Grace and peace be with you in the name of Jesus Christ.

After prayerful conversation and discernment, we are writing to share that Rev. Gwyneth Arrison will be stepping down as pastor of Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church effective July 1, 2026. The decision has been reached mutually, after much discussion and prayer, among the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), our District Superintendent, Arlene Tully, and Pastor Gwyneth. The news was shared May 3 in worship by our SPRC Chair, Mark Braun, together with Pastor Gwyneth.

Sometimes faithful people work hard, care deeply, and yet a particular season of ministry is simply not the right fit. Even before this appointment began, there was understandable concern and unrest surrounding the sharing of one pastor among three churches. That reality created challenges from the beginning. But we also want to be clear that this is not about blame.

Along the way, mistakes have been made by all parties, within the church, by the pastor, and by the conference. Yet as followers of Christ, we are called not to remain stuck in disappointment or division, but to move forward in forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation. That is our sincere hope for this congregation and for all involved.

We also want to acknowledge that there have been genuine blessings during these past 10 months. Most especially, a stronger and closer relationship among the Lighthouse Churches Cooperative Parish. We believe those connections have grown more quickly and intentionally during this season of shared pastoral ministry, and we are grateful for that progress. Our prayer is that these connections will continue to grow between Cape, Peoples, Thornton Heights and Evergreen United Methodist Churches.

Looking ahead, Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church will move forward with teams of dedicated lay leadership who care deeply for this church and its future. The District Superintendent will also continue exploring possibilities for pastoral leadership, including a half-time appointment, though such opportunities may be less likely given current realities.

Pastor Gwyneth will continue to serve CEUMC until July 1 as she has been and invites anyone to contact her to talk or meet together. Beginning July 1, Pastor Gwyneth will continue serving Peoples United Methodist Church and Thornton Heights United Methodist Church in a reduced appointment.

We realize the reaction to this news will vary widely among the congregation. But we all hope to move forward serving Christ in this community. Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church has many faithful people, many gifts, and much potential for the future.

Feel free to contact any member of the Staff Parish Relations Committee if you would like to talk about this decision or how you can assist in this transition. And please join in praying for healing where needed, wisdom for the days ahead, and renewed hope for the mission God still has for this church.

In Christ’s Love,

Mark Braun, SPRC Chair, Gwyneth Arrison, Pastor

Staff Parish Relations Committee: Mark Braun (chair), Steve Hill (Lay Leader), Linda Greer (Lay Leader to Annual Conference), Bob Knupp, Carol Malloy, Jen Amoroso, Linda McKay, Rev. Gwyneth Arrison (pastor)