Meet Pastor Stina Koppes!
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Meet Pastor Stina Koppes! |
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Meeting Pastor Stina Koppes As of August 2009, Christina (Stina) Koppes will jointly share the appointment to PPUMC with her husband, Chad Koppes. Here is a little bit about Stina, in her own words ... Personal Bio: I grew up in Williamsville, NY (a suburb of Buffalo). My parents & extended family still live in Buffalo, while my younger sister (and her family) lives in Florida & my brother lives in Rhode Island. I received a BA (biology and mathematics, 1994) from Wittenberg University, in Springfield, OH. After college, I studied & worked in an aquatic toxicology laboratory at Rutgers University in NJ, where I received a MS in toxicology (2001). Surprisingly enough, it was during my lab days that I discovered a call to ministry! This switch in vocations led me to Princeton Theological Seminary, where I not only graduated with a M.Div. and an M.A. (in Christian Education), but I met Chad. We were married one week after his graduation & enjoyed living in Princeton during our first year of marriage. After I graduated from seminary, we moved to MN, where I began my first appointment at Woodbury UMC. I have served Woodbury/Peaceful Grove UMC for the past four years as an associate pastor (my responsibilities have varied as ministry needs have changed). Call and Philosophy of Ministry: I did not plan on becoming a pastor when I was a child. It wasn’t until after college that things started connecting for me. To get the full story on that, you’ll have to ask me in person. In the meanwhile, I will say that it is a delight to have been trained as an environmental biologist who now works as a pastor. My life experiences and studies have caused me to find amazement in all of God’s creation. As a follower of Jesus, I yearn for ways in which I can live out the good news of God’s love fully in this world. I find joy when I am immersed in a community that is unabashedly in love with God and excited to share that love with those long to feel welcomed. Christ always met people where they were. He loved them as they were. He shared with them who he was – and more often then not, they left everything and followed him! My hope is that my life will reflect that kind of grace and inclusivity, honoring the sacredness of each person I meet. Having participated in several different Christian traditions (UCC, Episcopalian, Lutheran, and Presbyterian), I have found great joy in working with other Christians who have different theological perspectives. I find the dialogue to be engaging and revealing. I also believe strongly in John Wesley’s understanding of “Catholic Spirit” in which although we may not be of one mind, we can be of one heart. It is in that spirit that I draw strength and energy for life in the church. Interests and Hobbies: My hobbies change throughout the years, mostly because I love to learn new things & meet new people. Some of my ongoing interests include yoga, spending time with family and friends, reading whatever I can get my hands on, birding, playing the piano, singing, playing with our puppy (Basil), and learning how to bake. As I begin this new appointment, I hope to spend time discovering new hobbies. |
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Contacting PPUMC: |
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Send e-mail to Prospect Park UMC (ProspectParkUMC@gmail.com) |
Last modified: October 3, 2009 -- JO Please contact the church office at ProspectParkUMC@gmail.com with any comments or corrections to this Web page. The URL for this website is http://www.prospectparkchurch.org |
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