About Us

The ministry was envisioned and requested by the Eastern Shore District’s Mission and Ministry

Team. The Holy Spirit working through a team of laity and clergy (Mission Design Team) who

considered people’s needs and possible meeting sites….requested that Bishop Joe Pennel Jr., of

the Virginia Conference appoint a pastor in June 1998.

The first pastor assigned was Rev. Vernell M. Carter…the church services were held at the

Northampton Middle School cafeteria with approximately five members. Rev. Carter’s tenure

was only for a period of two years, and then she was appointed to another church.

New Mission appointed a new pastor, Rev. Elmer Miller. The ministry continued at the Middle

School for approximately two more years. Rev. Miller was led to seek another place of

worship…so he and the congregation began their hunt and by doing so they found a church that

was no longer being occupied. Rev. Miller and the congregation decided to renovate the

building so that they could move into another place of worship.

After the renovation the first service was held on November 2, 2003, which was all Saints

Sunday. Soon after that New Mission Church was chartered as a United Methodist Church. Due

to unfortunate circumstances, Rev. Miller’s tenure at New Mission was only for four years,

serving from 2000-2004.

New Mission was appointed a new pastor in June 2004. Rev. Harold White, Sr. was assigned as

lay supply to lead New Mission U.M.C. Rev. White came with a compassionate and loving

spirit along with his family. He knew that the parishioners needed to be nurtured and loved

through the difficult times of losing the previous pastor. So, Rev. White invited leaders from the

district and the conference to come in and assist in making this change as modest as possible.

After one year as lay supply, Rev. White was appointed to full-time status of New Mission.

Serving 2004-2021.

New Mission received a new pastor in July 2021, Rev. Ja’Quwan Cotton. This was Pastor

Cottman’s first pastorate, and he preached the word of God straight and true. We rejoice in all

that God has allowed us to do and every person whose life we have been able to impact. Rev.

Cottman’s tenure with New Mission was only two years. Then he was appointed to a new

church, serving New Mission from July 2021 through June 2023. We are thankful to those who

have led our church, both former and present.

New Mission was appointed a new pastor in July 2023, Rev. Carolyn J. Graves. Rev. Graves has a

passion for nurturing the congregants’ faith in God and teaching the Word so that others may

experience growth in their relationship with God. She focuses on the mission of making

disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world; preparing others to continue on the

path. In her responsibility in pastoral leadership, she also encourages participation in ministry

among all church members to share their gifts with the congregation and the larger communities.

Rev. Carolyn J. Graves is excited to see how God will use New Mission United Methodist

Church to extend our reach to connect and partner with other churches on the Eastern Shore

to serve those in need of food, shelter, care, and love. Rev. Carolyn Graves is committed to having

the church enhance communication through social media.