Hello
Dear Union Grove Family,
In Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae, he writes:
"Above all, wrap yourselves in love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your hearts and your thoughts. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:14-15)
My family and I are truly excited to serve Christ together here in Union Grove. This vibrant church is a light in the community and beyond.
As background, I earned my B.S. in Meteorology from N.C. State University and spent some time working with an agricultural consulting firm and later with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In late 1992, I felt God calling me into ministry, and by 1993 I was at Duke Divinity School, where I graduated in 1996. I have a deep love for Jesus and a passion for helping others grow closer to Him.
Over the years, I’ve led 11 mission and building teams to Armenia and currently serve as Chairperson of the Project AGAPE Board—a mission partnership between the Western North Carolina Conference and the North Carolina Conference. When I’m not serving the church, I enjoy playing tennis and golf, hiking, and reading books on faith and spirituality.
My wife, Laura, is a graduate of Meredith College with a degree in Math and Computer Sciences, and she earned her Master’s in Engineering in Computer Science from N.C. State. She currently works at Davidson Davie Community College. Laura loves hiking, crafting, studying languages, and is an avid reader.
Our oldest, Elizabeth, graduated from N.C. State University in 2014 with a degree in Wildlife Biology. She now works at Jordan Veterinary Hospital in Lexington and loves reading, British history, and caring for animals. She has also been on several mission trips to Armenia.
Our son, Ashley, graduated from UNC Pembroke in 2016 with a degree in Chemistry and now works at Jowat Adhesives Corporation in Archdale. He enjoys soccer, basketball, reading, and video gaming.
Union Grove UMC and the whole community have shown us what it means to live out the love of Christ. My prayer is that together we will continue to reflect His peace, His love, and His joy in all that we do.
Blessings,
Rev. Allan Van Meter
(and Laura, Elizabeth, and Ashley)