New Associate Pastor for First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights

First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights will soon have a new associate pastor. After a comprehensive search, the Reverend Tai Zimmerman Magette was called by the congregation and will begin her ministry with the church on Monday, July 14. Magette will partner with Rev. Alex Lang, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, and an associate pastor for pastoral care, for whom the search is still under way. The two associate pastors will follow Lang's lead and work with church members, friends, and leaders to reshape the mission and vision of the church.

Magette has a strong passion for Christian education and building community. She also has gifts for leading worship, developing small groups, and providing effective office and program administration. "Tai constantly impressed us with her experience, confidence, and openness," said Jody Stautzenbach, chair of the church's pastoral search committee.

Magette earned a master of divinity degree and a master's degree in Christian education, both from Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education. She also holds a bachelor's degree in religious studies from North Carolina State University. She was named educator of the year in 2006 in the Western North Carolina Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA). In 2013, she became a certified Christian educator with the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators of the PC(USA). Her practical experience includes developing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum for a churchwide education program.

Magette is intentional about building relationships and leading others to grow in relationship with God and with others in the community. "You will hear me refer to us all as children of God and how that knowledge gives us roots from which to grow, but also wings with which we are sent into the world to share God's grace," said Magette. Her official title will be associate pastor for adult education and executive administration, and the second part of the title will be important as she uses her creativity and organizational skills to collaborate with other staff and program leaders and focus on small-group ministry. "We were in search of a 'wow' candidate-and we unanimously knew when we had found her," said Stautzenbach. Magette is excited to join the First Presbyterian Church community. "I look forward to sharing our faith with each other, participating in worship, and partnering in ministry."

First Presbyterian Church is located at 302 N. Dunton Ave. in Arlington Heights. To learn more, visit www.fpcah.org or call the church office at 847-255-5900.