The Rev. Kyle Carnes has been named pastor at United Church of Wayland.
Carnes, who served as a parish minister for 13 years, including First (Park) Congregational in Grand Rapids, succeed the Rev. Bonnie Simerly, who has returned to her home in New Orleans.
A church spokesperson said Rev. Carnes is committed to continuing UCW’s proclamation, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here, at the United Church of Wayland.”
Rev. Carnes and his wife, Jamie, have four children
UCW is an Open and Affirming church, where people of all stripes, styles, and orientations are not only welcome, but desired as members of the congregation.
The church, located at 411 E. Superior St. in Wayland, will begin worship services at 10 a.m. each Sunday beginning Oct. 3.
UCW offers opportunities to serve the community, including:
- Free clothing for all ages from the UCW Clothing Closet. It is open the first and third Thursday, each month from 5 to 7 p.m.
- The Feeding America Food Truck is a joint ministry with Gun Lake Community Church, St. Therese Catholic Church and Sts Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. Free food is distributed for who are experiencing food scarcity on the third Friday of each month between 4:30 and 5:30 pm in the UCW church parking lot.
- The church supports Christian Neighbors Food Pantry which also provides free food on Tuesdays located at 122 Church St. in Wayland, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those who qualify.
- Wayland Community Quilters provides a quilt for each patient in Wings Home, a residential program of Wings of Hope Hospice, and blankets for the Linus Project which serves children ages 0 to 18.
- The UCW Christmas Project in December supports families who qualify with gifts for their children who are18 and under.
