E-mail
Birth Place

I was born in Norman, Oklahoma, perhaps best known as the home of the OU Sooners.

Education

I did undergrad work at Oklahoma State University in Philosophy and French, and an M.A. in Literature at Wichita State University. Then it was off to the University of Chicago Divinity School for an M.Div. My real education has been offered by countless wise people I've known through the years, including my parents, as well as by the natural world. Perhaps my wisest teacher was my uniquely amazing dog companion of 14 years, appropriately named Sophie.

Experience

I have served in various ministry settings for the past 15 years, including the Chicago Temple, Parker UMC, Trinidad UMC, two short term interim appointments for our conference in Ft. Lupton and Cedaredge, and two United Church of Canada congregations in Alberta, the most recent being Grace United Church in Edmonton. I have also experienced life on a traveling wheat harvest crew, picking grapes as a migrant worker in France, and thoroughly loving being a farmer raising cattle, sheep, horses, wheat, and hay.

What do you do at AUMC?

I look forward to growing with Rusty, the staff, and the lay leadership here in our new team ministry model as Co-Pastor. We will be sharing the responsibilities and privileges of worship leadership, preaching, pastoral care, education, and administration. I'll also get to be a resource for the children’s programming, which is a natural fit since I love the life and fresh breath children offer a community of faith.

What do you like most about being part of the AUMC team?

I shall have to answer that in a few more months. On this my third day here, it's the sense of openness, flexibility, and progressive thought that strikes me. If Christianity is to grow into the future with integrity, it will do so led by congregations like this.

What outside interests or hobbies do you have?

I enjoy being in the mountains, biking the canal trails, walking through forests. I am nourished by building things of wood, amateur gardening, and reading people's new ideas. I also enjoy animals of all sorts, and have recently adopted two new kitties (Pearl and Phire) and a 9 month-old Mini-Australian Shepherd rescue pup named Caleb.