news article
Rev. Deb Coatsworth joins Asbury Retreat Center as Assistant Director
January 7, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Rev. Deb Coatsworth is the new Assistant Director at Asbury Retreat Center. She is a Deacon who formerly served the Elma UMC.
After being a member since 1994, Rev. Coatsworth began her ministry as Christian Education Director at Elma UMC in 2006. She was ordained in 2023 in the Upper New York Annual Conference. She is leaving her current role as Director of Christian Education/Youth Ministries and Spiritual Care Ministry. Highlights in Rev. Coatsworth’s ministry have been Mini Youth Work Camp for grades 5-8; LIFT Youth (Live in Fellowship & Truth) for high school youth in the Iroquois School District, which met once a month at a Boys & Girls Club in Elma. This ministry included devotion and prayer time, mission/outreach projects, games, music, fellowship, and food. Other highlights include Visitation Ministry for the homebound; Caring Hearts & Hands for caregivers of loved ones; Mission Trips for high school youth; and Danny’s Helping Hands Food Ministry, which provides families in the Iroquois School District with food once a month. At Thanksgiving, Elma UMC collects food for Thanksgiving Food Bags, and this year, 80 bags were given to those in need.
“I live by the theme: ‘Make a difference in someone’s life.’ I believe this opportunity is a promotion from God. God has made it clear to me that it is time to go on another adventure in life. I am excited to share my gifts with all who experience Asbury. I am really excited to work with Rev. Sue Russell and the dedicated staff who provide wonderful hospitality,” said Rev. Deb Coatsworth.
“I am delighted to welcome Deb to the ministry team at Asbury Retreat Center. Deb brings her connections with local congregations and her experience in ministry with children, youth, and adults. Deb’s enthusiasm to share God’s love and reach out to the one who needs it most will complement Asbury’s staff,” said Rev. Sue Russell, Director.
Rev. Coatsworth is married to Jim Coatsworth. Together, they have two sons, Rob and Sam, and two playful dogs, Apollo and Trinity.