hi guys!

I am so excited to be joining the staff at St. John's as Youth and Family Minister. Already, I have experienced your hospitality and excitement, and I am getting a taste of what a joy it is to be a part of this community. Until I graduate and finish my current Field Education work, my time here will be primarily limited to just Tuesday mornings and Fridays. I am, of course, very much looking forward to joining staff full-time in May, but until then, I hope to meet as many of you as possible even during this part-time transition. I hope you will e-mail me to set up at time to chat or stop by so we can get to know each other!

My husband, Kyle, and I relocated to the bay area almost two years ago. We both have Midwestern roots and we met in Seminary in Kansas City. Then, in 2009, we moved to Berkeley where I have been finishing my Masters of Divinity and Kyle began his PhD work in Systematic Theology. We love California, and are excited to move over to this side of the Bay in May, and be a part of the beautiful Marin community.

I am on the track for ordination in the United Methodist Church, and graduating seminary this May. I love serving in the church, and seeing the way that God moves in people's lives and transforms the world through us. I'm especially passionate about working with families and young people -- their energy and passion always inspire me. I can't tell you enough how excited I am to begin my journey as a full-time minister here in Ross after graduation.

During the coming weeks, please let me know if you have ideas about youth ministry, or if you want to brainstorm, pray together, or just hang out and talk. I'm looking forward to getting to know each of you!

During this part-time transition Jeremy and I will both be checking the youth@stjohnsross.org e-mail address. You can help us keep track of our e-mails by putting "To Katie" in the subject of anything that is for me. Thanks!

With warm blessings,
Katie