About Us
Pastor Amber
Pastor Amber is a native of upstate NY and was raised in Endicott, NY. She received her BS in applied Social Science from Binghamton University in 1993, right after high school, then spent the next 31 years owning and operating a successful movie theater in Endicott, NY. 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. Pastor Amber completed her MATM at Drew in May 2026. She is in the ordination process and hopes to be commissioned in 2027 and ordained in 2029.
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.
Our Vision and Mission
The vision of New Beginnings UMC is “to be a welcoming community where God’s mercies are new every day, lives are transformed by Christ, and disciples share His love with Elmira and the world.”
The mission of New Beginnings UMC is “to create an oasis where God’s grace enables disciples to transform the world”
Our Story
New Beginnings United Methodist Church has a long, rich heritage of faith in Elmira. Our roots trace back to the early circuit riders of the 1790s and the first Methodist congregations that gathered here in the 1800s. Over the years, faithful Methodists built churches, endured floods and fires, and continued to proclaim the gospel with passion and perseverance.
In 1968, several congregations merged to form Christ United Methodist Church, while Centenary UMC continued to serve on the southside. By the early 2000s, the two churches prayerfully began conversations about joining together for the sake of mission and community. On March 11, 2007, Christ UMC and Centenary UMC merged to create New Beginnings UMC.
A new chapter opened on February 14, 2010, when the congregation celebrated its first worship service at our current home on East Miller Street. From that day forward, we have carried a simple mission: to create an oasis where God’s grace enables disciples to transform the world. At New Beginnings UMC, we honor the past while embracing fresh expressions of God’s mercy and grace. We believe every day is a chance to experience the hope of new beginnings in Jesus Christ.
Through the Years
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“I set you loose.”
John Wesley commissions Francis Asbury to the American colonies, sparking Methodist growth that reached Elmira.
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First Circuit Rider
William Colbert preaches near Elmira; his journal captures both bold faith and rough frontier crowds.
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First Methodist Society
Early Methodists organize in Newtown (Elmira) and hold spirited services despite opposition.
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Hedding Church Dedicated
A second congregation forms west of the canal, later opening a new building in 1901.
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Centenary Church Founded
Southside Methodists raise a new brick church, marking 100 years of Methodism in America.
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United Methodist Merger
The Methodist and United Brethren Churches merge, leading to Christ UMC in Elmira.
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New Beginnings Formed
Christ UMC and Centenary UMC merge to pursue disciple-making together.
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Grand Opening
New Beginnings UMC celebrates its opening service on Miller Street.