About Us
Our Story
We are rooted in history and just getting started
As you may have noticed, one of the ways we describe ourselves
is to say that we are rooted in history and just getting started. By “rooted in history”
we mean both the specific history of our church––The Church of the Gunks, and the broader
historical moorings of both our denomination, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), and
the larger Reformed tradition as a whole.
Before we were the Church of the Gunks, we were a branch of Goodwill EPC––a multisite
church in the Hudson Valley. It was decided in the fall of 2023 that Goodwill Church would
plant us as our own church this year. Our process will take some time, which means that we
are currently a gathering of believers who are in transition; on our way to becoming a fully
recognized church in our denomination. We would love to welcome you to be a part of this
gathering… this community within a community. Our hope is to become a fully recognized
church in our denomination by the start of 2026.
With regard to our larger Reformed tradition, we encourage you to visit our denominational
website [link here] and search under the “About Us” tab to learn more.
As for us “just getting started,” it is simply a way of saying that we not only value our history,
but also our future. That future includes our appreciation for history, but it also includes our
anticipation that a big part of our future will be shaped by you. Everyone has a story: some
joyful and some painful, and we hope to be a place where people can come together to share
their stories and learn more and more about how their stories are woven in to God’s larger
story.
To this end, we want to be a place where everyone is seen and heard––where there is no
“other”. We want to be true to the Bible and one thing that is very clear is that Jesus saw and
heard everyone. He didn’t change his convictions because of them, but he was filled with
compassion for them. We aspire to do the same.
Our Pastor
Pastor Tim Chiarot
Hello, my name is Tim.
I am the pastor here at the Church of the Gunks EPC. I’m married to my
wonderful wife Julie and we have two children: Luke and Grace… and, I’d be remiss if I failed to
mention our dog: Pupper (creative, I know).
I am the youngest of four siblings. We grew up in a nominally Catholic home, but during my
freshmen year of high school, as I was hearing the gospel from some of my older siblings who
had already come to faith, I too came to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
My faith journey began with what I call a rollercoaster ride. What I mean is that I experienced
great highs and lows––just like a roller coaster ride––as I tried to figure out how to live out this
life as a Christian. It took many years, but I began to meet people who taught me about
discipleship: being a student or learner of Jesus. My love for the Lord and his Word eventually
led me to seminary and I discovered an even deeper love for learning.
After graduating I pursued ordination. However, I also was directed to spend time serving as a
hospital chaplain. This was a formative experience. I sometimes describe my overall pastoral
training by saying that while it is true that seminary taught me to speak, it was the hospital that
taught me to listen.
While I have always deeply appreciated my chaplaincy experience, my love for learning drew
me back to seminary for further study. I received a second masters in theological study and am
now pursuing my doctorate. In addition to my love for church and for learning, I enjoy music
(playing the guitar and listening to all kinds of music), movies, golf, reading, and of course…
coffee!!!
Before ordination I serviced as an intern for a larger church. After ordination I pastored two
small churches, then came back to that larger church to serve as part of the pastoral staff,
which eventually led me to the Church of the Gunks, which is a church plant of the Evangelical
Presbyterian Church (EPC).
Thank you for taking some time to allow me to introduce myself. I, as well as, all who currently
make up our congregation, look forward to getting to know you, and to welcome you to the
Church of the Gunks EPC.