After 20 years, Arlington United Church pastor retires

Published 1:30 am Friday, June 26, 2020

ARLINGTON — After 20 years of service, Pastor Deena Jones is retiring from Arlington United Church.

During her time there, Jones has encouraged the community to support those who are homeless by starting a cold weather shelter and offering lunches to those in need.

She also has focused on increasing diversity by putting together multi-cultural events and leading marches against racism. Earlier this month she spoke at a Black Lives Matter rally in downtown Arlington.

Pastor Cecilia Comer will take over July 1. She’s originally from Seattle but is moving from Atlanta. Most of her 27 year pastoral career has been spent at the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church.

She, her husband, Jesse, and their three children will make their home in Arlington.

The church is hosting a drive-by parade for Jones and her husband, Chris, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Sunday outside the church at 338 N. Macloed Ave.