ATHOL — Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church is pleased to welcome Stacey Hartford as their new pastor effective. Pastor Stacey comes to Athol from Hudson, where she was the Christian Education Superintendent at the First United Methodist Church for more than 13 years.
Recently anointed at the United Methodist New England Annual Conference as a Licensed Local Pastor, Pastor Stacey has been an active member of the church for more than 20 years. Starrett Memorial UMC is Hartford’s first official appointment.
“Everyone has been extremely welcoming to me and my family,” said Hartford. “The transition team has worked hard to get things ready for us, and we’re settling into the parsonage nicely. I am excited to see where God wants to take the church and His people.
“We have talked about some plans for the future, but at this point, we are getting to know one another and are in the process of discussing specifics,” Hartford said. “We know we want to be involved in the community, get more people, including young people, families and children involved with the church and have a more active social media presence, but the bottom line is the church is here to make disciples of Jesus Christ and meet people where they are on their journey.”
There are plans to participate in the Athol’s Fourth Fridays downtown street fair in August where Pastor Stacey and members of the church will be selling freshly made pies. This fall, the church will once again host their monthly suppers where guests will enjoy favorites like roast turkey and the classic New England boiled dinner.
Hartford is passionate about community, outreach, teaching, preaching, pastoral care, building relationships, and loving people of all backgrounds and ages. Look for her around town as she gets to know the area, supporting the football team at the high school where both of her sons will be attending, and at the church every Sunday morning. Pastor Stacey and the congregation look forward to an exciting season at Starrett Memorial UMC and invite anyone who is looking for a place to learn and grow in their faith and enjoy the Christian fellowship of others to join them this Sunday — or any Sunday — at 10:45 a.m.
Starrett Memorial UMC is located at 40 Island St. in downtown Athol. Parking is available in the lot behind the church (off Marble Street), in the municipal lot at the library and on the street. The building is accessible. Pastor Stacey can be reached during office hours at the church on Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., by calling 978-709-1736 or emailing PastorStaceyHartfordUMC@gmail.com.