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Jim Joyner, PastorPastor Jim is excited about the privilege of serving here at Port Republic UMC. He has been our pastor since July 2014. Before that, he served for four years at Mount Clinton UMC in the West Rockingham area. He loves the Shenandoah Valley with its beautiful mountain views, four seasons of weather, and friendly folks.
Jim grew up in the Middle Georgia area in the midst of peach orchards and dairy farms. He studied electrical engineering at Georgia Tech before discerning a call to ministry. He received a Master of Divinity at Candler School of Theology at Emory University while serving in two congregations. Upon graduation, he and his wife Courtney moved to Virginia where they have lived since. Jim was ordained as an elder in 2010. Courtney is an ordained deacon and serves as Minister of Music at neighboring New Hope UMC. Jim and Courtney have three sons - Zach, Hunter, and Seth along with two dogs and several fish. The family enjoys hiking, jogging, gardening, youth soccer, and almost any excuse to get outside. Jim is proud of the work of Port Church in the community. He hopes to nurture and grow these ministries faithfully in his time here. |
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Dinah Watson, Youth DirectorDinah Watson is a mother of two beautiful children, a wife to her best friend, a daughter to amazing parents, an Aunt to nine nieces and nephews, and an ‘adopted Aunt’ to many others. She loves social time with her friends, hikes, traveling, and dancing. But as she says, it’s not about “who” she is but
about “whose” she is! And, just like you, she is a child of God! Dinah grew up in Port Republic with loving parents and two siblings. In early childhood her home was always full of foster and fresh air kids, cousins, and neighbors. As a teenager, she was a little rowdy. To keep the story short, we’ll say her teenage years (along with a few young adult years) were “colorful”. After graduating high school, she attended Fairfax County Fire Academy and fell in love with the fire service. Her desire to help others – while also seeking the thrills of fighting fire – motivated her to get a job in the fire service. At age 20 she began working for the City of Harrisonburg Fire Department until her dream job came to an abrupt end due to an injury. During her time of rehabilitation, her personal studies and relationship with the Lord grew deep and meaningful. You’ve probably heard the saying, when God closes one door He opens another. When the door was closed to her career in the fire service the ministry doors eventually opened. She discovered a new passion participating in youth ministry and other missions. God has done such a work in Dinah’s life that she loves sharing God’s Word, His love, and His grace to others. |
Linda Shifflett, Praise Band Leader |
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Amie Robinson, Treasurer |
Linda Day, Custodian |
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