Rev Loril Hawk, Pastor

Pastor Loril did her undergraduate work at Seattle Pacifiic University earning her BA in Psychology, then studied at Fuller Theological Seminary where she received her M Div Degree. She has served churches in Michigan, Kentucky, Montana and Colorado.

She comes to us from a 17th century congregation in New Jersey. She brings a wealth of experience having worked as head-of-staff, pastoral assistant, youth director, trauma center chaplain, singles ministry leader and contemporary worship leader. Additionally she has leadership training in Alpha, Kerygma and Stephen's Ministry; also she is a certified Prepare/Enrich Pre-Marital and Marital Counselor. Her "family" consists of a Golden Retriever, a Golden Doodle, three cats and four parrots, plus a horse named "Griffin."

Her ideal church "..passionately loves Jesus Christ and strives to follow him. It is open and welcoming to all who come for fellowship and community. This church has a deep and committed desire to grow in their faith and live into their commitment of discipleship. This church welcomes diverse worship styles... and they also celebrate diversity within and outside their doors."

Pastor Loril is a gifted preacher and teacher, who delivers down-to-earth, thought-provoking and engaging sermons that help us connect Scripture to our daily lives. She has a wonderful sense of humor and a passion for Jesus Christ and seeks to share her faith in Christ through her sermons, her classes, and while walking with others on their own journeys of faith, helping them to know Jesus Christ in a personal and intimate way. She is also a musician and her instruments of choice are the guitar and drums.

 Dr Carolyn M Fink Ph D, Director of Christian Education

Carolyn is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where she obtained her degrees in the Department of Special Education and Certified Christian Educator.

She has been leading the Christian Education program at Riverdale since 1991 where she coordinates Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Summer Youth Connection and Wednesday afternoon programming. Carolyn teaches adult and children's Sunday School classes, Junior Church, and Godly Play. She has cooperated with neighboring churches on VBS and an annual youth mission trip. At the Presbytery level, she has taught several inservice classes, and is active in the National Capitol Presbytery Educator's Group, and has served on committees regarding college ministry and pastor nominating.

Carolyn also teaches  Special Education at the University of MD. She lives with her husband Don in the area near the church and the university. They have three grown sons. 

Kevin Bennear, Worship Leader for Highest Point Praise Band

Kevin is a graduate of West Virginia University and the University of Tennessee. He currently serves as Baritone Vocal soloist for the President's Own United States Marine Band in Washington DC. Kevin has directed choir, lead worship (including emergent/convergent worship services), directed music programs, conducted special performances and musical dramas as well as performed as guest vocalist many times. He is experienced in building worship programs and services that meet people where they are. He is passionate about using music of all kinds to give people the opportunity to receive the message of Hope, Love and Redemption that Christ offers each one. He is our newest staff member, joining us in March of 2012!

Kevin and his wife, Daphne reside in Southern Maryland with their three children.

 Peggy Lint, Office Administrator

Peggy joined the staff at Riverdale in July of 2008. Prior to that she worked 25 years for National Capitol Presbytery as receptionist, office administrator and bookkeeper. She also works one day a week for 'Scenic American', an environmental agency, as their office manager and bookkeeper.

She and her husband Richard are active members at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Hyattsville, where they have been members for over 40 years. Peggy and Richard live in Riverdale Park, and enjoy playing with their grandson, camping, bowling and surf-fishing on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

 Gerald Piercey, Organist

Gerald joineed the staff of Riverdale in 2002, after serving as Interim Organist/Choirmaster at St Andrew's Episcopal, College Park, MD. He has served as Organist/Choirmaster of churches in Kentucky, Virginia, District of Columbia, and Maryland. Gerald is a graduate of Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY and the School of Church Music of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He and his wife Rosemary have two grown sons and one grandchild.

Gerald believes the best evangelism is quality worship that excites the congregation. He is President of Lewis & Hitchcock Pipe Organs.

 Rees Richardson, Bell Choir Director

Rees has been a member of Riverdale Church's music staff, primarily directing the Pearl Custis Memorial Hand Bell Choir for over 20 years. In over 40 years of involvement in church music he has conducted both instrumental and vocal ensembles in various churches in the Washington DC area, and throughout western PA. Rees studied at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY and Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA where he was a performance major in Trumpet. Additionally he took courses at the University Mannheim in Germany, and studied cornet, trumpet and piccolo trumpet at the prestigious Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, in France.

He maintains a career as a trumpet soloist in churches and symphony orchestras, as well as recitals throughout the eastern US. Rees is active as a clinician and lecturer sponsored by two major brass instrumental manufacturers.

 Michael Hopkins-Gross, Choir Director

Michael was born in Baltimore and grew up with a passion for music, with his formal training beginning when he received piano lessons at the age of 7. He is an alumnus of the Maryland State Boychoir where he also served on the staff as a music theory instructor, accompanist, and conducting scholar. He has served as the Assistant Music Director of the Glorystar Children's Chorus in Potomac, MD, where he was in charge of the Chamber Choir and Men's Ensemble. Michael presently studies voice and composition. Michael is an active composer and arranger in a wide variety of style and is most at home in the choral idiom. He has received various commissions in the Baltimore area. His works are performed by ensembles and artists throughout MD. He received a BM degree in music composition from the University of Maryland and is currently finishing a degree in choral/general music education.

 Hugh Burton, Building Manager

Hugh has been woking for Riverdale for over 20 years! He began working part-time with his brother-in-law, who was his predecessor at RPC. His job includes maintenance, cleaning, yard work, set-up for special events and most of all keeping an eye on the building.

Hugh or "Burt" lives nearby and spends his off hours maintaining his house. In the summertime he likes to work on race cars and then go to the track and race the cars. He is a football fan for the Redskins and Ravens (Cowboys in the off-years.) Hugh and his wife Joyce have five grown children and 'at least' six grandchildren!