Pastor Mary Jane came to serve St. John’s in 2014. She has a BA in Christian Education and a Masters of Divinity from Garrett Evangelical-Theological Seminary. She is passionate about the church and its connection to the community, loves to tell stories, is creative and welcoming to people no matter where they are on their faith journey.

 

A message from Pastor Mary Jane:

I am a Pilgrim:  I was born in New Jersey, raised in New York, married to a man from Illinois and now live and serve in Wisconsin.

 

I am a Student:  I have a BA in Christian Education from Defiance College in Ohio and have studied Psychology, Linguistics and German as well.  I have my Masters of Divinity and some doctoral coursework focused on New Testament Studies at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

 

I am a Teacher:  For 15 years I was co-owner and primary writer of Cornerstone Publishing, a curriculum publishing company that specialized in the experiential learning model. During those 15 years, I led workshops and seminars across the country working with ecumenical training teams and conferences. I have served at all levels of denominational life in various educational capacities over the years.

 

I am a Community Builder: It has been my joy to make connections between people. I see possibilities for growth and partnership with our wider church community, within the UCC and ecumenically. I also work with the community to share the love of Christ in all I do. Everything is about relationships, and I know how important it is to nurture relationships so they flourish.

 

I am a Leader: I have been blessed to provide leadership to congregations in Illinois and Wisconsin and the UK. I have learned about, and practice servant leadership.

 

I am a Story Teller: I love to talk and I know that the stories we tell, real or imaginary, tell about who and how we are in the world. I belong to a local storytelling guild and have told a few tales around the Milwaukee area. (Don’t worry, I know how to keep confidence as well).

 

I am a Partner: I met my husband Larry on a bet (there is a story I could tell) and in a few short months we were married. After we were married we lived in Saranac Lake, New York, while I worked for the Lake Placid Olympic committee. (That should help you calculate how long we have been married.) We then moved to the Midwest and settled in Larry’s hometown of Morton Grove, Illinois. A job transfer brought us happily across the border and we now live in Wales, Wisconsin. Larry and I have three grown children and four grandchildren.