About
Our Pastor
Sue Hardman:
A Life of Faith, Family, and Service
Early Life and Meeting Rob
The Reverend Sue Hardman was born in Miami, Florida. While living there, she met Rob Hardman, on a blind date. He was stationed there in the United States Coast Guard. Although both attended the Church of the Redeemer (Episcopal), they had never crossed paths before. Their introduction was made possible by Sue’s brother. In 1976, Sue and Rob married, embarking on what would become a lifelong adventure together.
Family Life and Career Moves
Throughout Rob’s Coast Guard career as a search and rescue pilot, the couple moved seven times. Their journey took them from Miami to Mobile, New York City (Staten Island), Houston, Chicago, New Orleans, and Fairfax. During these years, Sue worked as a salesperson, and together they raised two sons, Sam and Tom.
In 1992, the Hardman family settled in Fairfax, Virginia. There, Sue pursued a career in real estate. Rob retired from the Coast Guard in 1997 and joined Sue as a realtor.
Calling to Ministry
In 1998, Sue experienced a calling to ordained ministry. She attended Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, and graduated in 2004. Sue’s ministry in the Episcopal Church has included many roles, notably serving as both Associate Rector and Spiritual Director. As Associate Rector at Truro Church in Fairfax, she was the Minister for Prayer and Healing. During her time at Truro, Sue developed and owned the Anam Cara School of Spiritual Direction.
Retirement and Life on the Water
Sue and Rob retired in 2021. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, she and Rob moved to Piankatank Shores in October 2021, leaving the bustle of city life behind. Now, they enjoy living in the scenic community of Hartfield, spending their days fishing, boating, and worshipping with the congregation at Lower Church.
Family and Blessings
Sue and Rob are blessed with two remarkable sons, Sam and Tom, two wonderful daughters-in-law, and five beautiful grandchildren. This year they celebrate their 50th anniversary, a testament to their enduring love and the countless blessings they have received from a good and gracious God.
Sue Hardman:
A Life of Faith, Family, and Service
Early Life and Meeting Rob
The Reverend Sue Hardman was born in Miami, Florida. While living there, she met Rob Hardman, on a blind date. He was stationed there in the United States Coast Guard. Although both attended the Church of the Redeemer (Episcopal), they had never crossed paths before. Their introduction was made possible by Sue’s brother. In 1976, Sue and Rob married, embarking on what would become a lifelong adventure together.
Family Life and Career Moves
Throughout Rob’s Coast Guard career as a search and rescue pilot, the couple moved seven times. Their journey took them from Miami to Mobile, New York City (Staten Island), Houston, Chicago, New Orleans, and Fairfax. During these years, Sue worked as a salesperson, and together they raised two sons, Sam and Tom.
In 1992, the Hardman family settled in Fairfax, Virginia. There, Sue pursued a career in real estate. Rob retired from the Coast Guard in 1997 and joined Sue as a realtor.
Calling to Ministry
In 1998, Sue experienced a calling to ordained ministry. She attended Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, and graduated in 2004. Sue’s ministry in the Episcopal Church has included many roles, notably serving as both Associate Rector and Spiritual Director. As Associate Rector at Truro Church in Fairfax, she was the Minister for Prayer and Healing. During her time at Truro, Sue developed and owned the Anam Cara School of Spiritual Direction.
Retirement and Life on the Water
Sue and Rob retired in 2021. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, she and Rob moved to Piankatank Shores in October 2021, leaving the bustle of city life behind. Now, they enjoy living in the scenic community of Hartfield, spending their days fishing, boating, and worshipping with the congregation at Lower Church.
Family and Blessings
Sue and Rob are blessed with two remarkable sons, Sam and Tom, two wonderful daughters-in-law, and five beautiful grandchildren. This year they celebrate their 50th anniversary, a testament to their enduring love and the countless blessings they have received from a good and gracious God.
Our History
Lower United Methodist Church is steeped in history. It began its life in 1650 as the “Lower Chapel” for the Protestant Episcopal Church of England. The chapel was replaced by the present brick sanctuary in 1717. It still retains many of its colonial features such as its original hipped roof of which very few exist today.
The church survived the Revolutionary War despite being abandoned by the parish. The Baptists and Methodists began to use it. Robert Healy helped the Methodists obtain it from the parish in 1857 and here we have remained.
We thank our forefathers for our history, but we know that a church is just a building without loving and caring people who want it to grow. Our true heritage is our people who, past and present, have opened their arms in welcome and caring. Come join us.
The church survived the Revolutionary War despite being abandoned by the parish. The Baptists and Methodists began to use it. Robert Healy helped the Methodists obtain it from the parish in 1857 and here we have remained.
We thank our forefathers for our history, but we know that a church is just a building without loving and caring people who want it to grow. Our true heritage is our people who, past and present, have opened their arms in welcome and caring. Come join us.
