Today, that spirit of community remains strong. Pastor Rev. Richard Roberts— who has served Wrights for 12 years— has been in ministry for over 40 years. He and his wife, Laura, have made Wrights not only a place of worship but also a hub for the arts and local gatherings.“ Having so many artistic community groups utilize the space at Wright’ s is a dream come true for me,” says Pastor Roberts. Together with their three children— Parker, Atlas and Abigail— the family has built deep roots in Peters Township’ s faith and arts community.
Wrights United Methodist continues to embody the heart of what Pastor Roberts calls“ The Village of Venetia”— a collaboration among Wrights Church, the Enoch Wright House, the Venetia Community Center and local organizations. Throughout the year, the church hosts or supports events such as Vacation Bible School, Easter Sunrise Services at Mingo Creek Park, Trunk or Treat Carnivals and the Village Light Up Night in December. The congregation also partners with numerous charities and missions, including Meals on Wheels, the Washington City Mission, the St. John XXIII Interfaith Food Pantry and the Appalachian Service Project.
Beyond its spiritual mission, Wrights serves as a community arts center. The church hosts The Wright Company youth theater troupe, music recitals for Kathy’ s Music, rehearsals for the South Hills Children’ s Choir and meetings for the Peters Creek Historical Society. It even doubles as a polling place during elections.“ Our building is always alive with creativity, laughter and song,” says Pastor Roberts.“ That’ s what community is all about.”
Yet like many small congregations, Wrights faces challenges. Attendance has dwindled since the pandemic, and financial pressures have made it increasingly difficult to sustain operations. Still, the church remains determined to keep its doors open and its lights shining— literally.
This year, Wrights introduced a series of“ Keep Wright’ s Alight” Candlelight Concerts, featuring performances by local musicians in a stunning candlelit sanctuary. Following two successful concerts in February and October, a Christmas Candlelight Concert is planned for Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7 p. m., with a suggested donation of $ 25 per seat.
Despite uncertainty, the congregation’ s mission endures— to be a place of faith, creativity and connection for all.“ We want Wrights to remain a safe and welcoming place— a lighthouse in the darkness,” says Pastor Roberts.“ A place where everyone can gather, share their gifts and find encouragement in community.”
To learn more or make a donation to help“ Keep Wright’ s Alight,” visit paypal. com / paypalme / wrightsumc. Sunday worship services are held weekly at 9:30 a. m., and all are welcome. n
To purchase tickets for the
“ Keep Wright’ s Alight”
December 2025 Candlelight Concert, scan the QR code and complete the Google Form. You’ ll receive a confirmation email with additional details and next steps.
PETERS TOWNSHIP | DECEMBER 2025 / JANUARY 2026 35