Rev. Karen Winkel

An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, The Reverend Karen Winkel has been happily serving Hillcrest Church since July 2009.  Prior to her pastorate here, Karen served churches on the Navajo Nation, the Oregon coast, Utah, western Colorado, as well as western Kentucky. Prior to her call to ministry, Karen had a rich and varied career in higher education. Karen earned a B.A. degree in Liberal Studies and an M.A. in Counseling from California State University, Fresno; she was also granted a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA.

Key to Karen's ministry is the certainty that God's love knows no bounds, that Jesus Christ reveals this love, and that we find our lives when we learn to love lavishly. Karen is grateful for the opportunity to preach each week; her style is both approachable and relevant. Karen's ministry is informed by her previous work with international students, her life among the Navajo, and her friendships with people of differing backgrounds, perspectives, and sexual orientation.

Raised in California, Karen has spent a fair amount of time exploring the back roads of the West; she is especially fond of the Four Corners area. In her free time, Karen enjoys free-ranging conversations, independent films (especially documentaries), and buying books (but not always reading them). Two cats and a spirited cluster of neighbor kids make her smile and help keep her grounded. Living in Montrose and serving Hillcrest fill Karen with great joy and gratitude.

Karen can be reached at 970-249-9047 or by email at revkaren@montroseucc.org. She welcomes opportunities to serve those who are not affiliated with Hillcrest Church.

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