The Rev. Gwyneth Arrison spent a busy Sunday morning on July 6 preaching at three churches and pulling together what is now the Lighthouse Cooperative Parish. She opened with the service at Peoples United Methodist Church at 8:30 a.m., moved on to the Thornton Heights UMC at 9:30, and finished with our service. She is now the full-time minister for all three churches.

Before Pastor Gwyneth arrived at our church, Lay Leader Steve Hill and Staff-Parish Relations Committee Chairperson Mark Braun led the beginning of our service. It was also the final Sunday for our choir before its much-deserved summer break.

After Pastor Gwyneth’s arrival, Mark led a liturgy to welcome our new minister and Jennifer Clark presented her with flowers and gifts from the congregation.

As is her style, Pastor Gwyneth stood at the front of the sanctuary and delivered her sermon, explaining that her message over the next eight weeks will be centered on the Apostles Creed. She explained that understanding the Creed “line by line” will help us to live out our faith more deeply and that “faith won’t be just words we read”.

“Today we begin a new journey together,” she told the congregation when she first arrived. “A new minister and a new cooperative parish.”

After the service, Pastor Gwyneth greeted many members of the congregation at the back of the sanctuary. An official “meet and greet” will be held on Sunday, July 13 after worship and will include a light lunch.

Welcome, Pastor Gwyneth!