Sara Tonje
Pastor
Sara is from Rapid City, SD and graduated from college at Lewis and Clark College in Portland OR. She lived in the mountains of Nepal for over six years. Her theological education was at Princeton Seminary where she graduated with prizes in preaching and community engagement.
Her ministry interests include biblical storytelling, mission work, lively and creative collaborative worship, and care of souls. She has served on leadership teams to the PC USA triennium, she organized mission teams to Pine Ridge and to PDA sites for Katrina relief work. Sara has led youth retreats and session vision sessions, Easter eve lock-ins, and Session meetings. She has served the church since her ordination in 1999.
Sara's mom was homebound with Alzheimer’s, so she understands the care of isolated and vulnerable people. She is creative, compassionate and session was told that her superpower is to bring out the best in members of the congregation.
She raised three sons with her (ex) husband from Cameroon. Sara loves to be outdoors but has been sewing and refinishing old furniture as winter hobbies. She has no idea how to can tomatoes, play bridge or navigate the Mississippi River, but is eager to learn. She is an Alto.
Sara will lead us in the work of the interim ministry time. We are to come to terms with our church’s history, discover the identity we choose to have going forward, plan an effective use of leadership, create a culture of kindness and faithfulness, develop and celebrate the unique vision that this church has for its future.
