Reverend Lisa Horst Clark,
Lead Pastor
Pronouns: She/Her
“I am honored to serve this church as we seek how we are called to love God and neighbor in this time and place. I originally grew up in Northern California, with a time in central Illinois that lent me an abiding love of casseroles. I grew up in a UCC church that allowed me to explore the mystery of the divine, and I knew the congregation as a force for profound welcome, love and justice in the world. I felt the call to ministry in college and following that call would lead me across the country and back: first to Connecticut for seminary and first call in Guilford, CT and now back here to Bellevue, WA. I have loved the chance to minister with these thoughtful folks who are seeking to make a difference in the world. When not at the church, I spend my time with my husband Josh, reading an ever growing stack of library books, and chasing around my kiddo, who always keeps me on my toes.”
Rev. Lisa Horst Clark has been serving at this congregation since 2011 and has been Lead Pastor since 2016. She holds a BA in Philosophy from Pomona College and a Masters of Divinity from Yale Divinity School, where she received the Wolcott Calkins Prize in Preaching. Pastor Lisa first served at First Congregational Church of Guilford for three years as Associate Pastor for Children and Families, before joining our church staff in 2011. Pastor Lisa is a graduate of the first class of the Next Generation Leadership Initiative of the Pension Boards United Church of Christ.