Our little, loving church has been here for nearly two centuries, welcoming and serving residents of the Winslow community and beyond. We have been a precious place to many for hosting worship, Christian education, family and fellowship gatherings, savory feasts, special events and more.
But we have also engaged in ministries to help others near and far with our friendship, funding and volunteer support. Why? Because such outreach is motivated by our love and our faith as devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
We respond to that gift of God’s grace by learning and practicing Discipleship—that is, becoming disciples of Jesus Christ who, with the help of God's Holy Spirit, learn, follow and share with others Christ's teachings and His good news that promises us all abundant life and eternal salvation through him.
Our mission as United Methodists is to "Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World." We pursue that mission by nurturing our faith in God and our love for others through spiritual and social ministries. Our ministries manifest our key values of righteous living, resilient hopefulness and resolute joy no matter what challenges we face in life.
The Winslow Methodist Society was established in rural Winslow Township in 1833 and led for years by the Rev. Edwin Stout, a dedicated pastor who initially held worship and offered Christian teaching in members’ homes and open fields before the church began using a small schoolhouse near its current site.
Winslow erected its building in 1840 and became a Methodist Episcopal church in the old Gloucester Circuit in 1842. That circuit once included the Blue Anchor (also known as Grace Union) and Elm Methodist churches.
The Hay family deeded land for the Winslow Church and contributed much to its ministry, including a cemetery that is still a significant asset to the church and its community. The first minister’s $600 yearly salary was raised by soliciting donations door-to-door from neighbors and from employee payroll deductions at the Winslow Glass Works.
The Winslow Church closed during World War I but reopened after the war in 1919. Over the years the church has been led by many committed pastors and laity. It erected a fellowship hall and grew in faith and witness to Christ through Sunday schools and special worship and outreach ministries.
The church nurtured many members, of all ages, in developing their faith, fellowship and witness for Christ through Christian education--including Sunday schools, the Epworth League, youth ministries, and women's and men's organizations. It has also sponsored scholarships for youth and supported education in neighboring schools through its generous outreach.
Wendy was born and raised in the Sweetwater area. She dedicated her life to public service and worked as an EMT. She became a lay servant 10 plus years ago as she felt she was being called to do something but wasn’t sure. She was very active on the Ignite Squad for many years. She is the co-leader of the youth group and helps run their thriving food pantry at Grace Union. She became a Certified Lay Minister in 2023 and has served in her home church and filled in when asked at local churches. Pastor Wendy's first appointment was at Weymouth UMC. Now she had been appointed to Grace Union UMC and Winslow UMC and is looking forward to where the Lord is leading her.
Winslow United Methodist Church is led by its pastor and a cadre of capable, committed lay leadership who love to serve God, their church and its members. They include: Craig James, Lay Leader and Lead Trustee; Patricia Ward, Financial Secretary; Nadine O'Neil, Treasurer; Florence Erwin and Theresa Colligon.