Join us for worship on Sundays
9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
About Us
Hockessin United Methodist Church – A Place to Belong, Grow, and Serve
We’re so glad you’re taking a moment to learn more about Hockessin UMC, a welcoming and faith-filled church community located in the heart of Hockessin, Delaware. Whether you’re new to the area, exploring your faith, or seeking a church home, we want you to know—you belong here.
At Hockessin United Methodist Church, we are committed to creating a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and spiritually nourished. Though we come from many walks of life, we are united by a shared mission: to live out the love of Jesus Christ in all that we do, both within our congregation and out in the world.
As we continue to grow a vibrant and fruitful ministry, we invite you to join us – just as you are. Together, let’s build deeper connections, serve with purpose, and share the hope of the Gospel with our community and beyond.
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7
Who We Are
OUR MISSION: To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.
OUR PURPOSE: Sharing the Love and Grace of Jesus Christ with our Community.
OUR CORE PRINCIPLES
- We, as individuals and as a church, are called to serve.
- When we serve, we grow in our faith and as a church.
- We need to give generously of our time and our resources to make this happen.
OUR VISION: Becoming the place where Hockessin and the surrounding communities come to celebrate and serve one another.
As we build relationships and serve those who need help, we hope to become a valued place in the community while earning the opportunity to invite our neighbors to join us on our faith walk.
We bring our vision to fruition each time we host an event that invites our neighbors to celebrate with us, and every time we work with neighbors to serve those who need help. We honor God by serving others, seeking to establish connections that naturally foster stronger relationships and growth within our church community.
Rev. Dr. Vern Bryant
Lead Pastor
Michele Godwin
Office/Systems Admin
Dawn Deckman
Director of Youth and Family Ministry
Rev. Dr. Vern Bryant
Pastor Vernon M. Bryant is a native son of the city of Wilmington and Ezion-Mount Carmel United Methodist Church. Pastor Vern received his call to ministry at an early age and he received his early training in ministry at Ezion-Mount Carmel UMC which is his home church. Pastor Vern’s first appointment was Centennial United Methodist Church in Smyrna, Delaware where he served for two years. Rev. Bryant’s next appointment was Buttonwood United Methodist Church in New Castle, Delaware where he served for 10 years. In 2004 Pastor Vern made history as the first black pastor appointed to St. Georges United Methodist Church in St. Georges, Delaware. It was his and the church’s first Cross-Racial appointment. He served there for 9 years. He served as the Senior Pastor of Ezion-Mount Carmel UMC for seven years. Pastor Vern has been the Pastor of Hockessin United Methodist Church since 2017. He considers it an honor to serve the people and community of Hockessin. In addition to the pastoral ministry, Pastor Vern also serves as a mentor to several candidates who are going through the ministry process in the United Methodist Church. He teaches the Candidacy Class for new candidates entering ministry. He served as the Chair of The Wilmington District Committee on Ordained Ministry, and is the former Chair of The Order of Elders. He also served two years as the Chair of The Methodist Action Program. Pastor Vern credits his success in ministry to God and his wife Ann who is his best friend. He states, “She is always there serving and working with me on this journey….from hospital visits, to funerals and weddings, she is always there and I’ve never heard her complain once. She has taught me the real meaning of what it means to be a servant leader.” A graduate of Trinity College and Lancaster Theological Seminary, Pastor Vern holds a D. Min in Pastoral Ministry, a Masters of Divinity, and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Pastoral Ministry.
Michele Godwin
Meet Michele – Administrative Professional, Advocate, and Faith-Filled Team Member
Born and raised in New Castle, Delaware, Michele brings more than 38 years of administrative expertise to her role, combining professionalism with a warm, approachable spirit. A true self-starter, Michele thrives in both collaborative and fast-paced environments, and she’s always ready to embrace new technology and tools that help her work smarter and more efficiently.
Outside the office, Michele cherishes quality time with her family and friends, whether it’s catching a movie, enjoying live music, trying out local restaurants, or relaxing in her favorite getaway spot—Chincoteague, Virginia.
A passionate animal lover, Michele is the proud mom of three rescue pups: Bean, Remi, and King. She’s also a credentialed coach for Special Olympics and a fierce advocate for her daughter, Mikayla, who has Down Syndrome. Michele actively connects with other parents and community groups to empower children with disabilities to live joyful, fulfilling lives.
