- December 4, 2025
On June 15, the Tomoka United Methodist congregation came together to bid farewell to Pastor John Gill.
On Facebook, the church stated, “We are so grateful for the years of love, leadership, and service he poured into this congregation. His impact will continue to ripple through our community for years to come."
Gill moved to Ormond Beach in 2002 and was the pastor at Tomoka United Methodist until 2011. He then served at the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home for four years, helping children find foster care. Following his service there, Gill spent seven years serving in various places in Florida before returning home, where he again accepted the position of pastor over his Ormond Beach congregation in 2021.
"It has been a joy to serve this fine congregation — twice," Gill said. "... I have loved all aspects of being pastor, but what I will miss most is not being a part of the Tomoka UMC family for the next year…we hope to reconnect with the Tomoka congregation family in a new role, as one of several 'retired pastors' available to support Tomoka’s wonderful new pastor, Rev. Katie Harrington."
The community welcomed Harrington on July 6 with a potluck luncheon.
"The advice I gave to the congregation as I was leaving was to love Katie and her family the same way they have loved me and my family," Gill said.
