Our Pastor
Pastor Gwyneth serves half-time at the Thornton Heights UMC and began this appointment in September 2022. She believes that the heart of our church is helping each other grow closer to God in a vital relationship with Jesus Christ through worshipping together, learning together, having fun together, serving in the community together, and caring for one another as God’s family.
Gwyneth (she/her) lives in Freeport with her husband, Jamie (he/him) and child, Alex (they/them) who is a sophomore in high school. Gwyneth is passionate about following Jesus and living life to the fullness that God intends for us. She plays bassoon in a number of local groups, makes her own cards from paintings she’s done, enjoys photography, hiking, cross-country skiing, sailing and kayaking. Gwyneth has two other children in college, Micah who is a senior at Colorado College and Dena who is a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University.
Gwyneth feels blessed to serve as our pastor and prays, “that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:17-19)
Gwyneth is frequently at the church building but recommends scheduling an appointment before coming in. You can email Gwyneth or reach her on her cell at 449-5010.
Our Lay Leader
Teena Zimmerman is our Thornton Heights United Methodist Church Lay Leader. The lay leader is the primary representative and role model of Christian discipleship and faith lived out in the church and in daily life. The lay leader works with the pastor to fulfill the mission and vision of the congregation. Every new lay leader brings unique gifts to the congregation; Teena is especially gifted in encouragement, compassion, and administration and she works full-time as a Psychologist at Sweetsir.
Our Staff
Secretary – Sue Mitchell has served as the church secretary since 2015. She manages the administrative work of the church such as mailings, worship bulletins, church email and nametags. Sue’s office hours are Tuesday and Thursday 9 am -3 pm and is happy to help in any way she can. She is often accompanied by her adorable pup, Shadow. Sue can be reached at the church office at 774-0487 or by Email.
Music Minister & Choir Director – Ida Santos has served as our Interim music minister since Fall 2022. Ida is a senior at the University of Southern Maine and has been a tremendous gift to our congregation during her short stay.
Audio-Visual Tech – Ryan Phipps has served as our A/V Tech during worship since December 2022. Ryan is a sophomore at South Portland High School.
Custodian – Mary Link has served as our Custodian since Fall 2022 and always with a smile!