Karen has lived in North Carolina her entire life. As a “preacher’s kid” going
to church was more than something Karen always did, but an integral part of
growing up. Some of Karen’s fondest childhood memories were of participating in
Children’s Ministry programs and the wonderful volunteers that dedicated many
hours to building the children’s spiritual foundations. In fact, the arts and crafts
projects and colorful Biblical illustrations during Sunday school were amongst the
first times that Karen realized she had a passion for creating art. That passion grew
and later she received an undergraduate degree in Studio Art from Guilford College
and a Masters of Fine Arts in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina at
Greensboro. After receiving her degrees, Karen began teaching as an Instructor of
Art at High Point University, where she taught art and art history courses for eight
years.
Most of Karen’s life has been spent volunteering in churches; whether by
teaching crafts, designing backdrops for plays or Vacation Bible School, hosting life
groups, painting murals, or teaching classes. Karen’s love of volunteering has grown
over the years into a desire to find more ways to serve God, especially through
Children’s Ministry. Karen is delighted for the opportunity to serve the children of
Sunrise UMC as Director of Children’s Ministries and believes when we, “Start
children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not
turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
Karen became a member of Sunrise UMC shortly after moving to the Raleigh
area three years ago. When Karen is not making art or volunteering, she loves
spending time with her husband of sixteen years, Jeremy, and their two wonderful
sons, Andrew and Julian.