Parish Associate, Margaret Gelini
Pastor Margaret joined the pastoral staff as part-time Parish Associate at PBPC in January, 2007. Margaret is a second-career pastor, who understands the world of business. Prior to ordained ministry she worked in fund-raising management for sixteen years in several nonprofit organizations. Her journey in ministry began back in 1982 when Christ called her to be His faithful disciple.
In 1992, she began to explore ordained Ministry while studying theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. She earned her Masters of Divinity Degree in 1996 from Fuller, and was ordained to the Ministry of Word & Sacrament in 1999 along with her husband Pastor Chris. Together, they served as co-pastors of a small rural congregation in Eastern Washington State for over six years.
Margaret enjoys teaching and preaching from the Bible, leading small group Bible studies to encouraging people to grow as followers of Christ; she is also gifted in the areas of administration, organization and strategic planning.
She shares, “I love to see people connect with God’s through His Word; when someone finally realizes what Scriptures tells us about who God is and how God wants us to live – it’s like a “light-bulb” just switched on. It’s a blessing for me to watch this happen to someone and one of the joys I love about being a pastor.”
Margaret and her husband Chris, along with their young daughter, enjoy walks together exploring new playgrounds and parks in the East Bay. She loves to cook and try new healthy recipes, but mostly loves to bake with her young daughter – whether it’s a cake made from flour, or “play-dough”! She is also an enthusiastic Giants' fan and enjoys time with extended family and friends.
Favorite Passage/Story: Genesis 24:1-26, 66-67. Favorite Verse: 1 John 4:19