Pastor Ivy Gauvin is pictured with her husband, Ray. Gauvin is retiring from her position at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Bemus Point, with her final service to be held July 27 followed by a retirement celebration.

Pastor Ivy Gauvin will retire from St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Bemus Point on Aug. 1.

Her final worship service will be held on Sunday, July 27, at 10 a.m., followed by a celebratory brunch. All are invited to attend the service and retirement celebration.

Gauvin entered the ministry as a second career, earning her bachelor’s degree from Regent University in 2008, before attending the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pa. She received her Master of Divinity in 2012, and was ordained that same year at Bethel Lutheran Church in Portville. She served at Bethel for three years, before being called to St. Timothy in February 2015.

Earlier in life, from 1983 to 1989, Gauvin lived in Bethlehem in the Holy Land, working at the Friendship Center, a gathering place for Muslim university students to socialize and study. Her experiences there influenced her sermons, offering the congregation unique cultural and spiritual insights into the region.

In addition to preaching, teaching Bible study, visiting members, and managing church administration, Gauvin was actively involved in the wider community. She supported and participated in various ministries and outreach programs, including Addiction Response Ministry, the 5 Loaves and 2 Fish Ministry, the Honduras Promise Children Mission, and the Caring and Sharing program.

Gauvin’s husband, Ray, has also been a dedicated member of the St. Timothy’s community. From their arrival in 2015, he sang in the adult choir and after a year he joined the praise band, Joyful Spirit, as the drummer, reviving a talent that he had set aside for 50 years. Ray Gauvin’s seeing eye dogs, first Amity, and now Falla, came with Mr. Gauvin for every rehearsal and worship service, quickly becoming members of the congregation.

Ray also contributed to the Bemus Point Historical Society, and was involved in the 5 Loaves and 2 Fish Ministry, and the Honduras Mission.

After 10 years of dedicated service to the church and community, the Gauvins plan to relocate to the Rochester area to be closer to family.