Most of all, Michele has a heart deeply rooted in faith and prayer. She’s excited and grateful to be part of the Hockessin UMC family and looks forward to serving the church and its mission with love, purpose, and dedication.
Dawn Deckman
Meet Dawn Deckman – Passionate Youth Leader, Mission Advocate, and Faith-Driven Servant
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Dawn Deckman’s journey of faith and service has taken her across the country and around the world—but her heart has always been rooted in a love for community, youth ministry, and sharing the message of Christ.
After spending much of her childhood moving from place to place (which is how she became a devoted Chicago Bears fan), Dawn and her husband, Mark, chose to plant roots in the small town of Rising Sun, Maryland, where they raised their children. It was there, in 1997, that they began attending Janes United Methodist Church, and just a few years later, Dawn felt a clear calling to youth ministry. She officially began her work with youth at Janes UMC in 2001.
Dawn’s heart for young people led her to serve with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Northern Maryland and Cecil County, where she played a vital role on the Board of Directors. Her involvement included leading middle and high school campus huddles, coaching at Power Camp—a multi-sport summer program—and serving as a Character Coach for high school girls’ field hockey and lacrosse teams.
With a deep passion for missions and service, Dawn has organized and led both local and international mission trips focused on evangelism, disaster relief, social justice, and community outreach. Her mission work has reached places like Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, West Virginia, the Bahamas, and Guatemala, and she continues to teach youth how to lead with love through children’s ministries.
Dawn is a graduate of The Youth Worker Academy, a program through the Peninsula-Delaware and Eastern Pennsylvania United Methodist Conferences, and is currently pursuing a degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University. She also holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid and is a Certified Life Skills Instructor.
In addition to her ministry and mission work, Dawn has helped foster community and collaboration among fellow leaders through initiatives like the Cecil County Youth Leader Alliance (CCYLA) and is an active member of the Coalition Network in Delaware.
Dawn treasures time with her large, blended family, which includes five adult children, eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
She sums up her personal theology with the words of Matthew 22:
“Love God. Love People.”
This simple yet powerful truth continues to guide her in every step of her ministry.
Michael Shoremount
Director of Choirs
Deborah Ryan
Organist
Alan Johnson
Co-Team Leader
Praise and Worship
Praise and Worship
Michael Shoremount
Michael Shoremount is a talented musician and music educator with experience conducting choirs, handbell choirs, and instrumental ensembles in churches and schools. He is a gifted vocalist who has been engaged as a professional vocalist by churches (and periodically sings for the Phillies). In addition to leading our Chancel, youth, children’s, and handbell choirs at Hockessin UMC, Mike is also Director of Bands at West Chester Bayard Rustin High School. Mike and his wife Terisa, have two children, Maggie and John, both of whom serve as Acolytes at Hockessin UMC.
Deborah Ryan
Debbie has been Hockessin Church’s organist since November 2002. Besides playing for our Sunday services, she also accompanies the Chancel Choir, Heavenly Angels and Joyful Noise choirs, along with other soloists and groups that sing or play during various services.
Prior to coming to Hockessin Church, Debbie was the organist at Bethel Baptist Church for 35 years, having started there as a teenager. In addition to the organ, Debbie also plays piano, keyboards, hand bells, and wishes she knew how to play drums.
Debbie recently retired from Calvert Mechanical Systems, Inc. but continues to remain very active. When not volunteering her time or working at Hockessin Church, you may find her on her boat “Sea Sharp” or on the golf course.
Alan Johnson
Alan is a seasoned leader in contemporary worship, having served in this capacity at several churches. With a background in music business, he leverages his expertise in music equipment to help artists and houses of worship achieve exceptional sound quality.
Laura Baltrusaitis
Co-Team Leader
Praise and Worship
Praise and Worship
HOCKESSIN UMC
PAST AND FUTURE
In the spring of 1881, a small group of people led by Alban Dalton cleaned out an abandoned blacksmith shop on the Brackenville farm located on the corner of the Old Lancaster Pike and Brackenville Road. They established there the first Methodist society in the area. With the onset of winter, they moved across the street to the Peace and Plenty Inn. Although the smithy has long disappeared, the inn is now a private residence.