REV. DR. JANET PARKER
INTERIM SENIOR MINISTER
503.946.1043
The Rev. Dr. Janet Parker is delighted to serve First Congregational UCC as Interim Senior Minister and is excited about accompanying the congregation during its transitional period. Born and baptized into the Disciples of Christ denomination, and confirmed and ordained Presbyterian, Rev. Janet is something of an ecumenical nomad. But in 2004 she found her home in the United Church of Christ because of its radical hospitality, passion for justice and commitment to the God who is still speaking! Rev. Janet has served congregations in New York City, Arlington, VA and Salem, Oregon and most recently served as Interim Pastor at St. James Lutheran Church, FCUCC’s neighbor in the Park Blocks.
Rev. Janet received her M.Div. degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from Union Theological Seminary in New York. In addition to pastoring congregations, she has taught religion and society at Chicago Theological Seminary, served as staff to the National Council of Churches and World Council of Churches, and served as a Volunteer in Mission with the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. Rev. Janet loves walking alongside people on their faith journeys and helping people connect with God, community and the natural world. As a once and future dog-owner, she is always happy to meet people’s canine kids. When not in church, you might find Janet walking, hiking, catching a movie, or simply enjoying a good meal with her wife, Robyn Hartwig, and their good friends. Since moving to Oregon from the East Coast in 2013, she has loved discovering the beauty, wildness and weirdness of the Pacific Northwest and the Portland area!