Rev. Ed Vinson graduated from Kent State University in 1984 and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California in 1987. He has served as Senior Pastor at Church of the Master in Canton, Ohio from 1988-1998; Shiloh Chapel Evangelical Friends in Marysville, Ohio from 1998-2011 and now Hanover Evangelical Friends Church since July 2011. He is married to Cathy and they have two grown sons, Philip and Kyle. Kyle is married to Julie and they have one child, Florence Olivia.

What is your favorite scripture and why?
Verses are like your children, which do you love more? I love them all, but I would say Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” For me this verse sums up the incredible love of God, that He would die for His enemies!

What is your favorite quote or saying?
There are so many good ones, but a quote I’ve used in ministry again and again is “Watch what God is doing and join Him in it.” – Henry Blackaby

What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I have a rare blood type, A negative. I love to fish and have a largemouth bass mounted on the wall in my church office and I can wiggle my ears!

Charles hasn’t always been in youth ministry – after graduating from UVA he was a civil engineer for several years and yes, he is a math geek! Charles has been in youth ministry since 1999 and can’t imagine a more rewarding calling (or a cooler job!) Hanover Friends is only his second church. Charles, Laura (his amazing wife), and daughters Jenna and Julia feel blessed to be part of this church family. Although they miss the beach, they love it here in Mechanicsville!

What is your favorite scripture and why?
A verse that is has been really important to me the last few years is Hebrews 10:24, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Encouraging each other to love God and love others is the basic purpose of our youth ministry at Hanover Friends. Is there anything more exciting?

What is your favorite quote or saying?
If you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything. Let’s make a stand!!

What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
You’ll be surprised to know that at the very first youth group meeting I went to as a volunteer, I did not say one word the entire night. I’ve since made up for it…:)

Jodi started attending HEFC shortly after she and her young family moved to Mechanicsville in 1993.  She is married to Joe.  They have two great daughters and three grandchildren.  Jodi was singing before she was talking according to her Mom – and she hasn’t stopped since.  She started leading worship as a little girl standing on her Grandma’s ottoman and using the sweeper cord as her mic.  She’s beyond blessed to be leading worship at HEFC.

What is your favorite scripture and why?
This one sure has had me searching the Bible and thinking. Do I have a favorite? How can I just pick one? I especially like the ones that mention singing praises unto the Lord and I also am very fond of the ones that speak on keeping the faith and hanging on to hope. How could I get by without that? Oh, I could go on and on with this… Ephesians 2:8 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

What is your favorite quote or saying?
Your attitude, not your aptitude will determine your altitude. Zig Ziglar

What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I really want to be on a TV game show. My top picks would be The Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune.

Gary is a proud resident of Hanover County with his wife Teresa. They met on April 16th, 1973 and were happily married on August 13th, 1977! They have two children and three precious rescue dogs. Gary retired from the electrical industry in 2018 after 44 years of experience. In his free time, Gary enjoys fishing, golfing, music, woodworking, and volunteering at a dog rescue kennel.

What is your favorite scripture and why?
One of my favorite Bible verses is Ecclesiastes 3:1. “To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under heaven”. When I feel stressed and tend to worry about things I can’t control, it reminds me that the season I am in will give way to another season. It’s all in God’s plan for me.

What is your favorite quote or saying?
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”

What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I enjoy playing the drums. I also love to work with wood and build things.

Casey was born and raised in Sandston, Virginia. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education from Liberty University as well as her Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education from Liberty University. She currently resides in Mechanicsville with her husband, daughter, and fur baby cat “Max”. She is employed at Henrico County Public Schools where she serves preschool students with developmental delays. Here at HEFC, Casey serves as Children’s Ministry Director and is an afternoon teacher at Friendly Care Day School. Casey is grateful to have answered God’s call to teach and serve her church and community.

What is your favorite scripture and why?
My favorite scripture is Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all of these things will be given to you as well.” (NIV). This scripture reminds me of God’s constant care! It serves as a reminder to me that he will give me everything I need to do his work everyday!

What is your favorite quote or saying?
“If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” – Zig Ziglar

What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I am a true rivah rat! I grew up many summers swimming on the Rappahannock River, eating homemade ice cream, and crabbing off of the pier. I love water and began swimming at 6 months old.

Melissa Knight was born in Henrico, Virginia and moved to Hanover at the age 10. She’s been working at the Friendly Care Day School since 2000, shortly before becoming a member of Hanover Friends Church. She serves as the Nursery Director for the Church Nursery.  She is a big Disney fan and loves going to Disney at least once a year. She has three wonderful nephews.

What is your favorite scripture and why?
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

What is your favorite quote or saying?
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
That I like to bake.

Nicole and her husband live in Charles City County.  She attends Colosse Baptist church where she teaches Sunday school for the four and five years old. She is also in a ladies mission group called the Faith Bears. She sings in the Glory Bound choir.  She has her bachelor’s in human services with a minor in special education from Old Dominion University. She is currently working on her associate’s degree in early childhood education at John Tyler Community College and will continue to complete her bachelor’s at VCU. She has been at FCDS for fourteen years and is now serving as the Director.

What is your favorite scripture and why?
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” and Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous do not be afraid or troubled. The Lord your God is with you wherever you go”.  When I read these two verses, it gives me strength and faith to do what I need to do because I know no matter what I am doing or where I am God is always with me.

What is your favorite quote or saying?
“In happy moments, praise God. In difficult moments, seek God. In quiet moments, trust God. In every moment, thank God.”

What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I am thirty years old. Some family members and friends do not know that I go by my middle name and not my first name, which is Christina.

Nichole lives with her husband of 20 years, Jeremy, and three wonderfully crazy children, Jeremy Jr. (13), Kadence (10), and Juliet (4), in King William. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as a child and was Baptized by Pastor Ed in 2019. Hanover Friends Church is where her family attends as often as they are able. She obtained her Preschool Certificate from Liberty University and then moved on to pursue her Associates in Early Childhood Education. She has taught on both the Preschool and Pre- Kindergarten side for the Day School for the last 9 years.

What is your favorite scripture and why?
I find rest in God; only He gives me hope. He is my rock and my salvation. He is my defender; I will not be defeated. My honor and salvation come from God. He is my mighty rock and my protection. Psalm 62:5-7
I rest my soul and mind in Him when I feel troubled, when I need some to listen and I know that He will love me unconditionally.

What is your favorite quote or saying?
My favorite quote or saying: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”– Bernard M. Baruch
Be the person you are and never try to change yourself for the others. Those who matter will not mind you being yourself. And those who mind don’t deserve much attention. Remember, opinions from the others don’t matter. It’s your own life, make sure you play an active role in it.

What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I’m the oldest of 8 children. Prior to coming to Friendly, I was an active Hairstylist more than 15 years.