by Elsie Walker

Ninabeth Metcalf had a career in textiles for 27 years.  A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she created home furnishings and designed historical reproductions.  Some of her work is in the White House and other historical homes.  She worked everywhere from Paterson to Venice and Florence.  She loved the work, but would tell you, “my shoes didn’t fit”.  What she had was a career but not a vocation.  However, two events would steer her on a new path, one which led to the ministry.  She is a graduate of Drew Theological School with a Master’s of  Divinity.   She served two other churches before coming to Wayne in July to become the new pastor of Wayne United Methodist Church, 99 Parish Drive, Wayne.

Two significant events put Metcalf on the road to being a pastor.  She noted that 9/11 “was a wake-up call”.  She had a friend who passed away in the tragedy.  That event brought about questions such as, “is there something bigger than me?”  Metcalf was still in the textile industry at the time but very involved in church, especially with children’s activities such as Vacation Bible School.  Then, in 2003 and still in the textile field, Metcalf saw the price of cotton, usually a stable commodity, rise 300%.  It had never risen like that, and it got Metcalf thinking about the causes and climate change.  Also, she got involved with the United Nations and issues of social justice such as indigenous people and mining. She felt herself being drawn to spirituality and ecology. 

While she tried to integrate her work and spiritual worlds, clergy recognized gifts in her and told her that she should change careers and become a pastor. At first, she resisted the call.  However, her love of God and creation, and the gifts she had, needed to be shared. She wanted to be in a community where she could do that, so she became a minister.

 “I love hearing people’s stories (tragic or beautiful) and seeing the Holy Spirit working in other people’s lives [towards finding meaning and purpose],” said Metcalf.  “I encourage and listen.” she added. She also walks with people as they transition to death.  

Metcalf noted that she helps others deepen their spirituality; sometimes, that is through showing a connection between the person and a Biblical story.  “I believe that God is in each person,” she said.

A memorable moment in her ministry came during fellowship at a previous church.  The message that Sunday had talked about giving to someone else something that is yours so the other person could have abundant life.  During fellowship time after the service, there was always plenty of food.  A homeless man on a bike stopped there.  He had all his possessions with him and was travelling from Trenton to Newton to get services.  He had stopped at the church because he was hungry and thought that they’d give him food.  He was invited to join them, to sit and eat.  He sat next to a man named Charlie.  As they talked, Charlie noticed the homeless man had shoes but no socks to keep his feet warm.  Charlie excused himself, went to the bathroom, and when he returned, he gave the homeless man his socks.  Metcalf said that such actions are God at work, and it brings her to her knees.  

Her strength, which she said that many in the Wayne church have already commented upon, is her enthusiasm and aliveness.   In coming to the Wayne church, she feels she brings “hope…an understanding that God is doing something new…I can help this church community move out into the greater community to address their needs and help others to flourish.”

On a personal note, Metcalf will tell you there are eight in her family.  She and her husband, Ken, have been married for 36 years and have three adult children.   Rounding out the family are two golden retrievers (Maia and Miles) and a black and white cat named Alley.   Metcalf enjoys gardening, hiking, creating collages from objects she finds, and making cloth market bags.

When asked what she would say if she could address the local community, Metcalf shared, “In this world today, we need the spiritual as much as our minds and bodies.  [The church] provides people with the spiritual toolkit to help [them] discover their gifts and thrive.”

Photo one:  Rev. Ninabeth Metcalf became the new pastor at Wayne United Methodist Church in July.