I am an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church. Through my ministry outside the walls of the church I have encountered many persons who consider themselves spiritual or religious, but are not connected to an established church or institution. These same persons when experiencing the peaks and valleys of their life journeys frequently want a service or ritual that is faith based. I have felt called to fulfill that type of ministry.

Much of my spiritual excitement, growth, and creativity come to me when I am outdoors, especially when I am hiking or running. Therefore, I am very open to providing unique, customized services for persons wanting services in an outdoor setting. I can also offer suggestions of beautiful indoor settings for weddings or other services. I enjoy working with individuals and couples to create a ritual or service that is meaningful to the persons involved.

Ministry is a second career for me. I felt called into ministry about ten years ago and began by volunteering in hospital pastoral care. I continue to work in a hospital as a chaplain associate. I was consecrated as a Diaconal Minister in 1997 and ordained as a permanent deacon in 2000 in the United Methodist Church. I have worked in two churches as Pastor of Congregational Care.

I have run seven marathons---one each year since 1997. Running is a passion for me and is also a part of my spiritual discipline. I find that I pray best and am most creative when I am outdoors in the beautiful mountain setting surrounding Boulder. I also enjoy hiking in the mountains. There simply is no church building that compares to the beauty of the outdoors, which is where I seem to encounter God. My next running adventure will be the Disney World Half-Marathon in January 2006.

The high point of my ministry occurred at the 2001 New York City Marathon. Prior to the race, an ecumenical worship service was held. I was asked to be part of the leadership for that service and offered the prayer for the race participants and all who were helping with the race that day. The race was held just five weeks after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. So the worship service was especially meaningful to all of us running in the marathon. There was a feeling of spiritual unity as we came together on that November morning preparing to "run the race that was set before us."

I am married to my wonderful husband Bruce. We have a blended family made up of three daughters. We all enjoy outdoor activities in the mountains.

I hope you will contact me. I would love to talk with you, meet you, and work with you through Mountain Ministry.