Rev. Jess Williams

Associate Pastor

jwilliams@firstcoralgables.org • 305.445.2578 ext. 1004

Hello First UMC Coral Gables! My name is Jess Williams and I am honored to be joining you as your new Associate Pastor. I know that God has some incredible plans in store for us, and I am excited to grow together in faith, community, and love with you all.

Before I officially begin on July 16th, I wanted to share with you all a little about myself.

First, some quick facts. I will soon be 33 years old and I am from Melbourne Florida, where most of my immediate family still lives. I attended the University of Florida to play football in 2008, but an early injury shortened my football career and set me on the path of ministry. I moved back to Melbourne and found myself serving as a youth minister at St. Mark’s UMC. I served there for 7 years while finishing both a bachelors in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and a certificate in Youth Ministry from the Youth Ministry Institute. Upon graduation I attended Duke University where I received my Masters of Divinity in 2020, and finalized my call to ministry by submitting myself to the Florida Conference of the UMC to become a pastor. For the past 3 years I have served as the Pastor of the United Wesley Campus Ministry here at the University of Miami and Florida International University.

Second, some fun facts. I greatly enjoy sports, kayaking, weightlifting, and most outdoor activities. I currently play in 2 adult kickball leagues here in Miami. I am an extrovert, so I am always excited to share a meal, have a conversation, or try a new activity. I would love to spend some time with all of you at some point! Other hobbies of mine include woodworking, board games, cruising on Royal Caribbean, singing too loudly, and riding my motorcycle. I tend to be a fairly open book so feel free to ask me any questions you have.

I will be praying for you all during this time of transition, and I ask you to pray for me and the students at Wesley as well. I know God is at work, and I am excited to see where the Holy Spirit will take us together.