When did you join the staff and what is your position?
I was appointed by the Bishop in summer 2021 to serve as Associate Pastor. This is my first appointment after graduating from seminary in May 2021 and I could not be more thrilled to be a part of this community.

Where did you go to school?
I attended Belmont University in Nashville, TN for undergrad and majored in Biblical Studies with a minor in Biblical Languages. While at Belmont, I was heavily involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and served as a youth pastor at a local United Methodist Church. Most recently, I earned my Master of Divinity at Duke Divinity School.

Do you have family?
I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, where my parents and one of my two sisters still live. I also have a new family here in North Carolina: my fiancé, Matthew, who is a Wilmington native, and his family. Matt and I met at Duke Divinity School and are now both United Methodist pastors. We are currently planning our wedding which will be in March of 2022.

When did you decide to be a pastor?
I first felt a call to pastoral ministry while attending a United Methodist summer camp when I was 15. This was a surprise to me and my family since just weeks before I was taking steps to pursue fashion design! However, as soon as I heard God’s call, it felt like all the pieces fell into place and I could hardly believe I hadn’t always wanted to be a pastor. The advice I received from a mentor at that time was, “it is easier for God to redirect a moving object, so start moving in the direction you believe you are called and wait to be redirected.” That is exactly what I have been doing since! It has been a privilege to see how God has continued to guide me on the path towards ordained ministry since that moment.

What is your favorite part of being a pastor at WUMC?
As I was praying about receiving my first appointment after graduation, I asked God to send me to a “vital, vibrant congregation.” I could not have imagined just how perfectly these two words would describe the community of Wrightsville UMC! I have been inspired by the passion this congregation has for serving God’s people. I love that this is a congregation of people who long to follow Jesus more closely and who are eager to roll up their sleeves to help usher in God’s kingdom. Deep roots, bountiful fruit indeed!

pastorjulia@wrightsvilleumc.org

910-782-9607