The Rev. Dr. Jody Moore
Senior Pastor
A lifelong Presbyterian and North Carolina native, the Rev. Dr. Joseph G. (Jody) Moore, Jr. was born in Raleigh and grew up in the White Memorial Presbyterian Church there. However, he is quite familiar with the Charlotte area, having graduated from Davidson College.
He has served continuously at Outer Banks Presbyterian Church since 2011. Initially he served as Interim Pastor for two years (2011-2013) prior to his call by the congregation in 2013 as Pastor/Head of Staff. Prior to serving at Outer Banks Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Moore served as Interim Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC from 2009-2011. He was Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville, VA from 2003- 2009. Additionally, he was hospital chaplain in 2002 at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh. His pastoral internship was at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Asheville in 2001.
The Rev. Dr. Jody Moore
Senior Pastor
A lifelong Presbyterian and North Carolina native, the Rev. Dr. Joseph G. (Jody) Moore, Jr. was born in Raleigh and grew up in the White Memorial Presbyterian Church there. However, he is quite familiar with the Charlotte area, having graduated from Davidson College.
He has served continuously at Outer Banks Presbyterian Church since 2011. Initially he served as Interim Pastor for two years (2011-2013) prior to his call by the congregation in 2013 as Pastor/Head of Staff. Prior to serving at Outer Banks Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Moore served as Interim Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC from 2009-2011. He was Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville, VA from 2003- 2009. Additionally, he was hospital chaplain in 2002 at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh. His pastoral internship was at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Asheville in 2001.
Rev. Moore received his Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude from Davidson College. He earned his Master of Divinity degree in 2003 from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, where he was president of his class. He went on to receive his Doctor of Ministry degree at Columbia Theological Seminary in 2015.
His wife, Jeanne, is originally from Jacksonville, NC, and is a physician assistant, who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University. They have twins named Joseph and Anna, who are eight years old and in second grade.
Rev. Moore has been active in the North Dare County Ministerial Association and served as President of the group for three years. He served as a commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 2022. He is actively involved in the Presbytery of New Hope and since 2019 has been a member of the Commission on Ministry (COM), serving as an advocate for five congregations: Roanoke Island, Cann Memorial (Elizabeth City), First (Greenville), Calvary (Swan Quarter), and First Edenton Presbyterian Churches. He is also one of the members of the Executive Committee of the COM that sets priorities, goals, and procedures for the COM. He previously served on the Committee for Preparation for the Ministry from 2012-2017.
He was the Moderator and Vice-Moderator of the Committee, which meets monthly with inquirers and candidates who are interested in becoming Ministers of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
He served as the director of Serving and Learning Together, a Presbyterian leadership program for youth and adults, at Massanetta Springs Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center in Virginia in 2010-11. He also has a record of distinguished service to the Presbytery of the Peaks in Virginia, where he served as chair or member of various Presbytery councils, commissions, and committees.</>
In 2017, Rev. Moore participated in a 10-day pilgrimage to Israel.
LAL RODAWLA
Associate Pastor for Congregational Life
Lal graduated from the University of Maryland in 2006, earning a B.S. in finance. After working a few years in the area of asset management in Baltimore, Lal went to Princeton Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education in 2013.
From 2013 to 2015, Lal served as a Minister in Residence (a two-year program funded by Lily Endowment) at First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As a son of a church planter in Myanmar and an immigrant PC(USA) pastor, Lal has spent most of his life moving around in different churches among different cultures. He completed Doctor of Ministry program from Duke Divinity School in May 2023.
The Rev. Dr. Lal Rodawla
Associate Pastor for Congregational Life
Lal graduated from the University of Maryland in 2006, earning a B.S. in finance. After working a few years in the area of asset management in Baltimore, Lal went to Princeton Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education in 2013.
From 2013 to 2015, Lal served as a Minister in Residence (a two-year program funded by Lily Endowment) at First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As a son of a church planter in Myanmar and an immigrant PC(USA) pastor, Lal has spent most of his life moving around in different churches among different cultures. He completed Doctor of Ministry program from Duke Divinity School in May 2023.
Office Staff
Should you like to e-mail the church office, please do so using info@ppc1767.org - Thank you!
ROY PHILLIPS
Finance Administrator
Roy Phillips, CPA, maintains our church financial and stewardship ministry. Contact Roy via e-mail or phone.
ROY PHILLIPS
Finance Administrator
Roy Phillips, CPA, maintains our church financial and stewardship ministry. Contact Roy via e-mail or phone.
RUTH WELCH
Church Office Administrator
Hi Providence,
My name is Ruth Welch and I am so pleased and grateful to be joining you here at Providence. I have experience as the Church Administrator at a similarly sized Lutheran Church in Palmyra, PA.
As a recent arrival from Lancaster, Pa, I am eager to explore the Charlotte area and find new spots for hiking, gardening, and eating! Please stop by the office to meet, chat, and share exploration ideas. My first day in the church office will be Monday, December 2nd.
