By Larry Austin
Island Dispatch
Trinity United Methodist Church welcomed a new leader with the introduction of Pastor Kevin D. Slough.
Slough replaced Rev. Sung Ho Lee effective July 1. In a letter to church members, Slough wrote that he has "already felt welcomed and embraced. I look forward to meeting you and becoming part of your church family as we grow together in Christ."
Slough is in his 14th year of ministry with the church. Most recently he ministered in Rochester. This year, he will be ordained as an Elder in full connection at the 2018 Upper NY Annual Conference, the letter said.
"The Lord has blessed me in ministry. My personal mission statement is 'To reach people for Christ, for the salvation of the world.' With God's help I have seen this occur in each church I have had the blessing of leading. I am excited for the ministry and opportunities God has planned for us," he wrote.
Slough described Grand Islanders as "friendly, laid back, spiritual" in his initial meetings with church members.
Regarding Trinity, he said that he likes "The people and the busy-ness of the church. ... People are eager to meet me and get into ministry that they're passionate about with a new beginning."
He admires the "very active mission and outreach" of Trinity's everyday life.
"So far, we've had the local school here doing music lessons, different outreach ministries from the church members, children and youth ministries. Seems like there's always children and youth doing something in the space that we have."
Slough said his background was in construction as a contractor for 12 years until "an unexpected call from God" inspired him to join the ministry.
"The best way to describe it would be a still, small voice or feeling that just won't let you go. It won't escape you. It just kind of stays there until you acknowledge it and respond to it."
"And it was the last thing I thought I'd ever be doing. I couldn't imagine 14 years later doing anything different."