Welcome to our series that spotlights ministries of the NC Conference. Read about other conference ministries as these stories are published weekly.

Jo Drago

Jo Drago serves as a Certified Lay Minister at Moyock UMC. She has attended and been a member of Moyock UMC since 2011. She took the certification courses for Certified Lay Minister and was accepted in 2016. She has served on the District Committee on Ordained Ministry since 2016 and assisted pastors. She now assists Rev. Mary Frances McClure, the current pastor of Moyock UMC. Jo loves all kinds of animals, especially dogs and horses.

Certified Lay Minister, Moyock UMC

Jo serves as a pulpit fill for the Beacon District. She has been teaching Bible Study since 2016 and has approximately 10-12 people who attend. She leads the Older Adult group whose main purpose is to do outreach to the community. Their presence is known in the community by: yard and bakery fundraisers, gifting the Currituck Home at Christmas and July, assisting the Local Animal Shelter, Soup Ministry, Chili Contest, and Noisy Bucket where they use coins to make a joyful noise. Jo uses the EZ Worship program to set up worship presentations. She led a fundraiser for the Food Pantry’s furry friends at Tractor Supply. She served as office administrator and trustee in 2025. She served as project leader to coordinate all contracts to repair the daycare after a fire in 2024. They had a clothing ministry for four years, but she had to stop because of cancer surgery in 2018.

Loving Boldly, Serving Joyfully, Leading Courageously

Jo says, “Our mission is to accept everyone as they are and welcome all to the house of God. We know that we are the Hands and Feet of God, and try to be available for outreach opportunities in our community.”