Dearly Beloved in Christ, members of the Stone and Bethany United Methodist Community,

Greetings to you on behalf of the One who is, and who was, and who is to come! (Revelation: 1:4) I trust that this finds you all well.

My name is Domingos Francisco Fernando. I am the eldest of seven siblings. I love the local Church, and I love people. Many people say that I am a “people person.” I was born in the north of Angola, in the town of Prenda, a suburb of Luanda, the capital city of Angola. I actually grew up in two places-Prenda and Rocha Pinto-Luanda, due to the early separation of my parents when I was still a child. Throughout my childhood and adolescence, my mother raised me in the United Methodist Church.

Prior to attending university, I worked in a local bank in the loan department. I received my undergraduate degree at Africa University in Zimbabwe, where I majored in Psychology. After graduation, I served for two years as a United Methodist Global Mission Fellow in Brazil, a missionary program directed by the Global Ministry Foundation of the United Methodist Church. Serving the Church in that program played a vital role in my spiritual formation. Most significantly, the experience clarified my call for pastoral ministry. While in Brazil, I was focused on social education with young adults and students. During the final term of my missionary service, I decided to apply to the Master of Divinity program at Drew Theological School in New Jersey. While at Drew, my love for people of all races, languages, ethnicities, and sexual identities broadened and grew.

Following my graduation in 2023, I began serving the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference in a local Church, the Norwood United Methodist Church, full-time, as the lead pastor. In July 2025, I joined the Great Plains Conference, where I am currently serving half-time as Campus minister and half-time as associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg, Kansas.

I am grateful for the leadership opportunities that I have experienced both at Norwood and Pittsburg. I am excited to begin my new ministry in the Western Pennsylvania Conference, specifically in the Meadville community. I believe that God, in his wisdom, has brought us together for a special reason, as we journey together in God’s love. I believe that together, we can sow the seeds of that unconditional love in numerous ways. I am very excited to meet each of you personally and to engage in God’s ministry with you all, as we continue spreading the seeds. I am looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Blessings and warm wishes,

Pastor Domingos Francisco Fernando

The Stone UMC CARE Team invites you to join them as we celebrate the Dads this Father's Day - the ones we're born with, and the ones who show up for us along life's journey...

Come to Miller Parlor after worship on Sunday, June 21, 2026 for coffee, light refreshments and of course, DONUTS!

The Stone UMC Care Team invites you to a Bake Sale in support of the Meadville Community Soup Kitchen

The Adult Sunday school class studying and discussing the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church meets directly after Worship. All adults are welcome to join us in Crawford Library as we delve into issues facing our communities with the United Methodist Principles to guide us as we strive to be true disciples of Christ. 

Click on the button below to watch a video of highlights from the 2026 WPAUMC Annual Conference.