Pastors & 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.

Mary Merchand-Financial and Operations Manager

Mary Merchand is an Upper Valley native and has given many faithful years of ministry service here. Currently, she serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of Wellspring Worship Center and oversees Wellspring Facilities Administration. Mary started her ministry career in 1987 and has held various positions over the years, including: teacher at a Christian school for 15 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. Mary and Rob are members of the Wellspring Servant Council. They also oversee the Wellspring Ushers, Greeters, Communion and Prayer Team Ministries. Mary and Rob have three grown daughters.

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.