Pastors, Elders & Staff

Craig and Karen Morton-Pastors

Craig Morton was born in 1967 in Michigan, where he spent the first eighteen years of his life. In high school, he became a follower of Jesus Christ while attending a Salvation Army church. Craig attended Dartmouth College and graduated in 1989, majoring in Religion. Craig had success playing football at Dartmouth and went on to play professionally after graduation. He spent several years in information systems management at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center before becoming a full-time pastor. He is currently completing his Masters of Divinity degree at Regent University.

Karen Morton was born in 1965 in Wisconsin. Karen resided in both Wisconsin and Tennessee during her younger years. In high school, she became a follower of Jesus Christ while attending a Presbyterian church. Karen attended Dartmouth College and graduated in 1988, majoring in Romance Languages.

Craig and Karen were married in 1989. They have four children and reside in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Craig and Karen pastored Crossroads Christian Center in Lebanon from 2004-2008 before coming to Wellspring. Their passion is to pastor a vibrant community of people who love God and want to grow in their spiritual life.

Rob and Mary Merchand-Elders

Rob and Mary both grew up in the Upper Valley, graduating from Hartford High School. They met in 1971 and were married in 1974. Rob received his associates degree from Franklin Institute in Boston, MA, and started his own business, Merchand Brothers Garage, in 1977,which he continues to operate with his brother. They have three adult daughters: Amber, Sera, and Rachel. Mary currently works at Wellspring Worship Center as the Financial and Operations Administrator, starting her career in 1987 teaching in the Christian School where their three daughters attended. Rob and Mary were ordained as elders in 2011.

Tim and Meg Pillsbury-Elders

Tim and Meg Pillsbury were born in Rhode Island and New Jersey, respectively. Tim gave his life to Jesus Christ in high school, Meg, her sophomore year of college. Both were Class of 1980 at Dartmouth College. Self-employed, Tim is an electrical and software engineering consultant. The Pillsburys are a homeschooling family with seven children. Jesus continues to be the source and strength of their lives.

Mary Merchand-Financial and Operations Manager

Mary Merchand is an Upper Valley native and has worked for many years in the ministry here. Currently, she serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of Wellspring Worship Center and oversees Wellspring's Financial and Facilities Administration. Mary started her ministry career in 1987 and has held various positions over the years, including: teacher's aide and teacher at a Christian school for 16 years, Assistant Principal for 4 of those years, church and school bookkeeper and Church Financial Administrator.

Mary has been married to her husband Rob since 1974 and they have three grown daughters. Mary and Rob were ordained as elders at Wellspring in 2011. They also oversee the Ushers, Greeters, Communion and Prayer Team Ministries at Wellspring.

Mary's passion is connecting to God through intercessory prayer. As leader of the Prayer Team Ministries, she regularly prays for people and disseminates prayer needs throughout the church.

Rita Rees-Children's Ministries Coordinator

Rita earned her BA in Communications and Art from Oswego State University of NY in 1985. It was in her first month of college that she had a radical conversion to become a follower of Jesus. After college she moved to NYC. In NYC she worked in Marketing for the American Bible Society. She went on to become Director of Operations for the inner city ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, Here's Life Inner City. In 1997, Rita became the NYC Director of the International Bible Society. She had the privilege of working with many ministries and churches in NYC in outreach and evangelism. Since her conversion in 1981, Rita had been active in serving in the local church. She has served in ministry to children and youth in many capacities. Her desire is to see children equipped in their faith, with a sound biblical foundation and a vital active faith. Her passion is to see the church supporting and encouraging parents in their efforts to raise their children in the Christian faith. Rita has been married to Larry since 1993 and have two daughters, they have lived in the Upper Valley since 2001.

Jonathan Cyphers-Worship, Youth, Campus Coordinator

Jonathan Cyphers became a follower of Jesus Christ at a very young age. His father, Jeff Cyphers, was a worship leader at Grace Outreach Church, which greatly influenced Jonathan’s love for music. He joined the worship team at 13 years of age and has been involved in that form of ministry since. He graduated from St. Lawrence University with a Bachelors degree in religious studies in the spring of 2012. While pursuing his degree, Jonathan was involved with the campus ministry at St. Lawrence as well as a local church. There he was encouraged to pursue his love of musical worship and became a worship leader and a small group leader. When looking into possible careers that he could pursue, Jonathan knew that wherever he ended up he wanted to be involved with the worship team as well as the college and youth ministries, as he had been while at St. Lawrence. The opportunity that he has now to impact the place where he spent his childhood and teenage years is very exciting and he is looking forward to seeing what God has in store for this upcoming season at Wellspring Worship Center.