Church Staff

I have completed my first year as pastor here at Carmel-Coles Point Charge. I now have 12 years of ministry experience. The more experience I get the more I understand what I do not know, and I rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me every day.  I have been very happy to be part of this rural community. My childhood was spent growing up in a similar community in rural Pennsylvania. The son of a dairy farmer and truck driver I learned a strong work ethic early in my life.

After graduating high school, I attended a vocational school in West Chicago, Illinois, and studied greenhouse management and floriculture. I have worked in the greenhouse industry for 10 years growing a variety of flowers and bedding plants. More recently my wife and I operated a screen printing and embroidery business in the Fredericksburg area for almost 30 years total.

I was raised Roman Catholic but left that when I left home. I spent many years attending non-denominational churches. We found our church home in the United Methodist Church at Grace United Methodist in Hartwood Virginia. This congregation supported us through the early stages of answering my call to ministry.

I have spent 11 years as a bi-vocational pastor serving Mt Vernon and St Paul’s United Methodist Churches. I completed my 5-year Course of Study at Duke Divinity School while serving as pastor to these precious people.

Since the Caroline Charge was a part-time appointment, I have worked at many things to meet my obligations. I have operated my own business selling Advertising Specialties primarily screen printed and embroidered garments. I have worked at a vineyard, The Freelance Star newspaper, the US Census Bureau, and most recently for Amazon at a "sort" center.

I have been happily married to my wife Georgia Pennock -Lawrence for 24 years. Most people know her as “Sally” and she is the light of my life. Sally has been a true partner in ministry and is a huge asset to any ministry we have been involved in.  Sally has two children, Michael and Melanie from a previous marriage. I also have two sons John and Paul from a previous marriage. All of our children are grown and mostly on their own. However, due to circumstances beyond her control, Melanie is currently living with us.