Gwen
Carr

Her Story

Gwen Carr grew up at Trinity as a child of charter members Mac and Ellen Beard.  Gwen is excited and thankful to join in ministry with the congregation that has been instrumental in shaping her life’s journey in a myriad of ways.  Gwen graduated from Blue Ridge Community college with an AAS in Accounting and additional class work in childcare and development.  She took a break in her education to be home with her children especially daughter Margaret who has developmental disabilities and is visually impaired due to a devastating illness as an infant.  Gwen worked as a preschool teacher and director when she was able to enter the work force.  A few years later, she returned to school at Mary Baldwin College to complete a BA degree in History with an emphasis in English.  During this time Gwen began a teaching career with a small private Christian school; a relationship that has spanned many years.  During this time, she served on a writing team for the PCUSA working on children’s curriculum.  She also enjoyed serving three congregations as the Director of Christian Education and in children’s ministry before finally following a years-long call to attend seminary. Gwen graduated from Eastern Mennonite Seminary with an MDiv and certification in Spiritual Formation and Direction ministry. In addition, she has received training in Young Children in Worship (modeled after and coauthored by Godly Play founder Jerome Berryman).  During seminary she was honored to be able to complete CPE work with Pastor Dave Gullman at Pleasant View INC.

In addition to joining in ministry with Trinity, Gwen serves as part time pastor for Craigsville Presbyterian Church (with OUR Hearts and the congregation’s other mission and outreach ministries) and Buffalo Gap Presbyterian Church.  Gwen serves as Coordinator for and Margaret participates alongside her mom in planning and leadership for Shenandoah Valley North Faith and Light which serves the Broadway area through Pleasant View.  Her passions in following Christ into the world are to walk with those who she meets on the pathways of this journey through life.  She especially knows God’s call to walk with, advocate for and give voice to those who are often pushed into the fringes of society –God’s children who journey without adequate resources and those who live with developmental disabilities.

Gwen enjoys quiet early mornings, spending time with her family including her parents, Margaret, her son Jeffery, daughter- in-love Wendy and grandsons Gabe and Nate.  She also enjoys reading, being outdoors working in her flower garden, “puttering” around home and time spent with her dog Macie.  She dreams of one day helping Macie be the therapy dog she is gifted to be and to become a better dulcimer player.

Gwen observes Sabbath on Monday.