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Valena Hoy is our Executive Associate Pastor and has served on the staff of First Presbyterian since the summer of 2000. A life-long Presbyterian, she grew up in a loving Christian home and congregation in Kingsport, Tennessee. She graduated from Converse College, an all-women's college, in Spartanburg, SC in 1990 with a Bachelors in Studio Art and minor in education. Before attending Union Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, she taught art to 500 elementary and middle school age children for two years.
Valena has a great love for missions and has done work in Jamaica, Brazil, Guyana, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. She and her husband, James, met at seminary and serve in full-time ministry. James is a Staff Chaplain at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, only two blocks from the church. In 2007 Valena was elected as Vice-Moderator of the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia and will serve as Moderator in 2008.
In August 2006, Valena & James traveled to China to unite with their beloved daughter Abigail MingPan, after waiting more than two years for the adoption to be finalized. They also have a wonderful cat, Molly, who is the purr-fect playmate (as long as Abigail doesn't grab her tail!).
Valena loves Jesus with her life and has great passion for others to come to know His love and walk in His ways. Adult discipleship, small staff leadership, spiritual development, and strategic planning bring Valena's call to focus and provide creative outlets in bringing others to know Christ and His Word.
In May of 2005, Valena received a Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary, which has enhanced her ability to help others discern their life's calling to ministry.
Drawing, traveling, walking, reading, and biking keep Valena refreshed and renewed. Her favorite artist, Georgia O'Keeffe, brings visual inspiration and aids in wonderful excuses to travel to other places to see great art. |
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