Church Educator, Karen Kennell
I am a native of the Pacific Northwest; I grew up in Bellingham, where my family attended church at the First Congregational Church of Bellingham UCC. Upon moving to Seattle in 2000 to attend the University of Washington, I joined University Congregational UCC and became active in church life. My parents still live in Bellingham and attend the church there; my father teaches middle school science and my mother runs an in-home daycare. My sister lives north of Bellingham with her family and is growing her mental health counseling practice while running her non-profit, Mustang-U.
After four years at UW, I received Bachelor of Science degrees in Physics and in Astronomy, and spent the two years following working for the family engineering firm. During that time I spent a lot of time volunteering at church, which led to my decision to attend seminary. I am now in my third of five years at Seattle University in the School of Theology and Ministry, working on my Master of Divinity in preparation for a vocation as an ordained church pastor.
I have lived in West Seattle for a year and a half, and really love it. When I am not working or studying, I enjoy painting, playing cello, riding my horse, playing with my cats and catching up with my dear friends and family.
As Church Educator, I spend much of my time organizing resources for church school and communicating with church school teachers. I am the designated staff person on the CE board and sit on the Little Pilgrim School Standing Committee. During church school I am available to teachers as a resource and many Sunday mornings I give the Children's Sermon.
Updated: 12/23/09: K. Kennell: J. VanGilder
