Submitted photo Pastor Tim Edin is being welcomed to the community by the First United Methodist Church of Elkins.

ELKINS — The First United Methodist Church of Elkins has welcomed Pastor Tim Edin. Edin comes to Elkins from Bruceton Mills in Preston County where he served Sugar Valley United Methodist Church.

In his career, he has served Gateway United Methodist Church of Fairmont, WV, as well as congregations in Huntington, Kenova, Ceredo, Sandyville, Mason, Fairmont and Franklin, Pennsylvania. Edin is a graduate of Elim Bible Institute, Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY, Northeastern Seminary and United Theological Seminary.

Edin and his wife Jami are parents to four children: Jordan Makenzi, Canaan Marshall, Gideon James and Levi Curtis. The Edin family is overjoyed to make this transition. “They know that it is hard to transition from what you know to something different, and we appreciate the prayers and signs of support that have come our way already. We are all looking forward to meeting new friends and getting used to our new routine in this place that we are new to,” stated Edin. The family also has a small zoo including Marco the Cat, Lucky the Cat, Lucy the Mini Golden Doodle and Ethel the Turtle, all of which have settled nicely into the parsonage.

Edin brings his personal aspirations to the helm of the church. “It is my vision to show hospitality and partner with brothers and sisters in Christ throughout this community. I pray that the church will continue its acts of service, kindness and generosity to our neighbors near and far. We will do this together by being and becoming a teaching church, a growing church and a key partner with others in the renewal of the entire region,” stated Edin.

In addition to his work in the church, Edin has been involved in a number of organizations in the various communities he has served including Kiwanis, Child Evangelism Fellowship of WV, Youth for Christ, Internal Student Campus Ministry, North Central WV Community Action, Faith in Action, Union Mission in Fairmont and the Family Resource Network. Edin has already taken steps to become a member of the Rotary Club of Elkins.

“I bring my enthusiasm for people, desire to work with children and families and the desire to grow deep together as a teaching church. We can share our gifts with each other, our neighbors and other congregations seeking to grow in mission. I was overjoyed to know that we would be moving into this area to serve among you and be part of this great congregation. It blesses my heart to know that we can help one another and take steps into the future of FUMC in Elkins together. Enthusiasm is how I would sum up all my first feelings,” concluded Edin.

The First United Methodist Church has served the local community since it was completed in 1904. More information about the church, including service times and its various missions, can be found at http://www.fumcelkinswv.org/.