Meet our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Vaughn W. Thurston-Cox

My name is Vaughn Thurston-Cox, and it is my privilege to serve as pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church here in Pentwater. While I grew up in a few different states, West Michigan has always been home.

I am a Grand Rapids Butterworth baby and graduated from Zeeland High School. I went on to complete my bachelor’s degree in English Literature at Grand Valley State University in Allendale. Alongside periodic visits to Big Red in Holland, there were camping trips at PJ Hoffmaster with my dad and memorable trips to Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington. 

After Grand Valley, I went to Asbury Seminary in Kentucky where I met Pastor Hillary. We carpooled together to and from Michigan and became fast friends. Eventually, I managed the courage to ask her out, to which she graciously replied, “Well, it’s about time.”  We married in 2003 and never looked back. That year I finished my M.Div. while serving a small congregation just outside Leroy, Michigan, across from an old one-room schoolhouse. Otherwise, we only had deer for company. 

We served various country churches in the Free Methodist Church before coming back to the United Methodist Church, where I’d been raised. Over the next several years I served rural congregations in northern Michigan. In 2014 our beautiful daughter, Grace, was born. That winter I also successfully defended my dissertation and graduated with a doctorate in the field of spiritual formation and compassion. Forget reverend doctor. That year I became Doctor Daddy, and there’s no better title than that.

Today we live in Pentwater. When the weather’s good we walk about everywhere. Our Yorkie really loves that.

My hope is to be the presence of God here, for people within and without the church.

You are invited to be a part of this mission!  Whether you are here for a few weeks a year or a year-round resident we look forward to serving you and serving with you in the name of Christ.

If there are any ways I might be of assistance to you along your journey, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Be the Breath,

Rev. Dr. Vaughn W. Thurston-Cox

 

Reflection
When I am afraid, I will trust in you". --Psalm 56:3--"God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5