Longtown United Methodist Church
Staff & Leaders

Laura Beach

I grew up in Ferrum, Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My journey in faith began in the church where I grew up, Woodlawn UMC in Roanoke, VA. God has led me along an exciting path towards this place, where I am serving in my first appointment since graduating from Duke Divinity in May, 2011. I bring with me a love of God's creation and the ways we are called to till and keep, serve and preserve all that God has made and called good. I find joy in growing food, sharing meals, and considering how our relationship with all of God's creation is an important part of our Christian discipleship. I am also excited about the ways God calls us to join in the work of reaching out to neighbors in our community and across the world so that all might experience the full and abundant life God desires for us. It is in our everyday actions that we learn to cultivate the practices of living out what we believe. I am passionate about connecting our vibrant worship and praise with the work God calls us to do outside the church walls. I trust that you will find Longtown UMC to be a place where you can encounter God and a faithful community of God's people eager to welcome you into this part of the body of Christ. Come join us and discover how God might be calling you to use your gifts to witness to God's love and God's reign breaking in around us!