Dan Koger, Pastor
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Dan joined the church staff as our Associate Pastor in August, 2003. He served in that position until the church called him as our Pastor in September, 2016. He previously served churches in Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. A Virginia native, Dan met his wife, Leslie, in college. Leslie works at Western Branch Primary School. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.
Dan on the church: “I believe that the church is human and divine, sometimes imperfect; at its best, the hope of the world. My dream is that our church will continue to grow into who God wants us to be and what God wants us to do in this time and place, as we provide the welcoming Light and Love of Christ.” Dan on his vocation as a pastor: “One of the best parts of ministry for me is when I am walking alongside people as they experience a God-sighting. This is an “ah ha” moment when they are aware of God’s presence, in all kinds of situations, regardless of the circumstances. Such an awareness is part of the ongoing spiritual journey, and it brings me joy to share that journey.” Dan graduated from Averett College in Danville, VA (B.A. in Religious Studies), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY (Master of Divinity in Religious Education; Doctor of Education). He is also a part of the coaching faculty for Leadership in Ministry (associated with the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Seminary in Decatur, GA). He enjoys reading, cycling, and photography. Having grown up 30 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, he also enjoys hiking, as time (and his knees!) allow. |
Timothy Price, Director of Music/Organist
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Timothy D. Price, a native of Goldsboro, NC, began studying piano at an early age with Anita Poland, then organ with Marshalle Lewis. He is a graduate of East Carolina University with degrees in Sacred Music and Organ Performance. As a student, Timothy sang with the ECU Chamber Singers, an award-winning collegiate choir that recorded two CDs with the Gothic record label.
Timothy has traveled throughout New England playing our country's finest instruments, in addition to the organs of many renowned cathedrals in Germany, France, Spain, England, and Italy. He has served as the musical director for several churches during his career, as well as for eight Broadway musical productions at Center Stage and StageStruck Theatre companies. Timothy is an experienced handbell ringer and has performed and recorded with the renowned Raleigh Ringers (NC). As a collaborative pianist and vocalist with the Outer Banks Chorus (Outer Banks, NC), Timothy recently participated in a multi-city concert tour of Italy, culminating in accompanying mass on the historic pipe organ at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. In 2017, Timothy earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and currently teaches sixth grade English at Western Branch Middle School in Chesapeake, VA. |
Jeff Joyner, Pianist
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Jeff holds a degree in vocal performance/music education from ODU, and has done graduate work at CNU, ODU, and Appalachian State University. Retired after 32 years as a choral music teacher in the Newport News Public Schools, he has served numerous area churches as music director, organist, pianist, and/or soloist over the past 40+ years. Jeff has sung with the Virginia Opera Chorus for many years and has appeared as tenor soloist for groups such as Symphonicity and the Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble, as well as having performed over 70 roles in community and professional musical theater productions throughout the area. He is delighted to return to CBC, the church where he grew up, and to the choir in which it was his privilege to sing during high school and college.
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Linda Armenia, Secretary
Email Linda (office)
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Born in Buffalo, NY, Linda Armenia came to our church in August 2023 after relocating to Portsmouth to be closer to her daughter, Sandy. Her late husband, Richard, was a nondenominational pastor who retired from fulltime ministry in 2005. In addition to her roles supporting various ministries, Linda worked in finance for much of her life, retiring in 2023.
At CBC, you'll find Linda working hard to manage our finances, as well as other church administration responsibilities. In her off time, Linda enjoys personal Bible study, art (painting), and crafting. If you call or stop by our church, hers is the friendly face that will greet you. |
Neal Griffin, Facilities Manager
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Neal is a lifelong member of CBC. His family's connection to this congregation dates back at least three generations. He became our church's full time facilities manager in January 2026, where he manages building use and maintenance, as well as our historic grave yard.
He has been married to his wife, Amy, for 20 years, and enjoys spending time with his six grandchildren. He has a passion for serving individuals in our community struggling with addiction. Neal enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking and camping. |
