REV. HEATHER HARDING
INTRODUCING OUR NEXT LEAD PASTOR, REV. HEATHER HARDING
What would you like to share about your childhood?
When I was ten, my family moved from Lexington, Kentucky to Cocoa Beach. Being able to walk to the beach every day felt like I’d stepped into paradise! I seem to be experiencing déjà vu as the beach continues to draw me closer.
What would you like to share about your family?
I have two amazing daughters, Brittany and Danielle, who make me incredibly proud. Brittany is a high school chorus director and her husband, Ash, teaches high school English and film studies (so they’ve got both music and movies covered!). Danielle runs a creative marketing company called Second Nature Creative, and her husband Brian is a talented businessman who pivoted from the restaurant business to founding his own company, Certo Woodworking, during the pandemic. He can build just about anything!
And then there are the grandkids: Eloise (10) and Kit (8) and Josie (almost 3) and Melody (almost 1) are full of joy and giggles. Our family wouldn't be complete without my ever-faithful puppy Zack and my anti-social cat Annesley.
What is your education and ministry experience?
My academic path took a few fun turns. I have a Bachelor of Music from the University of Miami (Go Canes!), a Master of Education from UCF (Go Knights!), and a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School (Go Blue Devils!). Let’s just say I am conflicted during college football season.
I first heard the call to ministry in 2010 after a powerful renewal of faith a few years earlier. The next summer, I packed up and headed to Duke. I started my ministry as a student pastor at City Road UMC in North Carolina, and after graduation in 2014, I returned to Florida and served two small churches in Groveland. From there, I went to Fleming Island UMC, and for the past six years, I’ve had the joy of serving Tuskawilla UMC in Casselberry.
This June, I’ll complete training in the Ministry of Spiritual Direction. I’m especially interested in providing retreats and spiritual direction for people who need space for renewal and reconnection with God.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
You’ll often find me outside. I love walking with Zack in the morning while spending quiet time with God. I spend a lot of time with my grandchildren and love their joy and energy. I also enjoy reading, gardening, cycling, hiking, swimming, and traveling to places that stir the soul and spark the imagination.
What is your leadership style?
I see my work as equipping and empowering others. I love helping people discover their gifts and passions and watching them come alive in ministry. We are better when we lead together.
If you could preach one message for the rest of your life, what would it be about?
Genesis 1:27 ~ We are made in the image of God.
So simple, yet so powerful. In a world that can make us feel small or unseen, our belonging to God and to each other is what grounds us. The church is a beautiful reminder of who we are and whose we are.
How can we best support and pray for you in this season of transition?
I am excited about serving at Coronado Community UMC and getting to know each of you! I’d love your prayers as I say some hard goodbyes, get through the disruption of moving, and begin this wonderful new adventure with you. Pray that God will guide our steps as we begin this ministry together and know that I’m already praying for you, too.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When will Pastor Heather start?
Pastor Heather will begin serving our congregation and community on July 1. Her first Sunday leading worship will be July 6.
How will Pastor Heather get to know the congregation and community in her first few months?
Our Guide Team is coordinating Get-To-Know-You Gatherings organized by neighborhood groups. Additional gatherings will be held in the fall for those who are away for the summer and in the new year for those who are snow angels.
In May, we’ll print all our neighborhood group lists and have them available on Sunday mornings in the Fellowship Hall. Stop by to make sure your contact information is correct and that you’re in the correct neighborhood. Everyone is welcome to be in a neighborhood group. We also use these lists for storm response.
Where will Pastor Lisa be serving?
Pastor Lisa will be the lead Pastor at Suntree United Methodist Church in Melbourne, Florida.
Will there be a sendoff for Pastor Lisa and Ed?
Yes! On Sunday, June 1, we’ll have a combined worship service at 10:00 am in the sanctuary, followed by a reception. This will be Pastor Lisa’s last Sunday leading worship at CCUMC. We will have guest preachers for the remainder of June.
Our Summer Worship Schedule of one joyful service at 10:00 am begins June 1 and will continue through August 31.
How will care needs and other pastoral duties be covered in June while we are between pastors?
Pastor Lisa will be in the office the week of June 8, finishing projects and packing her office. The rest of the month, our Associate Pastor, Rev. Staci Plonsky, will continue to be available, plus our Congregational Care Ministers and Leadership Council. For care needs, send an email to care@coronadoumc.org or call the church office at 386-428-6252 and leave a message for Pastor Staci.
If you have additional questions about the pastoral transition, please submit them using the form below.
