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Resource Center Director and Educator
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Who I Am...I was born and raised in Peekskill, New York, a suburb of New York City. Growing up in the Peekskill Presbyterian Church, I always had a strong sense that God had a plan for me. Surrounded by faithful Christians, I grew up knowing God’s love through my parents, Sunday School teachers and many others. Maryville College was my destination after high school. There I studied history and was a member of the Concert Choir, in addition to other leadership activities. After my junior year I took a summer position as Campcraft Director for the Children’s Fresh Air Farm. A mission & ministry of Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, the Fresh Air Farm offers summer camping experiences for underprivileged children in the Birmingham area. This was a fun job for me as I had been a Girl Scout with lots of camping experience over many years. I spent two summers loving and teaching children who did not have the support at home that I had enjoyed. It was my experience at the Farm that led me to realize that God was calling me to ministry. Late one evening several counselors were talking. My friend Ruth described how she was thinking about attending the Presbyterian School of Christian Education and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia for a dual Master’s degree in Social Work and Christian Education. As she spoke I knew that God was calling me to do this. It was a ‘brick from heaven’ that hit me hard in my head and heart. Soon after I was accepted to PSCE and VCU, but ended up concentrating in Christian Education, as that had become my passion. I met and married my husband, W. Glenn Kirkconnell, during our time in Richmond. We moved to Charlottesville for Glenn’s PhD program. Our children Heather and Ryan were both born there. We were members of Westminster Presbyterian Church during our time at the University of Virginia. In the fall of 1993 I received the call to be the Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, Florida, where I served for 12 years. I earned my certification and served at the Presbytery level as well. In January 2006 I became the Educator at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Lilburn, GA. Following that I was Interim Educator at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Stone Mountain, GA. Our daughter is a second year student at Oberlin Conservatory and College, studying Organ Performance and French. Ryan is a junior at Parkview High School and is a gifted tuba player who loves marching band. Glenn keeps busy teaching online classes in Philosophy, World Religion, American Religion and editing his dissertation for publication (due May 2008). I enjoy walking, reading, cross-stitching, sewing and being with my family. I also enjoy growing vegetables, although I have been limited to what will work in pots on porches these last few years.
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