Jill hails from the great state of Wisconsin, and as such, really enjoys an extra sharp Cheddar cheese or cheese curds that are so fresh they squeak when you eat them. I am the oldest girl in a family of four siblings (and two parents). My brother is older, followed by two sisters. All three of my siblings excel at making me laugh and not take life too seriously. They have unquestionably left fingerprints from God all over my soul.
My parents have also left fingerprints all over my life. My dad has been a pastor in the RCA since 1976, and my mom is a teacher of preschool and second grade. It was they who pushed me to do things I thought were physically, mentally, and emotionally impossible, and I would not be where I am today if it were not for their investment in my life. Thanks Mom and Dad!
I graduated from Western Theological Seminary in May of 2010 with my Master’s in Divinity. I currently serve as the Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church in Muskegon, Michigan. My dream is to one day pastor a church and earn a PhD in Old Testament. I’ll let you know how that goes!
I care about the Church’s ministry to persons with disabilities, primarily because I believe there is still so much the church needs to learn. By necessity, the perspective of a person with a disability differs from those who are normal, and there are times where I’m sure we all find ourselves thinking, “I wish they could spend a day in my shoes.” It is my hope that my contributions to ecclesio.com and the “fingerprints” I leave on others can help them see the perspective of disability, as well as help us who have disabilities better relate to those who don’t have one. May we all learn to listen to each other.