Welcome (again!) to Parson's Pretties

If you're new here—or if it's simply been a while—welcome! I thought it was time to introduce myself again and share the story behind this little corner of the internet.

I'm Rev. Laura Beville, and I recently began serving as pastor of Mill Plain United Methodist Church in Vancouver, Washington. New appointments are always a season of beginnings. There are new names to learn, new stories to hear, and new ways of discovering how God is already at work in a community. It's exciting, a little overwhelming, and deeply life-giving.

For those who don't know me, I grew up in Vista, California, as a cradle United Methodist. I earned my bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies from California State University, Northridge, and my Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology. Over the years I've served churches of many sizes and in many communities, and every one has taught me something new about faith, grace, and the power of people who are willing to love their neighbors well.

At the heart of my ministry is a simple conviction: faith is not something we merely believe—it's something we practice. We practice welcome. We practice compassion. We practice justice. We practice forgiveness. We practice hope. None of us does it perfectly, but together we grow into the people God is continually inviting us to become.

But this blog isn't just about ministry.

It's also about making beautiful things.

The name Parson's Pretties came from a conversation many years ago. A friend who admired my sewing and quilting asked if I would indulge her by making her "a parson's pretty"—a quilt made by a pastor.

I laughed at the phrase, but I loved it. I even got a label making it official!

Because it turns out, "parson's pretties" describes more than quilts.

I've always been someone who creates with my hands. I knit, crochet, sew clothes, quilt, and generally can't resist learning a new fiber craft. Give me a great audiobook, a fresh project, and a quiet afternoon, and there's a good chance you'll lose track of me for several hours. Eventually I'll emerge, slightly stiff, holding whatever I've been making and wondering if anyone else would like to join me for ice cream.

For me, crafting has always been a spiritual practice. Stitch by stitch, row by row, pieces become something whole. There is patience, creativity, problem-solving, and the occasional ripping out of mistakes before beginning again. If that doesn't describe the life of faith, I'm not sure what does.

The same God who delights in beauty and creativity invites us to become co-creators—people who mend what is torn, create what is needed, and offer something beautiful to the world. Sometimes that looks like a handmade quilt wrapped around someone's shoulders. Sometimes it looks like a congregation serving a meal, advocating for justice, or walking alongside a neighbor through grief. Sometimes it's simply showing up with open hands and an open heart.

So that's what you'll find here.

There will be reflections on Scripture and ministry, stories from congregational life, thoughts on leadership and discipleship, glimpses into family life, gardening, and, yes, plenty of fiber projects along the way. I suspect there will also be the occasional book recommendation, because a good audiobook and a basket full of yarn or fabric make for a pretty wonderful afternoon.

Whether you're here because we worship together, because we've crossed paths somewhere along the way, because you love quilts, because you're a part of the United Methodist Church, or because you're simply curious, I'm grateful you've stopped by.

Thank you for reading. I hope you'll pull up a chair, stay awhile, and join me as we explore the beautiful work God is continually creating in our lives—one stitch, one story, and one small act of grace at a time.