Why Church...Why Ministry
Because we need church that can heal us, lift us up and invite us in. These words touch me at my core from seminary friend Raven Rowe, expressing what I have come to know and experience in this life, Kimberlee Whisler-Vasko comments while feeling her intense passion and authenticity to teach and nurture as she spoke to me. She will be taking on her first call as Associate Pastor at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Downers Grove though her entire life has been centered in faith, young adults who struggle and a progressive church community.
Kim began her first childhood steps at the First United Church of Oak Park on Kenilworth Ave and steadfastly continued her journey and love for youth as the Director of Christian Education and the Coordinator of UCC Relations at Elmhurst College where she also graduated with a Bachelors degree. As a director for many years, she truly realized the heavy responsibility to youth in a congregation and building a strong church for future generations to come.
Because of her deep-seated love and faith to help others, Kim continued her education and graduated with her Masters in Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary. She is so excited about her new journey at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Downers Grove, a congregation of about 600 people that is known to many to be a church that puts the love of Christ into actions that help the community.
Senior Pastor Scott Oberle says it even better that First Congregational United Church of Christ strives to be known as a church that helps people by responding to their needs; physical and spiritual in love. The Church is based on biblical scripture and culturally engaged but not heavily doctrinal or adherent to an inerrant view of the bible. We believe that Christianity is much more than a religion or set of beliefs about God, but rather a journey of discipleship that calls us to a life-long relationship with God that affects every aspect of our lives. We are a church that believes all people are made in the image and love of God, without exceptions.
In short, he says - we are about trying to love people as Jesus loved people and honor God with everything that we've got.
We are excited to announce the calling of our new Associate Pastor Kim Whisler-Vasko who joined our church February 1st, 2017. Pastor Kim has an extensive background in Christian Education and passions for inter generational ministry while working for issues relating to faith in justice.
If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limit of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me and your right hand shall hold me fast. This particular verse of the 139th Psalm was given to me as I was confirmed by the church many years ago; Kim comments. It has often served as a source of comfort, hope and steadfast faith through the challenges that life's journey brings. It is a testament to the reality that God provides for us through our eyes, ears, hands and feet. We are the resource to transform all of creation through the presence of the spirit and the power of love.
My final thoughts on her purpose and what all people should strive. When we love and help without condition or exception, we are living God's life. Ultimately, we are never disappointed.
A special welcome to Pastor Kim!