The Rev. Kara Hillhouse. First Christian Church, 430 S.
16th St., has called the Rev. Kara Hillhouse as its pastor effective Aug.
1. Hillhouse will serve as the church’s 30th pastor. A native of Ames, Iowa, Hillhouse graduated from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in 2009.
She has worked in hospital chaplaincy, including trauma chaplaincy, and also in parish ministry at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Lincoln. She most recently served as a hospice chaplain for Tabitha Hospice.
She and her husband Tony share 2 adult children. One of Lincoln’s oldest congregations, First Christian was established in 1869 and worshipped at three other downtown locations before settling at the corner of 16th and K streets in 1927. First Christian has been a leader in the ecumenical movement, so welcoming a pastor outside the denomination was an easy decision, said Doug Effle, who chairs the church board.
“It is a joy and a delight to join with this historic congregation as we endeavor to share the loving grace of Christ with the world,” said Hillhouse. “The congregation is open and inclusive and welcomes all people into full participation in the church’s ministry.” Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!.
