Staff
David Layser Lead Pastor
David grew up in central Pennsylvania and felt the call to ministry from a young age. He has been on the adventure of following Jesus and serving the church with his wife, Emily, since they met in high school. Before being called to Connection, they served churches in Mechanicsburg, Halifax, and Danville, PA for over 15 years. They are in awe of God’s faithfulness and passionate about seeing lives and communities transformed by Christ. David is an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church (GMC). His life verse is John 15:5.
Emily Layser Director of Spiritual Formation and Congregational Care
Before being called to Connection, Emily spent 15 years serving in churches and communities to help connect generations and advance the Kingdom. Following God’s call has led her to serve in all sorts of settings, from school districts to local churches, and now that calling has led her to pursuing ordination to pastoral ministry. As she embarks on this journey, she’ll be helping Connection to thrive in discipleship of all ages and care wholeheartedly for one another as the Body of Christ. Emily and David have 4 wild and wonderful children. Her life verse is Jeremiah 29:11.
Bonnie Ceban Co-Director of Youth & Family Life
Bonnie began attending Connection in 2003 and has served in a wide variety of ministries over the years. She brings decades of experience in youth ministry and education, and has a passion for supporting students as they grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of teenage life.
Debbie Morgan Director of Office Operations
Everyone’s called to wear different hats, perform different roles, and deal with the different seasons in our lives. For Debbie, no matter what hat she wears, what role she’s called to perform, or what season of life she’s in, her ultimate goal is to honor the Lord. Debbie credits, first and foremost, her relationship with Jesus for shaping who she is and guiding her through life’s joys as well as its challenges.
Amy Novosel Director of Children and Family Life
Amy Novosel began attending Connection Community Church in 2008. Amy brings to Connection over two decades of experience with teaching young children about the unconditional love God has for them. She is excited to create an environment where children are excited to participate weekly and grow deeper in their faith in our Lord and Savior as well as equipping parents with tools to minister to their children.
Kyle Smith Co- Director of Youth & Family Life
Kyle has been attending Connection since 2003. He has been volunteering in many different areas but has been with the youth for over 10 years. His passion is to provide a fun and safe environment for our youth to grow in their faith.
Andria Smith Treasurer
Andria and her husband Sheldon began attending Connection in 2002. Andria has volunteered in various ministries in the Church including Operation Christmas Child, Women’s Ministry, Alpha, and Marriage Movement. She has faithfully served as the Financial Secretary and as Treasurer since 2005. Andria has solid leadership, budgetary and administrative skills.
Barry Wiseman Director of Creative Arts and Worship
Barry and his family started attending in 2007 and Barry quickly began volunteering in various areas around the church, most especially in the technical and creative areas. Bringing his years of graphic design video and website development to Connection was a natural fit when the church needed to hire a new Director of Creative Arts and Worship.
Kari and Alan Jones Founding Pastors (2001-2025)
Co-pastors of Connection Community Church, Kari and Alan are ordained Global Methodist Church (GMC) Elders who pastored individually before hearing the call to plant a church in Middletown and lead the congregation together in 2001. They served faithfully, delivering the sermon in a back-and-forth style that complemented the contemporary and dynamic worship. They retired on June 30, 2025.