The community is invited to attend the installation service of Pastor Bonnie Simerly to serve as pastor to the United Church of Wayland at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 30, at the church, 411 E. Superior St.
The service will be officiated by the. Rev. Eugene James, regional minister of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ.
Simerly graduated from Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky. Her first position was as a hospital chaplain which she held until she was called in 2012 to serve as pastor at Grace Disciples of Christ Church in Covington, La., near New Orleans. The church and its congregation was heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina and never fully recovered.
Prior to serving in the ministry, she was educated as a social worker, holding positions in that field as well as a health care administrator. She had a private practice in psychotherapy for many of those years.
Originally from Michigan, Bonnie earned her undergraduate degree at Adrian College and she said is delighted to be returning to her roots. She still has one family member living in the Detroit area.
The United Church of Wayland came into being when two old and established congregations), the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) combined on June 14, 1970. By 1974 the thriving congregation was ready to build, and the first worship service in the new building was held on Feb. 2, 1975.
The ecumenical flavor of the United Church of Wayland continues to be sustained and the church welcomes persons from all denominational backgrounds and wherever they are on life’s journey. Everyone is welcome in worship and at the Communion Table, which is served every Sunday.
The United Church of Wayland is an Open and Affirming congregation, meaning that they have publicly declared that all of those of all sexual orientation and gender identities are welcome in the full life and ministry of the church. The mission of the church strongly supports God’s call to serve one another in outreach and love.
PHOTO: The Rev. Bonnie Simerly
So glad that open and affirming is now explained specifically regarding sexual orientations. I wish this were more universally practiced.