Our Pastor

Rev. James "Jay" L. DeMent came to Maryland in 2007 from the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.  Jay is a second-career pastor and ordained elder after working 20 years in the construction trades.  He and his wife Chris have been married for over 35 years with one daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons.  Rooted in his blue-collar heritage, Jay brings a practical Wesleyan theology to the pulpit through storytelling and humor.  He frequently accompanies Bandit (an 8 lb rescue Terrier) on her visits to the people of Salem.  He is a graduate of Governors State University and Christian Theological Seminary, carries a journeyman wireman's card, and is

                       an eternally hopeful Cubs fan.