Pastor Gwyneth announced on Sunday, March 22 that she and her family have decided to take a year’s rest from ministry. As of July 1, 2015, the Merrimacport United Methodist Church will be receiving a new pastor, who will be appointed by the Bishop and cabinet, the denomination’s leadership in New England. You can listen to her announcement at this link.  You can also read her letter below:

March 22, 2015

Dear Church Family, Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. It is certainly grace and peace that we will all need in the coming months. Today I will make an announcement that not only impacts my own ministry and family, but all of you as well who have journeyed with me these last four years. Jamie and I, after much wrestling in prayer, discussion with our family and discernment with Christian friends and mentors, have decided to take a year’s rest from ministry. As of July 1, Merrimacport United Methodist Church will be receiving a new pastor, who will be appointed by the Bishop and cabinet, the denomination’s leadership in New England. There are many factors that have gone into this decision. But both of us need some time, for different reasons, apart from ministry to discern where God is calling us. Jamie has been wrestling with this possibility for a while. Only recently have I come to realize that God may also be calling me to another form of ministry, but I don’t yet have any clear vision for this. The hardest part of this decision for me is how much I love serving as your pastor in Merrimacport. We have had a very fruitful four years of ministry together. I’ve also grown quite fond of all of you; leaving will be extremely difficult. But the busyness of everyday ministry has not allowed me the space to discern whether God is calling me in another direction. In seminary I dreamed of becoming a seminary professor, which would require a Ph.D. I’ve also dreamed of doing some writing; maybe publishing a book. I’ve dreamed of ways to revitalize a larger number of churches through various renewal ministries. I’ve dreamed of ways my art skills could be used in ministry. I’ve also dreamed of delving into a justice ministry; as you know sexual exploitation and human trafficking are issues for which I feel much passion. Or it’s possible God will call me right back into pastoring a local church or planting a new church. You can see why I need some time of rest to hear God’s call in the midst of so many possibilities. Yet another factor has been my own health. My chronic back issues have become consistently worse. I realize now that both the shoulder and ankle tendon issues last year were caused from the spine issues. I’m hoping some intentional rest can provide time for healing and more intense physical therapy. Another factor in this decision is our children. Within the United Methodist system, it’s more and more likely each year that we will be appointed to another set of churches somewhere in New England. And as you can imagine, the Methodist system of moving pastors is stressful on children. We sense God’s call at this time to focus on our family’s health, and will likely home school at least some of the kids wherever we end up. This would also allow more flexibility in schedule for foreign mission trips and educational travel. I’m sure you are wondering at this point where we will go. The short answer is we don’t know! But if we don’t find a place to live right away this summer we’re very blessed to have our camp in Bridgton if we need some cushion. I’ll let you know when I know! In my pastoral epistles over the next few months I plan to share more about this change and how we can navigate our remaining time together so that the church here continues to flourish and grow in fruitfulness. The Bishop and cabinet have begun searching for a pastor with gifts that fit Merrimacport. Within the next month or two, our SPRC (Staff Parish Relations Committee) will meet that pastor who will then be announced the following Sunday in worship. I will do all I can to facilitate a smooth transition, and will be sharing more about how you can help this transition too! I ask you for your prayers for Jamie and me, as well as our children. I also ask you to begin praying for your new pastor! All of the unknowns are scary, but also exciting. God is at work powerfully at the Port Church and I’m confident you will continue to bear lasting fruit together. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Gwyneth