Rev. Janet Stoddard feels that religion can be both serious and fun. It is this type of attitude she hopes to bring to her new role as pastor of the Chilmark Community Church.

A long-simmering controversy about the use and management of Chilmark’s town tennis courts will come before voters at annual town meeting next week, where residents will also weigh in on upping the short-term rental tax, a variety of funding articles and a nearly $14.5 million budget. 

The Chilmark Community Church is starting its new year as an independent church, severing its ties to the United Methodist Church earlier this week. 

The Chilmark Community Church and the overarching United Methodist Church organization it has been part of for years are scheduled to meet with a mediator in December to discuss the dispute over the church grounds on Menemsha Crossroad.

The Chilmark Community Church is looking to sever its ties with the United Methodist Church, and the Island congregation recently filed a lawsuit in order to secure its 1.6-acre church grounds on Menemsha Crossroad.

The new Chilmark minister, Charlotte Wright, preaches her first sermon at the church on Sunday, July 2. She has been visiting the Island since the 1970s.