January 1, 2009: New Organizational Structure
New Worship Scheudle & Organizational Structure begins with the New Year
The four United Methodist congregations on Martha's Vineyard will begin an entirely new worship schedule and organizational structure beginning January 1, 2009.
The three down island congregations, located in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven will unite into a single congregation, meeting on a rotating basis for the next three months. The church buildings are the Whaling Church in Edgartown, Trinity United Methodist Church on the campground in Oak Bluffs and the Christ United Methodist Church (the Stone Church) in Vineyard Haven.
Beginning next July the down Island congregation will be served by on full-time pastor. The congregation located in Chilmark will remain a separate entity served on a part-time basis. Sunday morning worships services will be held at 9:00 AM.
The consolidation comes about after a lengthy analysis conducted by representatives of the four churches. The task group concluded that membership numbers did not justify supporting two full-time clergy. The New England United Methodist Conference, to which the four congregations belong, has approved the reorganization.
In January, all parishioners of the three down-island churches will meet for church services at l0 AM in Christ Church (the Stone Church) in Vineyard Haven. Sunday School for children ages 3 to 11 will be held during worship service, and classes for children ages 11 and up will be held at the Trinity Parish House in Oak Bluffs at 11:30 AM every Sunday.
In February, church services Sunday school will be held at Edgartown United Methodist Church, the Whaling Church in Edgartown and in March, services and Sunday school will be held at Trinity Church in Oak Bluffs.
Following this trial period, one of the three churches will be selected as the central worship center and the two other churches will serve as satellite locations for special services. Serving the churches currently are the Rev. Susan Heafield and Pastor Richard Rego. If you would like more information about worship services or Sunday school please call 508.693.0589 or 508.645.3012.
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