We are so delighted to have Rev. Jill Holloway joining us as our new Parish Coordinator 10 hours a week. She will be focusing on storytelling and helping us with communications. Here’s a little bit about Jill:
My story with this parish began about six months ago, just after my family moved from Olympia, Washington, to the Woodstock neighborhood. My wife, Melinda, my two-and-a-half year old son Ben, and I were excited to visit our neighborhood church. Having a United Methodist Church literally down the road was perfect— my wife is an ordained Elder and extension minister in the Pacific Northwest Conference and we hoped to find a local UMC community where we could connect.
From what I have since learned about that first Sunday we visited, it was a morning that just went all wrong. The sound system went out that morning before worship and forced everyone into a last-minute scramble. To me, though, it was a breath of fresh air. Everyone in attendance drew in more closely (remember when we could sit close together in pews?!?), sang more loudly, and the room was filled with a warmth of spirit that can only come from a community that is connected enough to be able to improvise on the fly. Our family was truly moved by our participation in worship that day. It seems like so long ago, and a life that feels far away from all of us now. However, I remember that warmth and welcome that my family experienced, and feel so excited for the opportunity to serve this congregation as Parish Coordinator.
For the last 13 years, I have been a hospice chaplain in Atlanta, Georgia and Olympia, Washington. I am ordained through the Alliance of Baptists and received an M.Div from McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta. Though my personal faith and educational background is rooted in the Baptist tradition, I have spent my entire professional life working with people of all faiths and spiritualities. I married into a family that was deeply United Methodist, and it is in this tradition that our family has found its home.
I have had the great privilege over the years to listen to the stories of countless individuals and families receiving hospice care, and I have seen the power and potential that can emerge from the telling and the hearing of our stories. I am so excited for the opportunity to hear your story— both the story of this Parish and your own individual stories— and look forward to seeing how the Holy Spirit may use this unique time in the life of this community to continue the work you all are doing so well. I feel honored to be a part of this movement with you as Parish Coordinator.
Since our world is more virtual now, without opportunities for more in-person introduction, I’d also like to share a few fast facts about me. I was born and raised in South Carolina, where my parents and many extended family still live. I have been married to my wife, Melinda, for six years, and we adore our nearly three-year-old son Ben. I love baking, particularly sourdough bread. I love cooking most anything. During the pandemic, the three of us have really enjoyed settling into our new home in Portland and we have been especially nourished this summer by trying to find out-of-the-way swimming spots where we can remain appropriately distant while enjoying the glorious PNW!
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