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.

Messy Church will be Saturday September 12th from 5:00pm-7:00pm 

Come join us in celebrating Grandparent's Day with a play date of fun and games; Thursday September 10th from 11:00 am- 12:30 pm.

It's national grandparents month and our little ones are going back to school!  Join us for a special children's time where we bless the backpacks!!  The children will be invited to enjoy crafts during the rest of worship.  At noon the ice-cream truck will be ready and ringing the bell for anyone who wants a free ice cream as we celebrate grandparents, children, God, and our many blessings!!  Rain or shine!

Rain or shine, on the lawn or in the gym!  You can also bring a picture of your pet as well.  This interfaith event is hosted by United Baptist church and New Beginnings United Methodist Church, but many churches and  denominations will be there.  Don't go to church? No worries, all are welcome to participate in the special blessing of our animal friends who are so dear to us.  We are all part of God's creation.  Let's honor our pets with this special blessing.