Seven Questions with a Servant: Jo Hartley
1. What's your name?
Jo Hartley
2. Will you please share a little about yourself (where you’re from, where you work, about your spouse, children, grandchildren, pets, etc)?
I'm from right here in South Charleston WV. I taught k-12 music in both Kanawha and Grant Counties in WV and upon returning to Kanawha County became an Elementary Music Specialist until I was forced to medically resign in 2012. No spouse or kids, but I like to say I have many kids if I count all the kids I've had the privilege of working with in both public schools and here at Redeemer. I also have at least partial custody of a silly little white cat named Sookie who makes regular appearances on Facebook!
3. How long have you been attending/serving at Redeemer?
Hmm...I'm not exactly sure how many years but it was shortly after Ed Booten became Music Director. He invited me to attend a choir rehearsal and I've never looked back since.
4. In what ways do you or have you serve(d) at Redeemer and which is/was your favorite way?
Music Ministry...choir, song leader, praise team/band, drama team, special music, children's Christmas programs, VBS, church custodian.
I love it all but I think my favorite was directing the Children's Christmas Musicals. I really miss having the kids to do those kinds of productions.
5. How has serving at Redeemer impacted you?
Tremendously!! Even more so than I realize. Recently when illness and other circumstances have kept me away longer than I've intended, there has been a huge hole inside me. I didn't even know how big a part of me was missing until I stepped back inside those doors. Being with and serving my Redeemer family is everything.
6. What’s something about you not many folks know?
Silly, but I worry that not many people know I'm deaf in my left ear. I always worry that someone will say something to me on my left side and I won't answer and they will think I'm a snob. I'm not! Honest! I'm just deaf in that ear!
7. What do you like most about Redeemer?
The people! They aren't always the same people...I mean people have moved away and new people have come...but the constant has been that Redeemer people really are like family. Friendly, funny, supportive...family.