Meet our Staff

Jerry Shoap, Lead Pastor: Jerry came to the Hanover First Church of God in 1989 to serve as the Senior Pastor. Jerry will be the first to tell you that he has had the privilege of working along side of a lot of good people and watched as God blessed our congregation with growth. Whenever Jerry gets an opportunity, you’ll find him riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle on a winding country road somewhere. He and his wife, Janice, have two adult sons and three grandsons.

Dan Thomas, Pastor of Outreach and Nurture: Dan came to Hanover First Church of God in 1998 to provide leadership for the adult ministries which involves him in everything from the young adult Bible studies to the Senior Adult Luncheon held once a month. Dan is a terrific cook and so you’ll usually find him in the kitchen helping to stir whatever is on the stove. Dan and his wife, Diane, have two daughters and two sons.

Jeff Harner, Pastor of Student Ministries: Jeff came on board at HFCOG in June of 2008 and is responsible for overseeing the youth ministries of the church. He has a heart for discipling young people who will embrace the call of Jesus to go out and ‘make more disciples’. His hobbies include hanging out with his wife Elizabeth (and their Pug), going to Orioles games, watching Jeopardy, reading (while drinking coffee), or exploring new areas.

Diane Hakes, Children’s Ministry Director: Diane has been a member of HFCOG since 1993 and in 2001 was hired as the Director of Children’s Ministries. Diane’s love for children and previous experience as an elementary school guidance counselor is evident as she oversees the ministries that reach out to the little ones of our congregation. She and her husband Todd have a teenage daughter, Kylie and a son soon to be a teenager, Noah.

Jen Sager, Part-Time Early Childhood Director: Jen and her husband, Chris, along with their children Ty, Seth, and Riley have been attending Hanover First Church of God for five years. Jen comes to us with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministries from Messiah College. She has been volunteering as a teacher and leader in 252 Main Street Children’s ministry for several years now and feels the Lord has called her to this ministry position. Jen is responsible for overseeing all the nursery and toddler areas and to work directly with the volunteer staff in continuing to run effective programs for our youngest.

Carol Trimper, Executive Assistant: Carol has been a member of HFCOG since 1999 and was hired as the Church Secretary in 2000. She assumed the position of Office Administrator in 2004 and makes sure that the office is operating smoothly. Carol works closely with all the ministries and provides the support and organization that is invaluable to an effective ministry. She and her husband, Lou, have a daughter, Lauren, who is attending college. They also have two adult sons and four grandchildren.

Nancy Wolfe, Administrative Assistant: Nancy had been active in the church for several years before becoming a member in 2005, the same year she was hired as the church secretary. Before coming on staff in a paid position, Nancy had been one of the office volunteers helping out a couple of days a week. Other than her husband Bill, the other love in Nancy’s life is Cuddles, their puppy. Nancy and Bill have one daughter and three grandsons.

Kay Fontaine, Church Secretary: Kay was hired as our part-time Office Assistant and in 2009 became our full time Church Secretary. Her array of duties is limitless. She’s not sure what spare time is…but when given the chance, she enjoys gardening and scrap booking. She and her husband, Paul, have a combined six children and six grand children, and still growing.

 

Lou Trimper, Facilities Manager: As our Facilities Manager Lou is responsible for the efficient and productive management of the facilities and grounds. Lou retired from the Baltimore City Police Department in 1998 and was employed by State of Maryland prior to coming on staff at HFCOG. In 1970-1975 Lou was co-owner of Universal Services, a janitorial and ground maintenance company, that serviced many businesses in the Baltimore area. In Lou’s spare time he enjoys riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. If you don’t see him on his Harley, you might see him and Carol cruising in their 1978 Corvette. He has two adult sons, Michael and Jason, and a daughter, Lauren. He also has four wonderful grandchildren.