michele@ashlandpc.org
Learn more about the Pastor
What do you do at Ashland?
I am the Transitional Pastor and Head of Staff at Ashland Presbyterian Church. I preach, lead worship, moderate the session, and administer the sacraments of baptism and communion. My role also includes the encouragement of outreach, community service, pastoral care, and spiritual development. I am proud to supervise a team of engaged, dedicated staff.
Why do you do what you do?
I am a pastor because I am called to be one. Nothing else makes my heart sing as much as ordained ministry. I grew up in a nondenominational evangelical church that did not ordain women or lgbtq+ people. I joined the Presbyterian Church (USA) as a young adult. My greatest joy is to walk alongside others as their minister. I have been in ministry for over a decade and I love it more every year.
Why Ashland?
Ashland is a welcoming and open place. I felt the warmth and connection instantly. I enjoy building relationships, and Ashland values that, too. I grew up in a farming community in Northern California. I love working in a place that navigates the rural and the suburban like Cockeysville. I spent the first ten years of ministry working with children, youth, and families, so I am thrilled to serve a church with a thriving childcare and preschool center.
I believe that God is always “about to do a new thing” (Isaiah 43:19). I am called to pay attention with the Ashland community to God’s activity. What might God be up to in the world? How can Ashland be part of it? Let’s find out together!
Talk to Me About…
Coffee, farmers markets, gluten free baking, Greenmount Cemetery, hiking, poetry, the Station North Arts District, urban gardens, yoga
When I’m Not at Ashland, You’ll Most likely Find Me…
Competing at Charm City Trivia with my friends every week at a local brewery. I was in Academic Decathlon in high school, and my team made it to the state finals at Beverly Hills High School in 2005. I live out my ‘glory days’ as an Academic Decathlete through Charm City Trivia!
Gardening with my partner in our raised beds where we grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
Walking through a farmers market on a Saturday morning – my favorite in Baltimore City is the Waverly Farmers Market on 33rd Street.
Completing my dissertation for a Doctorate of Ministry in Creative Writing & Public Theology from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. I am currently writing a memoir about growing up in the Calvary Chapel movement as an lgbtq+ woman called to ordained ministry.
Organizing with Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development (BUILD), an affiliate of the Metro IAF (Industrial Areas Foundation) as BUILD’s Principal Investigator for “BUILDing Power Through Food.” This is a joint research project with Morgan State University, Johns Hopkins University, and BUILD analyzing the connections among food security, community organizing, leadership development, and public health outcomes.