Be well,
Ruth
RUTH WELCH
Church Office Administrator
Hi Providence,
My name is Ruth Welch and I am so pleased and grateful to be joining you here at Providence. I have experience as the Church Administrator at a similarly sized Lutheran Church in Palmyra, PA.
As a recent arrival from Lancaster, Pa, I am eager to explore the Charlotte area and find new spots for hiking, gardening, and eating! Please stop by the office to meet, chat, and share exploration ideas. My first day in the church office will be Monday, December 2nd.
Be well,
Ruth
MUSIC STAFF
ALEX SIMS
Director of Music
Alex Sims is originally from Apex, NC and has been directing choirs in the Charlotte area since 2008. She developed her love of choral singing in church choir in high school as well as in the Apex High School choral program which led her to pursue her career as a choral director.
Alex earned her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in music education at UNCG and has been teaching chorus at the middle school and high school levels since 2008. She served as the music director at Morningstar Presbyterian Church from 2013 until 2024, playing services as well as leading and accompanying the adult choir. She directed the middle school choral program at Northwest School of the Arts then taught chorus for 10 years at Parkwood High School in Monroe. She was excited to return to CMS in 2022 as the choral director at Providence High School and enjoys leading such a large and active program. Alex was elected to the executive board of the North Carolina Music Educators’ Association in the high school choral section in 2019 and currently serves as chair-elect.
She enjoys participating in choral ensembles whenever possible and currently sings with both Caritas A Cappella and Inspirar. She and her husband Winston live in Indian Trail with their two young childfren.
ALEX SIMS
Director of Music
Alex Sims is originally from Apex, NC and has been directing choirs in the Charlotte area since 2008. She developed her love of choral singing in church choir in high school as well as in the Apex High School choral program which led her to pursue her career as a choral director.
Alex earned her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in music education at UNCG and has been teaching chorus at the middle school and high school levels since 2008. She served as the music director at Morningstar Presbyterian Church from 2013 until 2024, playing services as well as leading and accompanying the adult choir. She directed the middle school choral program at Northwest School of the Arts then taught chorus for 10 years at Parkwood High School in Monroe. She was excited to return to CMS in 2022 as the choral director at Providence High School and enjoys leading such a large and active program. Alex was elected to the executive board of the North Carolina Music Educators’ Association in the high school choral section in 2019 and currently serves as chair-elect.
She enjoys participating in choral ensembles whenever possible and currently sings with both Caritas A Cappella and Inspirar. She and her husband Winston live in Indian Trail with their two young childfren.
RON NICE
Organist / Pianist
Ron has been organist/pianist at Providence Presbyterian Church for over 20 years. He has been playing organ in churches since high school. While earning his master’s degree at Indiana University, Ron was Director of Music and Organist at Friedens United Church of Christ in Indianapolis.
Once he moved to the Charlotte area, Ron served as Organist at Albemarle Presbyterian Church, as Music Director at St. John Neumann Catholic Church and as Organist at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church. In 2003 Ron became Organist/Pianist at Providence Presbyterian Church.
A Philadelphia area native, Ron studied music at Temple University earning his bachelor’s degree in Music and Music Education. He went on to earn graduate music degrees (Master of Fine Arts in Organ) from The University of Florida and Indiana University. Ron is blessed with perfect pitch, an incredible music memory and sight-reading music skills, and is comfortable playing Bach and Beethoven or The Beatles and Bob Dylan. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Ron is a longtime member of The American Guild of Organists and of Phi Mu Alpha, an honorary music fraternity.
RONALD NICE
Organist / Pianist
Ron has been organist/pianist at Providence Presbyterian Church for over 20 years. He has been playing organ in churches since high school. While earning his master’s degree at Indiana University, Ron was Director of Music and Organist at Friedens United Church of Christ in Indianapolis.
Once he moved to the Charlotte area, Ron served as Organist at Albemarle Presbyterian Church, as Music Director at St. John Neumann Catholic Church and as Organist at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church. In 2003 Ron became Organist/Pianist at Providence Presbyterian Church.
A Philadelphia area native, Ron studied music at Temple University earning his bachelor’s degree in Music and Music Education. He went on to earn graduate music degrees (Master of Fine Arts in Organ) from The University of Florida and Indiana University. Ron is blessed with perfect pitch, an incredible music memory and sight-reading music skills, and is comfortable playing Bach and Beethoven or The Beatles and Bob Dylan. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Ron is a longtime member of The American Guild of Organists and of Phi Mu Alpha, an honorary music fraternity.
