(757) 488-8968 contact@cumc-va.com

Church Staff

Pastor Matt Martin

Pastor Matt Martin

I am originally from Indiana. If you ask me where I would call home, I would say pretty much the whole state of Indiana. I enjoy the northern part of Indiana such as Warsaw, Syracuse, and North Webster where the lakes are. Both my parents are pastors in the Indiana United Methodist Conference. I have a 1 brother and 1 sister. I am an Indianapolis Colts football fan. I graduated from High School in 1999 from Lakeland High School in Lagrange, Indiana.
 
In 2002, after trying various jobs, I decided to join the Navy and was a Religious Program Specialist. In 2014, I decided to get out of the Navy. I have been on Aircraft carriers, LHD’s and even in Iraq. I have been in Virginia since 2012. In 2013 Tabatha and I met and we were married in October 2015. In 2018, our daughter Mary was born on Mother’s Day. Recently, I took the deferred resignation program due to the uncertainty of the Federal Government. I have experience in supply, and in Financial Management. In 2023, I began ministry as a part time licensed local pastor. Covenant United Methodist Church is my first full time pastoral appointment.
The scripture verse I strive to live by is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.”
As I reflect on this new change and new journey, I am excited to be in ministry with you. I am excited to build relationships with you and excited to see what God has in store for the Covenant United Methodist Church family.
Jo Ann Fuller

Jo Ann Fuller

​Treasurer

Jo Ann was recently appointed to the role of Treasurer at Covenant after joining the church in 2022. She graduated from Murray State University in western Kentucky with an accounting degree, and subsequently attained CPA certification. She spent the last years of her career at Alabama Farmers Cooperative in Decatur, AL, and retired in 2019 from the role of Corporate Accounting Officer. After retirement, Jo Ann and her husband, Jerry, moved to Chesapeake to be near their son and his family. They have one child and one grandchild.

John E. Kanady

Church Organist/Pianist

John grew up in Cape May, NJ and attended Cape May United Methodist Church. John began piano lessons at the age of seven. By the age of 16, he shared his talents with the Sunday School program at his church. Upon graduating high school, he assisted in musical worship during Summer church services. After studying the organ, he played during the early service at Cape May UMC. He studied Music Education for 2 years at Glassboro State College in NJ. John had a 25-year truck driving career which hindered his ability to play. He is currently the manager in the Suffolk terminal of Houff Transfer Inc. John and his wife Michele walked through the doors of Covenant United Methodist Church in April 2016 and became members on October 8, 2017. John began playing the organ at Covenant UMC in the Summer of 2017; and he is now the organist and pianist each week for the Traditional service. John and Michele have 5 wonderful children and 5 beautiful grandchildren.

Sandy Ditman

​Minister of Music

Sandy and her husband, Dave, joined the Covenant family in 2002 after moving to the area from Connecticut. Sandy has been singing and participating in music worship for as long as she can remember. She holds a Bachelors’ of Science in Vocal Performance and Accounting from Albion College in Albion, Michigan and a Masters in Performing Arts Management from Brooklyn College in Brooklyn , New York. Sandy currently is the Regional Director of Finance for Global Spectrum and works out of the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach. In her “free” time, she performs with the Virginia Choral Society in Newport News. She and Dave have been blessed with two girls, Emma and Lily.

Bio Coming Soon

Administrative Assistant