First Congregational Church of Naperville names new settled pastor
The First Congregational Church of Naperville, United Church of Christ, welcomes Kari Joy Nicewander as their new settled pastor.
Pastor Kari began serving on June 29 and her leadership marks the conclusion of a two-year pastoral search. The congregation unanimously voted to call her and is already reaping the benefits of this new chapter in the life of DuPage County’s oldest church.
Pastor Kari stated, “I was drawn to FCC because I see a church full of people who want to be together in courageous, adventurous love. I’m thrilled to be able to lead and serve this dynamic group as we work for justice, build community, and trust in a spirit that enlivens and uplifts.”
FCC’s moderator John Klein-Collins had this to say, “Our search for a settled paster ended with Pastor Kari because it was obvious she embodied who we are as a congregation. We found a gem and we look forward to growing with her leadership.”
Nicewander received her theology degree from Harvard Divinity School, where she studied the intersection of religion and public policy. She has served in several congregations and came to FCC after eight years as senior minister at Immanuel Congregational Church in Hartford, Connecticut. She was a founding member of the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance, whose work on housing, educational equity, and criminal justice reform led to three successful legislative campaigns.
As a certified racial justice trainer, Nicewander partnered with West Hartford Public Schools to revamp the statewide curriculum to include people of color in local history lessons. Prior to this, she lived for three years in Zambia, working on HIV/AIDS education. She was also a contributing author for Trans-Kin, which won the 2013 International Book Award for LGBTQ Non-Fiction.
First Congregational Church of Naperville is located at 25 E. Benton Ave. Sunday worship service is at 10 a.m. All are welcome. For more information, call (630) 355-1024 or visit loveandjustice.org.