Pastor Sharon is a Commissioned Deacon in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference.  She is a New Jersey native, a lifelong United Methodist, and the granddaughter of a United Methodist pastor.  She has a BA in Music from Wellesley College, a Master of Music in Historical Musicology from Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana, and a M.Div. from Drew University Theological School.

If Sharon seems familiar, it’s because she served at the Chatham UMC from 1997-1999, first as a Student Pastor while a seminarian, then as Church School Director.  She’s thrilled to be back to again serve among the people of the Chatham United Methodist Church!  Pastor Sharon has a passion for helping others to grow in faith through practicing Christian spiritual disciplines; engaging in Bible study and holy conversation; caring for others; and serving those in need in the local and global communities.

In addition to her time at CUMC, Pastor Sharon has served in the areas of Christian Education/Formation (for all ages) and Congregational Care ministries with the Niantic Community Church (a federated UCC/UMC congregation) in Connecticut, and with the Morristown, Union Village, and Succasunna United Methodist churches in New Jersey.  She has also served as a Chaplain at a psychiatric hospital and community hospitals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Sharon met her husband, Ron, at a weekly young-adult Bible Study affiliated with the Madison UMC.  Ron is employed as Vice President for Business Development for Solvias, Inc., a Swiss company that provides research services to the pharmaceutical industry.  Ron has also enjoyed serving churches through teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and playing the flute.  Sharon and Ron have a son, Nathanael (age 16), and a daughter, Miriam (age 12).  The Yargers also have a cocker spaniel, a cat, and three fish.  They live in Morris Plains, and in their spare time enjoy being at the beach, traveling, and visiting with family near and far.