About Us
Pastor Holly
Dr. Holly Strickland brings her vibrant spirit and profound dedication to her role as pastor at New Beginnings Methodist Church in Elmira, NY. With a deep-rooted passion for fostering spiritual growth and community engagement, Dr. Strickland embraces her ministry as a catalyst for positive change. Her leadership at New Beginnings is characterized by a heartfelt commitment to nurturing a welcoming environment where individuals from all walks of life can explore and strengthen their faith journeys.
At the heart of Dr. Strickland's ministry is a belief in the transformative power of faith and community. Through her compassionate pastoral care and engaging sermons, she encourages congregants to discover God's love and purpose for their lives. Dr. Strickland is dedicated to guiding the New Beginnings community in embodying the principles of love, inclusivity, and service, making a meaningful impact both within the church and throughout Elmira, NY.
Pastor Anne
Pastor Anne serves as Co-Pastor of New Beginnings United Methodist Church, bringing a deep love for helping people discover fresh expressions of faith in their daily lives. With a heart for teaching, mentoring, and spiritual formation, she has led groups such as Companions in Christ and The Way of Blessedness, guiding people to grow in their walk with Jesus through prayer, Bible study, and practical discipleship. Pastor Anne is especially passionate about creating safe and welcoming spaces where all can experience God’s grace and discover how to live as disciples in today’s world.
She also brings a spirit of innovation to ministry, encouraging the congregation to reimagine what it means to be church in the Elmira community. Whether leading worship, facilitating small groups, or helping New Beginnings UMC explore new opportunities like Messy Church and Greenhouse Days, Pastor Anne’s vision is rooted in the belief that God’s mercies are new every day. She invites others to join her in living out that truth with hope, creativity, and a commitment to sharing Christ’s love.
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.