New Beginnings United Methodist Church
Welcoming Elmira with God’s grace, growing together in faith, and serving our community with love.
Life is a Journey...
Don't Walk Alone
God loves broken people because broken people are the only kind there are. At New Beginnings Methodist Church in Elmira NY, we recognize that every person is flawed and we all have a common need: Jesus Christ. There's a place for you here.
We have ministries for every stage of life at New Beginnings Church.
You are never alone at New Beginnings Church.
We are located in Elmira, NY.
ABOUT US
We are a warm, family-friendly church made up of people from all walks of life, many of us grandparents and longtime friends, who are learning together how to put the teachings of Jesus into practice in our everyday lives.
Whether you’re raising young children, new to faith, or just looking for a place to belong, you are welcome here. Our mission is to know Christ and to make Him known. Come grow with us!
Our New Pastor
It is my joy to share with you that Bishop Hector Burgos-Nunez has appointed Amber Gregory to be the new pastor of New Beginnings United Methodist Church as of July 1, 2026.
Amber is a native of upstate NY and was raised in Endicott, NY. She received her BS in applied Social Science from BU in 1993, right after high school, then spent the next 31 years owning and operating a successful movie theater in Endicott. With the changes that the COVID pandemic brought to the movie industry, her beloved theater closed in August 2023. God was calling and Amber applied to Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, NJ. She was awarded an 85% merit scholarship for the social justice work she was doing and continues to do.
Amber is a two time published author. Little Sweetheart, a memoir and her first book, was published in 2019. Her second book, Learning to Be Loved, was published on Amazon at the end of 2025. In addition to ministry, Amber has a passion for foster children and parents, and for children and families that must work through the devastating effects of child abuse. She regularly gives presentations to raise awareness of both topics. Amber was given her first appointment with the United Methodist Church in July 2024 at Cherry Valley and Van Hornesville UMCs. Amber is very excited to be graduating from Drew this May with her Master of Theology and Ministry. She is pursuing ordination as a Deacon at this time though she has begun to wonder if her call will be to the work of an Elder. In either case, Amber is excited about her first full time appointment to New Beginnings UMC.
Amber will work with New Beginnings and the conference so that we continue to nurture disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Bishop Burgos-Nunez, Pastor Richelle Goff our District Superintendent, and the Upper New York Conference leaders will work with us to continue growing as a congregation. I know you will join our bishop, our new pastor, and me in helping to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Please join me in praying for Amber.
Amy White
SPRC chair
Amber is a native of upstate NY and was raised in Endicott, NY. She received her BS in applied Social Science from BU in 1993, right after high school, then spent the next 31 years owning and operating a successful movie theater in Endicott. With the changes that the COVID pandemic brought to the movie industry, her beloved theater closed in August 2023. God was calling and Amber applied to Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, NJ. She was awarded an 85% merit scholarship for the social justice work she was doing and continues to do.
Amber is a two time published author. Little Sweetheart, a memoir and her first book, was published in 2019. Her second book, Learning to Be Loved, was published on Amazon at the end of 2025. In addition to ministry, Amber has a passion for foster children and parents, and for children and families that must work through the devastating effects of child abuse. She regularly gives presentations to raise awareness of both topics. Amber was given her first appointment with the United Methodist Church in July 2024 at Cherry Valley and Van Hornesville UMCs. Amber is very excited to be graduating from Drew this May with her Master of Theology and Ministry. She is pursuing ordination as a Deacon at this time though she has begun to wonder if her call will be to the work of an Elder. In either case, Amber is excited about her first full time appointment to New Beginnings UMC.
Amber will work with New Beginnings and the conference so that we continue to nurture disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Bishop Burgos-Nunez, Pastor Richelle Goff our District Superintendent, and the Upper New York Conference leaders will work with us to continue growing as a congregation. I know you will join our bishop, our new pastor, and me in helping to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Please join me in praying for Amber.
Amy White
SPRC chair
Upcoming Events
Messy Church
Messy Church will be Saturday August 8 from 5-7 I would like to highlight- a few things- It will be based on the book:
This Zoo Is Not for You by Ross Collins is a funny, rhyming picture book about a little platypus who visits a zoo holding interviews. The resident animals judge him for his looks and lack of tricks, telling him he does not belong, only to realize he actually came to invite them to a party. The theme is belonging.
Free food, faith, games, crafts
Nursery attendant available.
This Zoo Is Not for You by Ross Collins is a funny, rhyming picture book about a little platypus who visits a zoo holding interviews. The resident animals judge him for his looks and lack of tricks, telling him he does not belong, only to realize he actually came to invite them to a party. The theme is belonging.
Free food, faith, games, crafts
Nursery attendant available.
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22–23
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