Gary Vencill

I grew up on a cattle ranch on the edge of the Nebraska sand hills. I earned a bachelors at the University of Nebraska, a M.Div at Garrett Theological Seminary, a S.T.M. at New York Theological Seminary and a M.A. at Northwestern University.

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After 2 years of teaching at Rust College is MS, I came to Maine as Asst. Chaplain at Colby College in Waterville. In 1973 I joined Randolph and East Pittson, Lewiston and North Auburn and then Gorham School Street. In 1988 I became pastor at the Stonington United Methodist Church where I served until 2004. In 199 Brooksville was added to my charge and I served there until retirement in 2009.

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In 1979 I joined the Network of Biblical Storytellers. As a result, I have led workshops, been featured teller at festivals, and have written and published stories, essays, and a book on storytelling. My major pursuit in retirement has become writing. In 2013 I wrote a one-act play which was performed at the Opera House. My five-act play, "The Trial of Anne Hutchinson," has had 4 staged readings. Recent years have been devoted to writing a memoir for our grandchildren.

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In retirement I continue, with my wife Gail, to be active in Brooksville UMC and in its community mission, the Reversing Falls Sanctuary. To be appointed, in my old age, to serve UMC churches in Brooksville and Penobscot is a challenge and a privilege I did not expect.