Our Pastor

Rev Beth Simmons Bio

Rev. Beth Simmons began her ministry in Washington in October 2019. Prior to answering the call to Washington, Beth served as Pastor of the Community Church of Francestown, in Francestown, New Hampshire; Associate Pastor at the First Church of Christ, UCC in Longmeadow, Massachusetts; and Pastoral Intern at Marble Collegiate Church in New York City. Beth grew up in Pelham, NH and first felt the call to ministry in elementary school, when she was tasked with telling the “story of the Good Samaritan” in her own words as the sermon for Children’s Sunday, which earned her the nickname “Rev. Beth.” She earned the title for real on May 15, 2010 when she was ordained at Broadway United Church of Christ in New York City. Beth earned a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Cultures and Communication Studies (magna cum laude) from Alfred University in Alfred, NY, and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, in New York City, where she was given the Feminist-Womanist Preaching Award.

Beth feels most deeply called to minister to and with those who have been marginalized or felt excluded by the church, those who grapple with the relationship between doubt and faith, and those who wonder how to keep the Church a living and vital part of people’s lives as the world shifts and changes. She wants to encourage a wider welcome while also meeting people where they are. Beth is passionate about authenticity. She believes that the best and most faithful way to reflect God’s glory and light into the world is to be who God has created and called each of us to be. This applies to congregations, as well. Beth appreciates being able to bear witness to the holy and ordinary ways God enters into the world, to accompany others on their journeys of discipleship with Jesus, and to remain open to the often-surprising and sometimes mysterious movement of the Holy Spirit.

Beth shares her life with her husband, Matt, and their blended family of five children. When not focused on church or family, you will find her reading, singing, taking photographs, making things, and dreaming about future travel and tattoos.