Chardon United Methodist Church

Worship Services
A Great Month PDF Print E-mail
Written by Rev. Dan Drew   
Sunday, 09 August 2009 06:07
One of the greatest months of my life will always be July of 2009, when I began my ministry here at Chardon UMC. I thank all of you who have so warmly greeted us, invited us to your homes, come to “Meet the Pastor” events, planned and participated in 13 very exciting worship services, and shared with us dozens of other kindnesses.

The introductions and installations in worship have been exciting, but one revelation in the “meet the pastor” events is that you don’t know much about Debbie and me. So here is a little biographical sketch of us.
 I was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, the county seat of Knox County, a town much like Chardon. I came to Baldwin-Wallace College after high school and was introduced to the greater Cleveland area. Following graduation and working 2 years for Upward Bound at B-W, I went to Seminary at the Methodist Theological School of Ohio in Delaware. My pastoral service record is as follows; South Vernon (1973-75), Nottingham (1975-1982), Utica (1982-87) (Wabash College 1987-90), Indianapolis: Faith UMC (1988-90), Greensboro Maryland: St. Paul’s and Burrsville (1990-1996) Garfield Heights (1996-2003) East Ohio Cabinet as a Superintendent of the Cleveland area, (2003-2009).

Debbie was born and raised in Cleveland, and graduated from John Adams High School.  She received her undergraduate degree from Kent State University and her graduate degree from John Carroll. She taught high school English for 30 years, most of it at Warrensville Heights High School, and retired in 2007. Since retirement she has earned her realtor’s license, and works for Howard Hanna. She is also in Yogic studies and is currently completing her teaching certificate, by student teaching yoga at the Atma Center in Cleveland Heights.

We were married in July of 2000 and have five adult children. Tony lives in Broadview Heights, (marrying Margo on December 6th), Joseph (married to Regina) lives in Manhattan (NYC), Francesca (married to Michael) lives in Herndon VA, Doug lives in Baltimore, and Allison lives in Cleveland Heights. We have two beloved granddaughters Natalie (4) and Audrey (1), sisters who live in Virginia.

Now you know a little about us and we look forward to getting to know all of you through our pastoral work and time together in Chardon.

Abundant Blessings,
Pastor Dan