Our Staff

Stephen Nicholls, Pastor

[e-mail Steve]Born and raised in New Zealand with a background as a furniture maker and professional woodcarver, then later as a High School teacher, Steve graduated seminary and was ordained in 1983.

After serving in churches in New Zealand for eight years, Steve and his wife Audrey with their three children pastored a church in California for 17 years. In September of 2008, Steve and Audrey responded to a call to restart a church in Newport News, Virginia, and River’s Cross was born.

Steve brings many years of experience to River’s Cross as a visionary leader, teacher, and maker of disciples, helping members to discover and step into the call God has for their lives. Steve still loves to create things with wood, loves the water and walking on remote beaches, going kayaking, sailing, fishing, walking through the woods, playing guitar and bragging about his new grandson. He also loves Celtic music and jazz.

Steve and Audrey have a son who is an USAF pilot, a daughter who is a recording artist, a daughter who is a financial analyst, and a daughter at college.

Loie Darnell, Parish Administrator

[ e-mail Loie ]Loie retired from Verizon and has been the "office staff" for 12 years. Working with flowers at the Botanical Gardens and Chrysler Museum as well as River's Cross is a joy for her. Dedicated to the office of President of the Peninsula Right to Life and the fight for the unborn, there is still room to enjoy grandchildren and animals: sometimes she echos her 26 year old parrot, "It's so good."

Lisa Morgan, Worship Leader

[ e-mail Lisa ]Lisa has been leading worship in Smithfield, Virginia, for the past seven years until God called her to her current ministry at River’s Cross in 2008. Lisa has a heart for people, to lead others into the presence of the Living God through worship. Lisa and Carl have been married for twenty years and have two daughters whom they home school. Lisa grew up in the army and has her own private beauty salon and a whole bunch of chickens. 

Our Vestry

Anna Shelton

[ e-mail Anna ]Anna was born in Sacramento, CA, grew up and was educated in Newport News, and graduated from Christopher Newport College (now University) with a BA in history. She has taught social studies in Newport News Public Schools for nearly 24 years. She has been married for 28 years to Larry, NNFD captain @ Station 10, and has a teenage son, Stuart, who attends Denbigh Aviation Academy. Anna grew in a Judeo-Christian home (father Jewish, mother Southern Baptist), but accepted Jesus/Yeshua as Messiah and was baptized in 1985. She became a member of this church because she was drawn to the similarities in Jewish and Anglican liturgical worship. Her interests include history (of course!), gardening, reading (all types of genres), movies (esp. classics), and scrapbooking. She currently serves River's Cross in the capacity of senior warden. 

Buck Tumminello

[ e-mail Buck ]Buck was born and raised in Louisiana and graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He is married to Sandra and they have two grown sons and four grandchildren. He served 27 years in the Army (a career), some years with NASA, and is now employed in the Newport News school system as an AVID tutor at Gildersleeve Middleschool. He thanks God for his journey with Him and prays that River’s Cross will be a blessing to you and your family.

Sam Tatum

[ e-mail Sam ]Sam was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, many years ago. His education includes a degree in Physics from Georgia Tech and Masters of EE from UVA. He worked many years at Newport News Shipbuilding, first as a research engineer and then as the department head of several engineering departments as well as Program Manager, SEAWOLF Submarine. After retirement from the Yard, he was Director of Operations, Global Research, and is currently Manager of Operations, Dare Marina and Yacht Sales.

He and his wife (now deceased) have two children and 7 (very smart) grandchildren. His hobbies are boats and boating. He lives with his Ragdoll cat Saddles on the shores of Lucas Creek in Newport News.

Anna Matzeder

[ e-mail Anna ]Anna was born in Portland, Oregon and graduated from Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, with a teaching certificate. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from ODU. Anna is currently employed by Newport News Public Schools. A divorcee of 22 years, Anna has a 24-year old daughter with a degree in acting who is pursuing her career in NY City. Anna has been involved with children in many ways including Sunday School, youth groups, camping, clubs, parties and drama. She has a passion for ministry to Israel and worships with a Messianic Congregation on Friday evenings (“Erev Shabbat”). She loves to worship in dance “like David did” and especially loves Israeli dancing. Anna feels a compelling call to “set the captive free” and is a constant student in pursuit of God’s heart in prayer, with the hope of seeing “the greater works” burst forth in assemblies of the faithful in her lifetime.

Anna participates in many kinds of prayer, from the 24/7 IHOP (International House of Prayer) worship model, to the contemplative retreat rhythm of the ancient hours celebrated by the Sisters at All Saint’s Convent in Maryland. When Anna doesn’t know what else to do, she like to garden and bake bread, pizza, pies, cookies and chicken, for her friends.

Anna is the contact person for River’s Cross Sunday School, Altar Guild, and Ministry to Israel, and would feel privileged to agree with you in prayer for the things that weigh on your heart.

DJ Stanhope, Treasurer

[ e-mail DJ ]Dorothy Jean (DJ) Stanhope hails from Portland, Maine but grew up all over the world wherever the Army sent her father. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Sweet Briar College in Virginia. DJ has spent most of her professional life in the non-profit world, working with children with AIDS; running shelters for the homeless and addicted; and directing USO programs for American military members in Asia and the US. She now serves as an RMO (Religious Missionary Order) with Campus Crusade for Christ’s Military Ministry working with volunteers in Spiritual Resources.