About
Our New Pastor
Owen Taylor:
Pastor Owen Taylor comes to Lower United Methodist Church with a passion for helping people grow in their relationship with God as we discover practical ways to live out our faith each day. He is a lifelong United Methodist and is an Associate Member in the Virginia Annual Conference.
Before entering pastoral ministry, Owen spent many years working in manufacturing. Later in life, after running from his call for years, he answered God's call to pastoral ministry. His life experiences and faith journey continue to shape his practical, down-to-earth approach to preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.
Rooted in the Wesleyan tradition of The United Methodist Church, Owen believes God's grace is at work in every person's life, drawing us closer to Christ and helping us to continually grow in faith. He values the Methodist emphasis on personal holiness and social holiness, where we are loving God with our whole hearts while actively serving our neighbors and communities. He believes the church is at its best when it helps people deepen their relationship with God and put their faith into action through everyday acts of love, mercy, and service.
Owen and his wife, Tina, have been married for almost 40 years. Tina is a special education teacher who shares Owen's commitment to serving others. Together they have two adult children, John and Nicole, who have been a source of great joy and pride throughout the years.
Outside of ministry, Owen enjoys hiking the beautiful trails of Virginia and spending time outdoors with his little dog Ralphie. He is also an avid car enthusiast who enjoys the journey of building is own custom ratrod (ask him about it). He often finds that both hiking and car building offer reminders of God's creativity, patience, and faithfulness.
As a hiker, Owen knows that every trail brings both beautiful vistas and unexpected turns. He sees the life of faith in much the same way. He looks forward to walking alongside folks as we follow where God leads, discover new opportunities for ministry, and continue the adventure of faith that God has set before us.
Owen and Tina are grateful for the opportunity to become part of the Harfield community and look forward to serving alongside the people of Lower United Methodist Church as we continue to follow Jesus and share God's love throughout the community.
Owen Taylor:
Pastor Owen Taylor comes to Lower United Methodist Church with a passion for helping people grow in their relationship with God as we discover practical ways to live out our faith each day. He is a lifelong United Methodist and is an Associate Member in the Virginia Annual Conference.
Before entering pastoral ministry, Owen spent many years working in manufacturing. Later in life, after running from his call for years, he answered God's call to pastoral ministry. His life experiences and faith journey continue to shape his practical, down-to-earth approach to preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.
Rooted in the Wesleyan tradition of The United Methodist Church, Owen believes God's grace is at work in every person's life, drawing us closer to Christ and helping us to continually grow in faith. He values the Methodist emphasis on personal holiness and social holiness, where we are loving God with our whole hearts while actively serving our neighbors and communities. He believes the church is at its best when it helps people deepen their relationship with God and put their faith into action through everyday acts of love, mercy, and service.
Owen and his wife, Tina, have been married for almost 40 years. Tina is a special education teacher who shares Owen's commitment to serving others. Together they have two adult children, John and Nicole, who have been a source of great joy and pride throughout the years.
Outside of ministry, Owen enjoys hiking the beautiful trails of Virginia and spending time outdoors with his little dog Ralphie. He is also an avid car enthusiast who enjoys the journey of building is own custom ratrod (ask him about it). He often finds that both hiking and car building offer reminders of God's creativity, patience, and faithfulness.
As a hiker, Owen knows that every trail brings both beautiful vistas and unexpected turns. He sees the life of faith in much the same way. He looks forward to walking alongside folks as we follow where God leads, discover new opportunities for ministry, and continue the adventure of faith that God has set before us.
Owen and Tina are grateful for the opportunity to become part of the Harfield community and look forward to serving alongside the people of Lower United Methodist Church as we continue to follow Jesus and share God's love throughout the community.
Our History
Lower United Methodist Church is steeped in history. It began its life in 1650 as the “Lower Chapel” for the Protestant Episcopal Church of England. The chapel was replaced by the present brick sanctuary in 1717. It still retains many of its colonial features such as its original hipped roof of which very few exist today.
The church survived the Revolutionary War despite being abandoned by the parish. The Baptists and Methodists began to use it. Robert Healy helped the Methodists obtain it from the parish in 1857 and here we have remained.
We thank our forefathers for our history, but we know that a church is just a building without loving and caring people who want it to grow. Our true heritage is our people who, past and present, have opened their arms in welcome and caring. Come join us.
The church survived the Revolutionary War despite being abandoned by the parish. The Baptists and Methodists began to use it. Robert Healy helped the Methodists obtain it from the parish in 1857 and here we have remained.
We thank our forefathers for our history, but we know that a church is just a building without loving and caring people who want it to grow. Our true heritage is our people who, past and present, have opened their arms in welcome and caring. Come join us.
