CHESTER – Chester United Methodist Church has a new pastor, the Rev. Clara Price Gestwick.
Gestwick earned a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education from Columbia College in 1987 and a master’s degree in divinity from Duke Divinity School in 1990. She was ordained a deacon in 1990 and an elder in 1992.
Gestwick began serving in the church as director of Children and Youth while attending Columbia College. She has served at Centenary (Portsmouth), St. Mark’s (Petersburg), Bridgewater, and St. Luke’s (Yorktown). She also served as interim pastor at congregations in Clover Hill, Mt. Pisgah and Dayton.
She is married to Douglas D. Gestwick, also a United Methodist pastor. The couple has four children, ages 19-26: Ryan, Taylor, Brandon and Laura.
An educator at heart, Gestwick loves to lead Bible studies, book studies, and retreats for all ages. One of her joys is leading young Christians through confirmation.
Since her teen years, Gestwick participated in many mission activities, ranging from one-day events to a month-long trip. She is trained as an early responder for disaster-related needs.
After beginning her day in her devotional chair, Gestwick likes to exercise, preferably in the pool. When she has time off, she can be found quilting or gardening.
The public is invited to meet Gestwick during Sunday worship services at 8:30 a.m., contemporary; 9:45 a.m., blended; and 11 a.m., traditional. During the month of August and the first Sunday in September, the church at 12132 Percival St. will have a combined worship service at 10 a.m.
