Kate Fiedler called as Associate Pastor!
The Reverend Katherine (Kate) Kenyon Fiedler
It is with great joy that the APNC nominates Kate Fiedler for Associate Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA. She is a graduate of Davidson College and Union Presbyterian Seminary, where she earned both the Master of Divinity and Master of Christian Education degrees.
For the past six years Kate has been Associate Pastor for Adult Ministries at University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, NC. Her ministry there focused on adult education, congregational life, pastoral care and membership development. Kate began her career as Associate Chaplain and Assistant Dean of Student Life at Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte, NC. Following this, she served four years as Director of Admissions at Union Presbyterian Seminary, serving both the Richmond and Charlotte campuses.
Drawn to serving a church, Kate brings substantial experience as an integral member of a pastoral team. Her demonstrated leadership in worship, community building, adult education, and Christian action for social justice meet the needs of our church. She is a person of warmth, humor, compassion, encouragement, and collaborative spirit, essential to our congregation and to relationships with our ecumenical and interfaith partners. Kate is eager now to join the vibrant ministry at Second Presbyterian as Associate Pastor.
Kate’s Words About Her Ministry
“As a cradle Presbyterian and a double preachers’ kid, the church has been a second home for me. In each chapter of my life, I am grateful for the ways the church has encouraged me, challenged me, guided me, and loved me into being my true self. I hope the next chapter in my ministry will offer me further opportunity to support and nurture the faith of those who are curious, compassionate, collaborative, and sometimes comical. I value a church that nurtures ecumenical and interfaith relationships. Lately, my faith has deepened and grown the most through interfaith partnerships: working with the local NAACP, advocating for farm workers’ rights, and pushing for eco-justice policies, including leading UPC to become an Earth Care congregation. God continues to amaze me with hope and humor, so I pray to serve in a ministry setting that is justice-driven, grace-filled, and inspired by the Word made flesh.”
Others’ Words About Kate’s Ministry
“Kate was an outstanding seminary officer --so, outstanding that I tried my best to keep her. But when God is calling, there is not much one can do except give thanksgiving. She is a delightful spirit, a woman of deep faith, and someone very interested in the mission of the church in the world.”
Dr. Brian Blount, President, Union Presbyterian Seminary
“It was a joy, always, to work with Kate. She brought a positive perspective, she is fun and funny, and she has great people skills. She developed many good relationships in our church and has been pastor to many. She has such sparkle.”
The Reverend Dr. Bob Dunham, retired Pastor and Head of Staff, University Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill, NC
“Kate brings great energy, enthusiasm, authenticity, and joy to everything.”
The Reverend John Rogers, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry, University Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill, NC