Wray United Methodist Church
Wray United Methodist Church
Come Join Us
Pastor Ben Wentworth IV
Pastor Ben Wentworth IV
Pastor Ben Wentworth IV
Pastor Ben has been in ministry for 31 years. He spent 17 years doing youth, young adult, and camping ministry before going into the pulpit ministry. He is passionate, creative, and practical about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Visit on Sundays at 9:30am and experience this commitment
Opportunities
Pastor Ben Wentworth IV
Pastor Ben Wentworth IV
Please see our Ministries page to see where you can get connected.
2 Corinthians 13:14
Pastor Ben Wentworth IV
2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
About the Wray United Methodist Church
This is the portion of a church’s web page where things tend to get a bit wordy… I have visited several sites that explain in a very technical and theological way, what their denomination or church is about. Sorry, you lost me. Let’s get rid of all 50 cent words and confusing doctrines.
Let’s get down to brass tacks. Jesus loves you. Period. Just the way you are right now. Seriously…. That’s the bottom line.
That’s what our church is all about; Jesus. You are welcome in our church, no matter who you are, where you’re from, whatever you’ve done, or where you’re at in life. You are welcome just the way you are. Do you struggle with making the right choices in life? I do too. Do you worry about setting the right example? I do too. We are in life together so we should support one another, and that is what our church strives to do.
Tired of all the hypocritical, holier than thou, exclusive “Christian” encounters? So am I! I would invite you to come join us for a couple of Sunday’s to see if we are a “fit” for you. Yes, a couple of Sunday’s. Even the pastor can have an off day and I wouldn’t want that to taint your experience! LOL. It is my goal to make scripture relevant to today’s society, and applicable to everyday living. Church should be fun, and what is the point of sharing the Gospel if people cannot understand it. Scripture is still relevant and the love of Jesus is still present! Let’s face it, God loves you and there is nothing you can do about it! Come share that with us! I look forward to seeing you on Sunday’s!
Blessings, Pastor Ben
Our History
July 25th, 1886
The first Methodist sermon was delivered by the Reverend Moses Anderson in a sod hotel.
1800's
A Missouri minister presented the next Methodist sermon to 13 people in the Hayes and Bales Livery Barn August 15th, 1886. From 1899-1893 Services were held in a school house by Reverend John Norveil, a circuit rider. From 1888-1908 The Methodists in Laird met in homes and the new school with preachers from Haigler NE.
1890's
The first planned church was a sod building five miles southeast of Wray. All denominations worshiped in union in the newly built Presbyterian Church. April 23rd, 1899 - The Methodist Episcopal Sunday School was organized and elected. May 23rd, 1899 The Certificate of Incorporation of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Wray, CO was filed. June 29th, 1899 - The cornerstone was laid for the new Methodist Episcopal Church.
Early 1900's
In 1905 The Church purchased a reed pipe organ and Laird was retained as a preaching place served by the Wray pastor every two weeks. In 1908 The Laird Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated and The Vernon Methodist Episcopal Church was completed. In 1909 a Wray Sunday School addition fund was requested.
1949
A new sanctuary addition and total remodeling project began. November 5th, 1949 fire destroyed the entire structure including the new organ, two pianos, choir robes, and range.
1950's
April 17th, 1950 the corner stone was laid and the rebuilding was started on the present building. The first services in the New Methodist Church were held December 31st, 1950. The formal dedication of the new church was held February 11th, 1951. A new brick parsonage was built and consecrated December 11th, 1956.
1970's
The Vernon United Methodist Church merged with the Wray United Methodist Church on January 10th, 1971. The sanctuary featuring the stained glass cross was consecrated April 25th, 1971. A memorial featuring the bell from the Vernon Church was dedicated August 13th, 1972. September 7-8, 1974 Methodists from Laird, Vernon, Wray and neighboring communities celebrated 75 years of service.
1980's
The Laird bell rang in the 100th Anniversary of the Wray United Methodist Church.
1990's
The Wray United Methodist Church commissioned the handicap ramp addition to the church.