Rev. Heath Wilson was appointed to serve at Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church (UMC) in Emmitsburg less than a year ago. His personal journey reflects that of many in today’s materialistic society. Before he was called to ministry, he was raised in a small village in upstate New York, named Phoenix. He attended Elmira College in Elmira, New York, where he earned degrees in political science and economics. He moved to Vermont with his soon-to-be wife, where he worked for a Fortune 500 problem-solving company, followed by working with the Vermont Department of Education. He and his wife bought a house in Middlesex, Vermont, and have one son.
“I know the world tells us more fun, or bigger toys, more money, better homes, more beautiful bodies, or more free time are the answers to fulfillment. Life was great, but I felt I was being called to something with more purpose,” said Heath.
He and his wife came to faith, accepted Christ, and felt they were being called into ministry. He accepted a position as a student pastor in Prince Frederick, Maryland, while both he and his wife attended Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
“We both graduated with Master of Divinity Degrees, and I was appointed Lead Pastor at Tom’s Creek UMC starting July 1, 2014. Here, I am experiencing my life’s journey and inviting others to join the congregation to share and experience their own journeys.”
Tom’s Creek is the church that has property and signage along Route #140, on the way from Emmitsburg to Taneytown. The church building is actually located a little further over by taking a “journey” on Simmons Road or Tom’s Creek Church Road.
“We have people attending from four counties, over a quarter of the people attend from Pennsylvania, and we have some people who travel more than thirty minutes to get to worship every Sunday!” said Heath.
Why do people journey so far to come to their church that is surrounded by cow fields, barns, and mountain views?
“When they arrive, they find a church that welcomes them, a church that greets them, a church that accepts them no matter where they are on their journey! There are churches you can go to that have every program you could want, there are churches that you go to where they put on a ‘good show,’ there are churches you can go to where you can just blend into the woodwork, but that is not who is drawn to Tom’s Creek.”
Tom’s Creek parishioners are liberals and conservatives, horse riders and motorcycle riders, those that are well off and those struggling from paycheck to paycheck, life-long Christians and new believers, and even some who are trying to figure out what exactly they believe.
“While serving at Tom’s Creek, I have been awed by the way those who are part of our faith community welcome people who come through our church doors. Somehow, people find our church and feel embraced when they walk through the doors, knowing that we will not judge but come along side,” Heath said.
It is inspiring to notice how much of his spirit is dedicated to this church. Ironically, he has some personal journeys intertwined, including running the Frederick half marathon on May 3, to raise awareness for Latino ministries and start to reach out to the many Latinos in the area.
At Tom’s Creek during the summer, they hold open air outdoor worship services on Sunday evenings, starting July 12, at 6:00 p.m. at the Promised Land property (off of Rt. 140).
Heath noted, “While we are a smaller church, we have a big heart for wanting to connect with you on your life journey. If you are hungering for a connection with people who also have a hunger to be connected to something bigger than ourselves, if you want to explore what God has to offer you and the calling God has for your life, if you want to be fed on Christ’s love and wisdom, we are here, waiting for you to find us on your life’s journey. Come journey with us!”
“This is a church where we share life together. This is a church where we pray for one another and our needs. This is a church that wants to help you as we help one another on our journey. So, I wrote this article as a public service announcement for all of you that do not know that we exist, since we are not on Main Street, not next to a major highway, and are a smaller church that you could easily miss on your journey. While we are a smaller church we have a big heart for wanting to connect with you on your life journey. If you are hungering for a connection with people who also have a hunger to be connected to something bigger than ourselves, if you want to explore what God has to offer you and the calling God has for your life, if you want to be fed on Christ’s love and wisdom, we are here, waiting for you to find us on your life’s journey. I am called into ministry for all those who are looking for a bigger purpose in life, who want to truly live for something worthy of the days we are given. I believe until you are connected to the true Giver of Life, you are going to be searching and continuing to feel unfulfilled. Yet, it is not easy to begin that journey, since there has been so much bad press about organized religion and churches that people don’t think the answers lie there. I know many who say churches are filled with hypocrites and it is true! We all fall short but, together, we can attempt to be greater than our individual weaknesses and together help one another to come closer to the Godly reflection we were intended for. That is something worth living for and the type of church community we are aspiring to be at Tom’s Creek.”
Rev. Wilson knows that people have had bad experiences with churches and organized religion, but he also knows that a true church family can help sustain us on our life journey.
“I have struggled with my faith and I want to be a pastor that can meet people where they are, listen to their story, and help give them Christ-like wisdom from what I have learned on my journey and from my training. I also am open to learning from them and what they have learned along their journeys,” said Heath.
For more information, please contact Rev. Heath Wilson at 410-758-7707 or email Hwilsonvt@gmail.com.
Rev. Heath Wilson of Toms Creek United Methodist Church in Emmitsburg is pictured leading the children in prayer.
