Welcoming a Newcomer to the East Side

Emily Penfield From the Pastor

The Rev. Henry Gibson has been appointed, by Bishop Wallace-Padgett, to plant a new ministry in the Roebuck area. With the appointment, Henry will relate to 4 East Birmingham churches: Center Point, East Lake, Huffman and Woodlawn.  Some of you will remember Henry when they came to preach a few years ago.  Henry has been the pastor of Eulaton and Clay UMCs and most recently the associate pastor at Highlands UMC.

We are crafting what it means for Henry to “relate” to 4 churches  – but most of it will be  engaging in ministry to the east side of Birmingham.  Henry will be at Woodlawn every 3rd Sunday and will assist in worship leadership and other roles and of course join us for our covered-dish lunch.  Occasionally, they will preach and be a part of our outreach endeavors.

Henry uses the pronouns they and them.  They identify as pan-sexual and will help us understand what that means and how we can be inclusive of those of non-binary genders and sexualities.  Henry is married to Maggie, who is a licensed counselor and will start working in September at Pitts and Associates.  The first Sunday they’ll be with us is August 21st.  Join me in welcoming Henry and Maggie to Woodlawn!

Peace,

Emily