Emanuel’s new pastor enjoying warm welcome and weather

Rev. Chris Kurtz has taken a somewhat roundabout way to his new pulpit at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Manchester.

It’s not surprising, perhaps, since his father teasingly called him a “nomad” when he was younger, because he never stayed in one place too long.

What might be more surprising is to learn that he arrived in the mostly-progressive United Church of Christ despite having spiritual roots that were primarily in a more orthodox Southern Baptist tradition. However, after serving in the ministry 17 years, Pastor Chris went through a divorce, which was not embraced by the denomination, especially in a preacher. So, “I had to seek ministry elsewhere,” he says simply.

He served more open-minded churches on the East Coast, most recently in Virginia, over the past several years and met his wife, Jamie, in the meanwhile. Together they have two grown children, of whom they are both very proud. Their son lives with his wife in South Carolina and their daughter is completing her master’s degree in Virginia.

When his most recent congregation, which had been declining in membership over many years, decided to disband, Chris and Jamie decided to be open to whatever adventure God had in store for them–and that turned out to be Manchester, Michigan.

“It seems a great fit so far,” he says. “The UCC is more broad-thinking, open-minded and accepting and that’s what I was looking for. “They are open to dialogue and constructive discussion of social issues and justice ministry, and that’s where I want to spend my energies.”

Pastor Chris finds the atmosphere at Emanuel UCC “refreshing” and sees this move as a new beginning. “I’m excited,” he says. “The people of Emanuel have been so gracious, loving, accepting, helping, and generous. I’ve lived in smaller towns but Jamie has not, so she is really amazed by the hospitality of the small town atmosphere.”

He adds that Jamie, who works in Human Resources at the Evangelical Homes of Michigan in Saline, is the family member who is most looking forward to winter weather and snow. As a dyed-in-the-wool Southerner, Chris is used to climate more like what we’re experiencing currently. “The hardest thing, though?” he says “It stays light so long into the evening! Coming from the farthest east part of the time zone, I’m seeing that Michigan gets at least another 45 minutes of light as dusk approaches.” He suspects, however, that this will be an advantage as winter gets nearer.

With their two dogs, Chris and Jamie are settling into the spacious Emanuel parsonage as well as seeing how best to fit into the congregation.

Pastor Chris’ immediate goal is to get to know the people of Emanuel as well as the wider community, and become an involved asset to the congregation and the community. He hopes that being in touch with Manchester’s needs, will not only help him minister better, but help Emanuel be better at reaching out to the community.

“Emanuel has a powerful history and now needs to look toward continuing to thrive in the future. We need to expand our impact,” he says, “learn what the needs are, and see how we can be part of the solutions.

“As the culture changes and attitudes about church evolve, we need to be outwardly focused; and find new, more relevant, and meaningful ways to engage and intersect with the community we serve.”

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.