Online Archives

Starnes to leave Guiding ministry

In a special mid-year appointment, the Rev. Victoria (Vicky) Starnes, a Guide in the Annapolis Southern Region, has been appointed to serve as the senior pastor of Epworth UMC in Rehoboth Beach, Del.

Starnes entered the ordained ministry in 1986. She has served as pastor at Boring UMC and Emmanuel UMC in Scaggsville. From 2004 to 2010, she was a pastor in Brunswick, where under her leadership, New Hope UMC was created from the merger of two congregations.

Justice and equality for all people are hallmarks of her ministry. She is known for her passion for preaching, teaching, writing, and creative worship.

“When I look back at my life, as a preacher’s kid and as pastor, wife and mother, I see the hand of God time and again intervening and making a way for things to work for the good,” said Starnes. “Even in the painful things, God had something for me to learn and then share with others. 

“I have so enjoyed my guiding ministry with the 30 plus churches in the Annapolis Southern Region and especially their pastors.  As I have coached them, they have taught me great lessons.  As I have witnessed their dedication to God and the church, I have been inspired and challenged to do more.  All the reading and resourcing and workshops and great discussion with my colleagues at the Mission Center have better prepared me for my ministry and leadership at Epworth in Rehoboth.”

“As I leave the BWC to be on loan to the Penn-Del Conference, I thank my great colleagues and friends in this Conference – I will miss you deeply.  The clergywomen in this Conference are strong, diverse and such great women of faith – you inspire me!  Thanks for all of your support. 

“I am honored to be appointed to be the pastor at Epworth in Rehoboth. It’s an amazing church – creative, community oriented, mission-driven, multi-generational, Reconciling, and … it’s at the beach!  I feel very blessed.” Starnes concluded.  

She will be joining her husband, John Ewald, who now lives at Rehoboth Beach, after recently being hired as Superintendent of Schools for Laurel, Del.  Her parents, the Rev. Tom and Wave Starnes, are retired and living in Rehoboth as well.