Church Staff

Hickory Grove Staff

Arnie is a second-generation WNCC United Methodist pastor, following in the substantial footsteps of his father Doug Corriher, who served Matthews, Spencer Memorial, and Providence UMC in the Charlotte area.

After earning his B.A. and M.Div. degrees at Duke University during the social unrest of the late ‘60’s-early ‘70’s, Arnie began his ministry at Williamson’s Chapel UMC near Mooresville. From there he served the four-church Harmony Charge, Asbury Memorial (Asheville), Wesley (Charlotte) and Skyland (Asheville), before being appointed to Hickory Grove UMC in 2005.

In 35 years of ministry, he has found that he learns much more by listening than by talking, that church members know a great deal more than “we ministers” give them credit for, and that God really is good, all the time.

Rev. Y. Myer Dahn, Assistant Pastor for African Ministry

Myer is a United Methodist pastor from Liberia – a member of the Liberian Annual Conference and currently studying at Hood Theological Seminary, in Salisbury, North Carolina. Myer was appointed as Assistant Pastor for the African Ministry in July of 2010. After earning his Bachelor of Theology degree at the Gbarnga School of Theology, Liberia, West Africa, Myer began his ministry at Miller’s Chapel UMC. He was ordained in 1992 and served as Pastor of E. J. Goodridge UMC

(Barnersville Estate) 1992 - 1997. In June1997, he was awarded a scholarship to attend Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN. He attended CTS four semesters and later transferred to Hood Theological Seminary where he is currently completing his Master of Divinity. Myer is an experienced Social Worker and works as a Case Manager in Gaston County. Prior to Myer’s

appointment as the Assistant Pastor for the African Ministry at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, he served as Pastor of Faith United Christian Fellowship in Charlotte, North Carolina. On July 4, 2010, Faith Fellowship merged with the Hickory Grove United Methodist Church and both churches became one body in Christ.

Michelle Sharpe, Director of Youth, Music & Fine Arts Ministries

Michelle Sharpe holds a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from Meredith College in Raleigh NC. Her background includes work on the stage for theater, community choirs, and church choirs and as a licensed Kindermusik educator. Prior to coming to Hickory Grove, she was a staff soloist and choir member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Hilton Head, SC under the direction of Tim Reynolds.

Her current position allows her to not only utilize her gifts in service to God, but to help others find a place to both develop their artistic gifts and offer them to the glory of God through worship and outreach. She coordinates many programs including choirs for all ages; instrumental ensembles including handbells, liturgical dance troupes for children and youth, and large-scale productions. She especially enjoys bringing people of all ages together through our church-wide productions.

In addition to her duties at Hickory Grove, Michelle teaches private Voice and Piano Lessons to Charlotte area children and adults. She resides in the Mint Hill with her daughters Anna and Haley.

R. Lance Burnette, Organist/Accompanist

R. Lance Burnette is a native of Morganton, NC currently residing in Harrisburg. He began his musical studies at age 10 and held his first church position as Organist at age 14. He was previously Director of Music & Liturgy at St. John Neumann Catholic Church and most recently Associate Director of

Music & Organist at Grace Crossing, a baptist fellowship; both in Charlotte. Lance was the accompanist of the New Vibrations Touring Youth Choir as well as Sure Foundation; both outreach ministries of the former Idlewild ARP Church.

Lance is a member of the Charlotte Chapter of the American Guild of Organists where he serves on the Executive Board as Treasurer.

Lance is a graduate of UNC Charlotte with a B.S. degree in Accounting. He is an Accountant/Risk Analyst with Duke Energy Corporation (13 years) currently working in the Global Risk Management and Captive Insurance Group.

Amy Robinson ..........................Office Manager/Church Secretary

Darlene Penninger ...................Financial Secretary

Sharon Freeze ..........................Preschool Director

Jennifer Stribling........................Director of Children and Child Care Ministries

Sandy Goodwin.........................Director of Technical Arts