Introducing Rev. Jenny Day!

My name is Jenny Day, and beginning July 1, I’m going to be the new Pastor of Sterling United Methodist Church. 

I am a life-long United Methodist, first felt a call to ministry when I was 16 years old. Following the call, I graduated from Randolph-Macon College with a B.A. in Religious Studies in 2003 and I earned an MDiv from Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now Union Presbyterian Seminary) in 2006. I have been serving in the local church since 2006. My former appointments are Prince of Peace in Manassas, the Noland-Trinity Charge in Newport News, Bon Air in Richmond, and Dayton in the Shenandoah Valley.  

I was licensed as a Licensed Local Pastor in 2006, Commissioned as a Provisional Elder in 2007, and Ordained an Elder in 2011. I am passionate about ministry and walking alongside laity as they live out their own calling of discipleship. I love the relational aspect of ministry and I have been abundantly blessed through the people I’ve served alongside in ministry. 

I am a native of Northern Virginia and was raised at Annandale UMC. I continue to be so grateful to AUMC for the love, grace, theology, and faith that my church family instilled in me growing up.   

I am the 2nd child of 4 siblings. My older brother, Scout & his wife, Amy (both educators) live in Arkansas, my identical twin sister; Kathy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, lives in Richmond; and my younger brother, Chris & his wife, Monique (both doctors) live in Puerto Rico with their two adorable daughters whom I fervently adore. My parents moved from their home of 43 years in Springfield, to Avery Point Senior Living in Richmond 3 years ago. They are loving life in Richmond and have found a wonderful church home at Shady Grove UMC Short Pump. I have 3 godchildren. Chris, who served in the Marines for 4 years, is now getting a degree in Engineering at Baylor; Bella, a talented artist who graduates in May from Ringling College of Art and Design; and Nolan, who is finishing his junior year of high school.  I also has an extensive “chosen family.” Friends and their children who are a precious part of my life. In addition to all these, I have Gaston & Flynn Rider, my sweet, and sometimes mischievous, cats.  

In my free time, I enjoy traveling. Whether I’m visiting family, friends, or new places, I love discovering all a place has to offer. I’m also a huge Disney fan and love planning trips to Disney World whenever I can. I’m an avid photographer and have had a camera in hand since I was quite young. I also love watching DC sports, and am an especially big fan of the Commanders and the Capitals. 

As we step into this season of transition, that strange place between saying goodbye and saying hello, I want you to know that I’m praying for you.  Change, even when it’s at its best, is still hard. And, when a pastoral transition comes, it’s hard to say goodbye.  I know Pastor Bert has been a huge blessing to Sterling UMC and I hope that these coming weeks are an opportunity for you to celebrate him and to thank God for the love and ministry that you have shared together with him these last three years. I feel blessed, and also a little overwhelmed following such an amazing colleague!  

I am grateful for the opportunity to be called to serve at Sterling United Methodist Church.  I’ve heard amazing things about the work God is doing in and through you, and I am looking forward to seeing it for myself and joining you in it. I know God has great plans for our ministry together and God will continue to do great things through the faithful people at Sterling UMC!