Youth & Children's Ministry Staff
SARAH CLARK
Children's Ministries
A native of Matthews, NC, Sarah Clark has always been drawn to working with children. Sarah graduated from UNCC with Honors in Elementary Education and a minor in History and Japanese. She met the love of her life in 6th grade, and after many many years of friendship married him 12 years later in 2005. She jumped straight into her teaching career, earning teacher of the year, and was selected to participate in CMS’s Talented Transfer Initiative. She was transferred to Title 1 schools as a model teacher, and teacher coach for 3 years, before welcoming her son. Her passion for equity and serving children of low-income areas, kept her in Title 1 schools until 2013, when she had her second son. She loved teaching, but at that time felt a calling towards giving her children undivided attention. As soon as her children were school ready, she started her Masters in Curriculum Development and Gifted Education. While working on her Masters, she worked at her son's preschool part-time and nannied part-time. She completed the Talented Education certification, and went back into teaching until 2021, when she had her daughter. She is now a Gifted Education, part-time teacher at CMS, and continues to serve underprivileged children in the TD program.
Sarah believes that children learn best through positive experiences, filled with movement, singing and hands-on activities. She believes in equity for all children, and strives to bring world awareness and empathy into her classroom and Sunday school curriculum. She is overwhelmed with joy and thankful for a position at PPC, that caters to her talents and satisfies her deep love for teaching, children and Jesus.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys dabbling in photography, walking, cooking meals with her sons, planning parties and events, boating on Lake Tillery, and watching movies with her husband once the children are in bed.
SARAH CLARK
Children's Ministries
A native of Matthews, NC, Sarah Clark has always been drawn to working with children. Sarah graduated from UNCC with Honors in Elementary Education and a minor in History and Japanese. She met the love of her life in 6th grade, and after many many years of friendship married him 12 years later in 2005. She jumped straight into her teaching career, earning teacher of the year, and was selected to participate in CMS’s Talented Transfer Initiative. She was transferred to Title 1 schools as a model teacher, and teacher coach for 3 years, before welcoming her son. Her passion for equity and serving children of low-income areas, kept her in Title 1 schools until 2013, when she had her second son. She loved teaching, but at that time felt a calling towards giving her children undivided attention. As soon as her children were school ready, she started her Masters in Curriculum Development and Gifted Education. While working on her Masters, she worked at her son's preschool part-time and nannied part-time. She completed the Talented Education certification, and went back into teaching until 2021, when she had her daughter. She is now a Gifted Education, part-time teacher at CMS, and continues to serve underprivileged children in the TD program.
Sarah believes that children learn best through positive experiences, filled with movement, singing and hands-on activities. She believes in equity for all children, and strives to bring world awareness and empathy into her classroom and Sunday school curriculum. She is overwhelmed with joy and thankful for a position at PPC, that caters to her talents and satisfies her deep love for teaching, children and Jesus.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys dabbling in photography, walking, cooking meals with her sons, planning parties and events, boating on Lake Tillery, and watching movies with her husband once the children are in bed.
Preschool Staff
THERESE GALLAGHER
Preschool Director
Therese Gallagher has 15 years of experience as an Early Childhood professional. She graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She began her career as a preschool teacher, working with children from birth to kindergarten before progressing to an Elementary Education setting after obtaining her teaching license. After years as a teacher, she transitioned into an Assistant Director in a child care in Charlotte, NC. As an administrator, Therese enjoys developing relationships with all of the children and their families and enjoys seeing the children’s smiling faces every morning!
Therese’s goals as Providence Presbyterian’s Preschool Director is to continue to create a warm, loving and inviting environment for all our families where children are able to succeed on all levels of development. She aims to continue the legacy of a successful program here at Providence Presbyterian Preschool.
Therese has lived in Charlotte, NC for the last twenty years but is originally from New York. She currently lives in the Lake Wylie area with her husband, two year old son Liam, and dog Scooter. In her free time she loves to travel with her family, spend time with good friends, try new restaurants, reading and staying active (she’s a Peloton addict). She has always had a passion for working with children and is excited to continue her endeavors.
THERESE GALLAGHER
Preschool Director
Therese Gallagher has 15 years of experience as an Early Childhood professional. She graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She began her career as a preschool teacher, working with children from birth to kindergarten before progressing to an Elementary Education setting after obtaining her teaching license. After years as a teacher, she transitioned into an Assistant Director in a child care in Charlotte, NC. As an administrator, Therese enjoys developing relationships with all of the children and their families and enjoys seeing the children’s smiling faces every morning!
Therese’s goals as Providence Presbyterian’s Preschool Director is to continue to create a warm, loving and inviting environment for all our families where children are able to succeed on all levels of development. She aims to continue the legacy of a successful program here at Providence Presbyterian Preschool.
Therese has lived in Charlotte, NC for the last twenty years but is originally from New York. She currently lives in the Lake Wylie area with her husband, two year old son Liam, and dog Scooter. In her free time she loves to travel with her family, spend time with good friends, try new restaurants, reading and staying active (she’s a Peloton addict). She has always had a passion for working with children and is excited to continue her endeavors.
