Jon Van Deventer - PastorJon Van Deventer has served as pastor of Johns Island Presbyterian Church for the past eight years. Jon and his family moved to Charleston in 1974. He attended Middleton High School, Presbyterian College, and seminary in Richmond, Virginia at what was then known as Union Theological Seminary. Prior to entering ministry he worked as a trim carpenter, house painter, drywall finisher, and photographer. Jon has been an ordained minister for sixteen years, and served two other congregations, prior to coming to Johns Island Presbyterian Church.
E-mail: jotavan@jipcdotorg
Elaine Earl - JIPC AdministratorElaine joined the staff of Johns Island Presbyterian Church in February of 2008 with outstanding organizational skills and a life-long love of learning. Her responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of the business side of the church. Elaine is a “people person” with over 30 years of customer service, having worked with the public since high school. She has one son, Andrew, age 12, who attends Haut Gap Middle School and is in the Magnet Program.
E-mail: eearl@jipcdotorg
Ben Carver-Director of DiscipleshipBen was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina and attended Bryan College in Tennessee. After college, he earned a Master of Divinity as well as a Master of Theology degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. When he is not ministering at church, he enjoys reading, running, kayaking, and coaching & playing soccer.
E-mail: bcarver@jipc.org
Sarah Smith - Director of MusicSarah began studying music at age five and continued her piano studies at Charleston County School of the Arts and the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, where she studied with Drs. Sasha Starcevich and James Lent. Sarah attended the College of Charleston, where she studied piano with Enrique Graf, organ with Dr. Bill Gudger, and composition with Dr. David Maves. Sarah joined the staff at Johns Island Presbyterian Church in August of 2009. In addition to playing both the organ and the piano, Sarah also enjoys teaching and working with children. She leads the After School Arts Program at the church, directs the adult and children’s choirs, as well as the festival choir, a unique ensemble which performs on special occasions throughout the year.
E-mail: ssmith@jipcdotorg
Norma Wilhoit- Handbell Choir DirectorBorn in Florence, South Carolina, Norma's interest in music started at an early age. She joined the children's pre-school choir at church and at age seventeen she became a part of the Columbia College handbell choir and has been playing handbells since that time. Norma has played bells at several venues in New York, as well as the White House, the Biltmore House and at the Governors Annual Christmas tree lighting in Columbia. She has been directing the handbell choir at Johns Island Presbyterian Church since its inception in 2004.The handbell choir is an adult choir, open to both males and females. No musical background is necessary; all that is needed is a little time, devotion and a willingness to be open to new sounds and experiences. The choir practices on Thursday evenings at 6:30, from September to May. Come eager to make a joyful noise and you're sure to enjoy it.
Laksami Green-NurseryLaksami Green, a native of Thailand, has been caring for the children at Johns Island Presbyterian Church for well over 10 years. Her kind and caring attitude toward the children is the first thing people notice about her. The parents love her, but the children love her even more!
Laksami and her family make their home on Johns Island, just minutes from the church.
Shadana Moses-NurseryShadana Moses is a junior at the College of Charleston majoring in Special Education. She has her CPR and first aid certification. Shadana is very engaging young woman, with an obvious love of children and a deep Christian faith. Her Father is the Pastor of Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, SC. Shadana lives with her family in the West Ashley area.