Bishop Thomas Bickerton announces new pastor for Copper Hill Church
This is to be a year of pastoral transition at Copper Hill Church. Pastor Jones had originally intended to fully retire a couple years ago, but circumstances guided him to continue in active ministry. But this year situations are different. After ten years of ministry as the pastoral family at Copper Hill United Methodist Church, Pastor Kelvin Jones and his wife JoAnne are planning to fully retire at the end of June. In announcing his retirement Pastor Kelvin commented to the congregation, “This has been a great chapter in our lives and we are thankful to God and to all of you!” Now a new chapter in the 207 year history of Copper Hill Church is about to begin. “But,” pastor continued, “Remember that the same God who has been at work writing this chapter will also be at work in the next one!” The church has planned a farewell event on June 24th to honor the Joneses.
Bishop Bickerton has appointed Rev. Gia Lynne Hall as the new pastor at Copper Hill effective July 1, 2023. She will be a full-time pastor who will preside over a newly organized dual parish consisting of Copper Hill UMC and North Canton UMC. She plans to speak at both churches each Sunday morning. She will also have oversight of the historic but seasonal Washington Hill UM Church. Rev. Hall comes to us from Bakerville CT UMC. The SPPR (staff pastor parish relations) Committee led by chair Jim Luchina is coordinating the transition. He reports that each time he meets Rev. Hall he is more impressed with her positive energy and can-do-it attitude.
By God’s grace and with the administrative help of several people, Pastor Kelvin and JoAnne have completed the purchase of the West Granby parsonage where they have been living. This will enable them to continue living in West Granby as they had hoped and prayed. They are rejoicing in God’s timing as the transaction was only completed very recently.
I met Kelvin on our freshman hall at the University of Rochester in September, 1966. He was the kindest, gentlest soul I had ever met, and apparently has continued so. I’m so happy for his long, successful life and I wish him and his family and his Church well in the future.
Thank you so much Dene. I remember that freshman hall well. We had lots of fun and learned a lot from one another. We had great discussions too. I could have studied harder, but you can’t do everything. I’m still in contact with Spencer Soohoo and Dave Venable.
Few men in my life have anchored my faith in God and the work of the ministry in New England. This is a challenging land but I believe that it is the greatest missionary field on earth! A few years back when my wife, Christine, and I were struggling in our ministry and I was questioning my call of God in Connecticut, on a cool fall day this amazing couple showed up on our church parking lot asking to see the pastor.
I stood there with a leaf blower in my hands, covered in dirt after blowing leaves. Kelvin and JoAnne Jones smiled at me and introduced themselves. They spoke the most refreshing words that I will NEVER forget; “We’ve come by here before and prayed over this church property and we want to pray with the pastor.”
I was humbled, I dropped my leaf blower and introduced myself as the pastor of Life Church in Granby, CT. That day began one of the most precious and God-ordained relationships for our church and Copper Hill Church. Pastor Kelvin moves in wisdom and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He’s an anchor and a motivator. What truly makes him “larger than life” is his bride JoAnne. Together they move in grace, love and passion for New England!
While I understand and embrace their retirement, I’m not sure that Connecticut and New England will ever be the same without them . . .
Al, you are so kind! Thank you so much. We have been glad to be in prayer partnership with you and Christine and your church in several ways through the years, most recently in the Granby National Day of Prayer Event this spring. And you are certainly right that the lady beside me is a wonderful strong partner in ministry. I am so blessed to be in ministry as a partnership with JoAnne. May God bless your continued ministry.
Dear Kel & JoAnne,
This sure is a milestone for you guys!!!
Bill & I are proud to be long time friends and witnesses of your ministry in almost all your churches. Maybe you are “retiring” from this particular church but I know you well enough that Jesus-Loving Ministry will always be your top priority in life! May the Holy Spirit continue to refire you and use you to bring Glory to Himself & Joy to others.
Much Love,
Kathie & Bill Mell
Thank you so much Kathie and Bill. We so appreciate your kind words and continuing friendship. Love the “refire” idea! May God do that for all of us. Blessings to you and your family.
I so appreciated Pastor Kelvin and JoAnne’s impact on my life while they were at Bentley Creek Wesleyan. We have kept in touch with them over the years and have enjoyed their fellowship and prayers for our family. I especially Pastor Kelvin’s versatility in his sermons like breaking out in song or playing his trombone. I ran with JoAnne while they were in Bentley Creek and we shared verses of scripture to inspire and encourage each other while we ran. Praise God that you have had such a great ministry in Conn. and may God Richly Bless you both in your retirement.
Thank you Jeanne for your kind comments. We are so thankful for God’s blessing on our ministry over the years. We pray for his leadership in our retirement too.