JONATHAN DENNIS
Senior Pastor
Jonathan Dennis grew up as a pastor's kid in Georgia, Kansas, and (mostly) Cleveland, Ohio. Despite Jonathan's strenuous objections (after experiencing church trauma and depression in middle school), God called Jonathan into the ministry in his late teens. He began pursuing an education in Biblical Studies at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. He graduated in 2011 and went on to receive a Master's in Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in 2017. Jonathan has been in the EPC (our church's denomination) since 2010, serving as a Family Ministries Director and Senior Pastor.
While at Grove City, Jonathan met his wife Sarah. They have been married since 2011 and have four kids, Aletheia, Caedan, Finn and Ronan. Sarah is a photographer and gifted conversationalist. She loves coffee and having people nearby with whom to share it. Aletheia (Thia) loves drawing and make believe. She tells wonderful stories, has strong opinions and loves Star Wars and dragon stories. Caedan skipped learning to climb, instead he learned to run fast enough that when he ran into something he would catapult himself onto it. This serves as a metaphor for his personality. Finn is a wild and free spirit who forced us to Finn-proof the church nursery. Ronan enjoys hugging cats and gurgling.
Jonathan loves reading books of all sorts of genres, playing all kinds of sports (at a mediocre-at-best talent level), biking or kayaking in the country, and completing items on his to-do lists. Jon has been taught long-suffering by being a Cleveland sports fan. Jon came to Hope because of the church's clear humility, thoughtfulness, love of the Lord and His Word, and excitement for their community. But the biggest reason was that he and Sarah love the people of the church and believe in their vision for the future and are excited to be a part of it.
CHRISHON DUCKER
Associate Pastor
Chrishon Ducker [pronounced Krish- ON] grew up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He is an avid sports fan, playing soccer, golf, and surfing in his youth. Chrishon received a BA degree from Winthrop University (‘94) where he studied history and political science. It was there, at Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), that the Lord brought Chrishon to the saving knowledge of Christ.
Chrishon met his wife, Danielle at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis MO. They were married in 1997 and graduated from CTS together in 2000; Chrishon with a Masters in Divinity and Danielle with a Masters in Theological Studies.
Chrishon and Danielle have two young adult children. Charissa [pronounced Kar-iss-ah] is a college junior and attends the University of Mary Washington. CJ is a college freshman and attends James Madison University. They are both kind and creative.
CJ loves singing, playing guitar, frisbee, soccer, and kids. Charissa loves music, writing, and organizing.
MELISSA KESTER
Director of Children's Ministry
Melissa is a wife and mother of two awesome teenage boys. She loves playing with them in the woods, digging in the dirt, and attempting to grow plants. She was born and raised in Virginia and has a bachelors of science in communication studies and a minor in music. Melissa previously served as the children's program director at The Point Church in Charlottesville, VA, taught piano lessons, run a small home daycare, worked as a leader in vacation Bible school for many years, taught Sunday school, and is excited about what God has in store for the children of Hope Presbyterian.
AMY ELLIOTT
Director of Worship Ministry
Amy grew up just north of Pittsburgh, PA. She got her start in church music at a young age when her mom, who was the music director of a small Presbyterian church, persuaded her to begin playing the piano for the church choir. She moved to Virginia upon graduating from Shenandoah University, where she received her B.M. in Music Education, and began teaching middle school band. She is currently working toward her Masters in School Counseling. When she’s not leading worship at church, you may find Amy cheering for her Steelers/Penguins, tagging along with the youth on a mission trip, or teaching piano lessons. She hopes to instill a love for music in all the students she teaches, just in case their mom one day asks them to accompany the church choir!
TERRY JO SHACKELFORD
Office Administrator
Terry Jo is a career educator who retired as a reading specialist/literacy coach in 2015…and never expected her retirement gig to be in the office at Hope! She feels truly blessed that God opened that door and led her to a job that she loves. Terry Jo has lived in Virginia all her life and she and her husband Lyne are long-time Spotsy County residents. Hobbies include singing, reading, cheering on favorite sports teams (especially football and baseball!) and spending as much time as possible with the grandkids!
BOB ELDRIDGE
Finance Clerk
Bob has a BSE from UF in mathematics and physics and a BBA from FAU in accounting. He was a teacher in Charlotte, NC, an auditor with Deloitte in Milwaukee, WI and a controller at a fortune 500 company, where he met his lovely wife, Cheri. Together they have three adult children, Renee, Bobby & Aubree, and four grandchildren, Abby, Tobias, Ella & Axel. Over the years at Hope Bob and Cheri have taught discovery time and children and youth Sunday Schools. They have been greeters, ushers and lay readers. They have participated in VBS, Christmas pageants, building campaigns, church meals & picnics and fundraising auctions. Cheri has been a Deacon and Bob has been an assistant treasurer and a two term Elder. Bob has helped at the homeless shelter and on special care and has served on the Christian education and finance committees. Bob retired from his VP/CFO position with a local company.
ALYSSA IRBY
Choir Director
Alyssa is the vocal choir and bell choir director at Hope. She is originally from Iowa, and has also lived in Florida and Arizona. Alyssa works as a chorus teacher at a local middle school, and in her free time she enjoys reading, watching movies, cross-stitch, and travel. She is married to John, who is an electrician, and has two children: Jocelyn and David who are active in Hope's youth group.
BETH MAILAND
Organist
Beth served 20 years as a harpist with The United States Army Band (Pershing's Own) in Washington, D.C., alongside her husband, Karl, a trumpet player. She earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of North Carolina of Arts and a Master of Music from Florida State University. Before joining Hope EPC, Beth served 35 years at Faith EPC in Kingstowne, Virginia, as pianist, substitute organist, and as an active member in various ministries. Married since 1985, Beth and Karl have five adult children, many grandchildren, and now reside in Fredericksburg in order to be closer to families in Richmond and Woodbridge. She is excited to serve as part-time organist and continue glorifying God through music. She also enjoys teaching harp and piano and makes time for fun things like camping, learning French, and running... especially after grandchildren.
APRIL STEVENS
Office & Technology Aid
April grew up as a Navy brat and has lived all over the US. She has lived in Virginia since middle school. She has been married to Alvery since 2010 and they have three amazing kids! April has a bachelors of science in business administration from the University of Mary Washington. She has served in many church roles over the years: Sunday School teacher, deacon, VBS volunteer/director, and various other volunteer positions. Her hobbies include reading, word searches, volunteering at her children's schools, substitute teaching, and spending time with her family.