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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 27, 2024 CONTACT INFORMATION: Rev. David Arruda Rev. Jill Colley Robinson [email protected] [email protected] 508-207-3117 978-682-7676 Rev. Jay Voorhees [email protected] 615-310-6530 United Methodists Invest in Montpelier Church and Community [Montpelier, VT] One year ago, the Trinity United Methodist Church in Montpelier, VT was awash in activity. Taking seriously the call to love their neighbors, Trinity had a heart for those who struggled to make ends meet – the poor, the homeless, and anyone who was struggling and in need. The church hosted Montpelier’s Food Shelf and a weekly meal to help those who were food insecure, and they operated a “pay as you can” thrift store for those with limited incomes. And then the rains came . . . Like many businesses, churches, and homes in downtown Montpelier, the church on Main Street was in the middle of the raging rivers that overwhelmed the city. The church basement that housed the services they offered was underwater. As the waters receded it became clear that the work of recovery – both for the church and the surrounding community – would require leadership with a unique set of skills. This past February, Bishop Peggy Johnson, leader of the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, appointed Rev. David Arruda as the interim pastor at Trinity. A native New Englander, Arruda had a successful career in business before he sensed a calling to ministry. In addition to pastoring a church in Massachusetts, Arruda also serves as Disaster Response Coordinator for the New England Conference and is responsible for all the denomination’s assistance throughout the region. “Despite the considerable devastation caused by the flooding at Trinity UMC and throughout the state, the resilience and fortitude of the people is truly remarkable,” said Arruda. “The art of disaster recovery lies in envisioning a future beyond the current state of affairs and igniting a spark of hope. By extending a helping hand, offering direction and providing hope, we can ensure that Trinity and all of Vermont are not merely restored to their former state but rather are elevated to their full potential.” Arruda quickly established a presence in the area and helped the Trinity Church to assess the damage and begin thinking about the congregation’s future. Currently, the congregation is limited in what space is available to them, and there are ongoing evaluations regarding how much of the existing building can be restored. While Arruda’s appointment addressed the immediate crisis needs, it was also clear that Trinity and Montpelier needed someone with experience in crisis management and services with the poor and marginalized for the longer term. Recently, Bishop Johnson announced her intention to appoint Rev. Jay Voorhees from Nashville, TN as the pastor at Trinity, along with the Grace UMC in Plainfield and the Northfield United Methodist Parish in Northfield. In 2010, Voorhees led a congregation in a community severely affected by flooding throughout Nashville. In working to help his neighbors, he partnered with others to found Southeast Nashville Flood Recovery which coordinated the work of hundreds of volunteers and repaired over 300 homes. Voorhees’s current church, City Road Chapel, has worked to address the needs of the large population of those experiencing homelessness in their community, operating a homeless resource center, residential transitional living programs for individuals and families, and a monthly free dinner for the community. “United Methodists have been engaged in faithful acts of justice and mercy in Montpelier for over 200 years,” said Rev. Jill Colley Robinson, the Green Mountain District Superintendent. “The Trinity Church is a landmark of love for all people in the community. Knowing that expressions of this church’s care are needed now more than ever in the wake of the floods of 2023, we place our trust in Pastors Arruda and Voorhees to bring their passions, their expertise, and their unique skills to the recovery work that is happening now and the ministry that will be needed in the future.” Voorhees recognizes the challenges ahead. “Of course, I have a lot to learn about life in Vermont and I’m excited about coming to such an amazing place,” he said.” “Churches and the broader community were still in the throes of recovering from a pandemic, and having a disaster like the one here adds to the struggle. Recovery doesn’t happen quickly, but when we come together, I’m always amazed at the new life that arises from the ashes.” Voorhees will become the pastor on July 1, but Arruda isn’t going away. He will continue to offer leadership in flood recovery throughout the region and was recently selected to be the project manager for recovery efforts in the Northeast Kingdom. For more information on Trinity United Methodist Church, visit https://www.trinityvt.org/
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