MCF Students

Pastor. Mentor. Friend. Husband. Father. Son. Jeff was all of these and more. He had a remarkable ability to meet people where they were, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

On October 30, 2025, Jeff was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive T-cell lymphoma. He faced this diagnosis with courage and faith until his passing this winter. With Jeff’s passing and the closing of the Community Church, we also want to formally share that MCFstudents as an organization at the University of Maryland will be coming to an end. This will likely be our last post.

While we grieve the loss of Pastor Jeff and the ministry, we are profoundly grateful for the journey God allowed us to walk together. MCF has been a place of growth, discipleship, and community, and its impact will continue through the lives it has touched.

We encourage you to carry forward Jeff’s legacy here at the University of Maryland. Living out your faith in college is not easy, but Jeff consistently reminded us that it is always worth it. Continue to live boldly for God, regardless of what the culture says.

Here are just a few fun facts about Jeff we hope inspire you:
💍 Met his wife Dawn while church planting and earning his master’s at Kent State; married in 1989.
🌱 Moved to Maryland in 1990 and pastored the ministry of MCF at UMD for 36 years.
🇺🇸 Deeply loved his country and believed in stepping up to serve, even running for Congress.

Closing thoughts:
In one of Pastor Jeff’s last emails to the church, he shared Psalm 23—a powerful passage to reflect on as we move forward. Those who knew him will also fondly remember his “Jeff-isms” and the picture that changed his life. Jeff would want everyone to watch this message if you haven’t already-
https://www.mcfcc.org/hope

Resources:
If you need help finding a new ministry community, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have also listed several ministries similar to MCF in theology and practice on our website- 
https://mcfstudents.org/more/

Today’s Wednesday Word of Encouragement is Luke 17:11-17. Know you are cared for this holiday season and our MCF students have been praying for exams as you prepare for Thanksgiving Break! 🦃

Today’s Wednesday Word of Encouragement touches on the importance of being generous…without the expectation of receiving back. Our ultimate reward is in heaven!

Choose to give:

♦️BIG

♦️ humbly

♦️ and with a servant’s heart

On Saturday we had our MCF Bonfire, and let me tell you, it was 🔥🔥🔥

♦️We cooked hot dogs and roasted s’mores over the fire.

♦️Laughed at some crazy stories shared.

♦️One of our servant leaders gave a devotional about what it truly means to be a child of God.

♦️To top off the cozy night, we sang songs of praise to Jesus!

We have so much coming up this month, so stay tuned in, and start getting involved with our ministry. We would love to connect!

The beach trip was such a great experience! Can’t wait to see you at more events like this 🌊☀️

We watched the sunset as we had worship led by Becca and a devotional led by Audrey. It was a peaceful time reconnecting with God!

Growth groups tonight!! 📚🌱
Join us for a spirit filled Bible study where we dive deep into Matthew 7:15-29

♦️Where? Art/Soc 3221

♦️When? 7pm every Thursday

♦️No previous Bible knowledge required. Come, grow, and bear fruit!

We are less than a week away from MCF’s annual Fall Retreat and we want to see you there! 🙌

Life gets hectic. Classes, pressure, feeling like you can’t keep it all together - we get it. That’s why our Fall Retreat exists! It’s a powerful time to recenter, restore, and reconnect - with God.

Don’t miss out and sign up today! It’s worth it. Link in bio!

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” - Proverbs 27:17

We’re not meant to walk this journey alone. Real growth happens in community.

Who’s someone that sharpens you? Tag them below! ⬇️

There’s a lot happening coming up, and we’d love for you to be a part of it!

♦️Mark your calendars

♦️Invite a friend you’d want to bring

♦️Come to our prayer walk today

♦️Save this post so you don’t miss a thing

Sunday service isn’t just the place to go — it’s the best part of the week. Sunday spent at MCF is the reset you didn’t know you needed!

♦️real community

♦️meaningful worship

♦️a word from Pastor Jeff

♦️lunch after service