Faces of the Valley: The Rev. Angelique Edmonds a 'gifted and spirit-filled' pastor

From prayer hikes to women’s brunches to painting with parables, the Rev. Angelique Edmonds has used her gifts to help strengthen convictions at Faith United Methodist Church in Fox Chapel and its outreach ministry, Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg.

Appointed associate pastor in 2021, the Beltzhoover native feels as though she’s accomplished much in her four years to build better discipleship at the church.

Leadership gifted her a blank slate when she arrived, Edmonds said.

“They told me, ‘Whatever you think you want to do, do it,’” she said. “I thought, ‘Oh man! We’re gonna have a great time.”

Now, with a transfer to Westmoreland County on the horizon, Edmonds said her departure in June is bittersweet.

She’ll deliver her last sermon on June 8 before starting a new position overseeing Trinity United Methodist Church in Greensburg and First United Methodist Church of Manor.

“Faith was so gracious and kind, but I’m ready to head into a new chapter,” Edmonds said. “It will be a transition, but I look forward to seeing how God will use me.”

Kathleen Stanley, executive director at Roots, said Edmonds’ departure will leave a void.

She brought warmth, creativity and compassion to the community, Stanley said. By organizing women’s brunches and retreats, Edmonds’ genuine care for those around her was evident, Stanley said.

Her signature offering, Painting with the Parables, was much-loved by participants who came together for art and discussion.

“We painted angels and spoke about the gospel,” Edmonds said. “It’s a time to relax and share and build community.”

Other programs that Edmonds grew during her time include an interfaith Bible study with the Rev. Scott Hill from Aspinwall Presbyterian Church and Rabbi Yaier Lehrer from Adat Shalom Synagogue, and the Women in Faith brunch, where participants could discuss social justice issues and empower one another.

Her final brunch is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon May 31 at Roots.

“Pastor Angelique’s time at Roots of Faith has been a true blessing,” Stanley said. “Her presence has left a lasting impact, and she will be greatly missed by all of us.”

At the main church campus in Fox Chapel, Edmonds initiated plans for a prayer labyrinth as a way for people to meditate and “center themselves with God,” she said.

“It’s so peaceful there,” she said of the rural six-acre plot along West Chapel Ridge Road.

Lead Pastor Susan Moudry said the parish has been fortunate to have Edmonds, calling her gifted and spirit-filled.

The women’s brunch started by Edmonds involves personal testimonies, music and a meal, and a place to provide mutual support. Women who meet every other month call it a treasured part of the ministry, Moudry said.

“In her tenure, Pastor Angelique called the church back into an attitude of constant watchfulness for where God is leading next,” Moudry said. “We are excited to see what lies ahead for her and the churches she will serve.”

As Edmonds prepares her final sermon, she has already titled it “A Place for Grace,” because Faith UMC and Roots have been sacred places for her own healing.

“My time at both was a whirlwind,” Edmonds said, noting that her husband battled lung cancer at the beginning of her time there. He succumbed to the disease in 2023.

“My emotions were so up and down, but the Faith community was there for me.”