at home. Our two children are David, a 2020 graduate of Radford University who works as an archaeologist with the U.S. Forest Service in Roanoke, and Sarah, who is studying psychology at George Mason University in Fairfax.

Music Director: Barbara Rutherford

Hi There!!  My name is Barbara Rutherford and I am the Music / Choir Director at Bermuda Hundred United Methodist Church.  I served in this position from 2010-2015, returning in 2021 as a “temporary” director.  

Here are my “Fast Facts”:

• Born and raised on Long Island, NY. 

• Church musician for over 50 years.  I started young.  Really.

• Enjoy playing piano, guitar, clarinet (when threatened), and love to sing with groups!

• Earned my Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education / Special Education Music from the Crane School of Music (SUNY Potsdam College), then a Master of Science degree in Education / Concentration in Music from the Aaron Copland School of Music (CUNY Queens College).

• I’ve been a K-12 music teacher since 1988. Still learning after all these years. Currently teaching Adaptive Music to secondary students with special needs.  

• Wife to Michael (a casual singer) and mom to Joe (a University of Missouri grad assistant majoring in french horn performance), and Sam (a VCU senior Music Education major). Cat mom to Bygul and Nico.  Fun fact: Joe and Sam are proud alumni of the BHUMC CDC preschool! 

• My hobbies outside of music include crocheting, reading, and trying to live a healthy lifestyle..

My life has been absorbed by music, especially making music with others.  Music unites us with a simple goal: to feel.  Feeling God’s existence in beautifully sung melodies.  Feeling God’s love when the song lyrics hit us “just right.”  Feeling God’s grace and mercy when wrong notes show up. Feeling God’s joy when we come together in song. 

So join us in “making a joyful noise”! You do NOT need to know how to read music, nor is singing experience required.  All we ask is that you come with an open heart, an open mind, and be willing to open your mouth. The choir has people of all ages and musical knowledge (and they are a fun and loving group of humans, too!). We rehearse Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 in the BHUMC Sanctuary.  Join in the fun and “feel the feelings.”  Trust me, your life will never be the same!!

Accompanist: Erin Hall

Hi! My name is Erin Hall and I am the accompanist here at BHUMC. I have been involved in church music ministry since I was a young teenager. I enjoy playing, singing with the choir, and hearing the congregation participate in worship by joining in with their voices. There’s so much wisdom and words of faith contained in our hymns. I’ve found them to be a great support when going through hard times by reminding me of my foundation and where it stems from.

Psalm 100 says “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…serve the Lord with gladness…come before his presence with singing.” I hope that you’ll join us here at BHUMC and help us worship God together. You don’t have to be a professional or be able to carry a tune…just be joyful!

Administrative Assistant:  Sharon Mazzei

Hi!  I'm Sharon and have been at Bermuda Hundred  UMC since 2018.  It is always a pleasure to work with such a great team and the congregation.  Many of the members I have known for years and this truly is a "family" atmosphere.   I enjoy serving others as a way of serving Jesus Christ.  

Livestream Coordinator:  Drew Coker

Hey, I’m Drew, I’m a second year business major at VCU, I’m the oldest of 4 siblings, I run the live stream at BHUMC and have since Covid. I also have a cat who is my son and I love him very much!