Karen Breckenridge – Pastor
I believe that Christ calls us into community within the church in order to connect us more deeply with the Triune God, with each other, and with the world. In worship, our souls become more in tune with God. In education, our minds become saturated with the Word. In fellowship, our hearts are united with one another. And in service, our lives are poured out for the benefit of others and of the world. I was drawn to Wedgwood Presbyterian Church because the congregation has valued these kinds of connections for many years, reaching across generations and out into the community to love and serve God and the world.
I grew up in Southern California and was an active member of a large Presbyterian Church in my hometown. I attended the University of Pacific in Stockton, CA where I majored in math and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. After college I attended Princeton Theological Seminary and received a Master of Divinity degree. Uncertain about my call to ministry, I spent the next seven years working in retail management in a variety of locations around the country until I finally moved to Seattle. Once I settled in Seattle, it quickly became clear that a change was in order as I felt a call from the Holy Spirit to return to work in the church. I came to Wedgwood Presbyterian Church as the Director of Christian Education and was here for two years. I was then ordained and served as Associate Pastor of Northminster Presbyterian Church for ten years. I completed a full circle and returned to Wedgwood in 2008 as the Pastor. My latest passion is running. I have run quite a few half marathons (a distance I love), and I have recently completed my first (and hopefully not last) marathon. I also enjoy reading, movies, games, and spending time with my husband and daughter and our extended family – many of whom live in the Seattle area.
Jennifer Houston – Christian Education Director
Hello, I’m Jennifer Houston. I’m originally from Wilmington, Delaware where I enjoyed spending my summers at Rehoboth Beach. I graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Elementary Education. After working as a preschool and elementary school teacher in Delaware, I moved to Seattle in 1989. I worked as a teacher and supervisor in preschool programs in West Seattle before starting work as the Christian Education and Youth Activities Director at Wedgwood Presbyterian. I’ve been a member at WPC for 19 years and working here for 15 years.
I love spending time with all ages of youth – from the youngest preschool age through the Elementary Fellowship Group to our active middle and high school youth. I was originally attracted to this church because of the intergenerational nature of WPC and continue to enjoy that feeling as I watch our young people be welcomed to be active participants in all areas of our worship life.
I’m married to Andy who enjoys singing in our excellent choir and sharing his construction and theatre skills with our church’s many events, especially those involving youth. We have two children, Nancyrose and Adam who are both off at college, but look forward to spending time at church whenever they are in town. I feel fortunate they grew up having such a loving second home as Wedgwood Presbyterian.
Kathy Babinec – Office Manager
Kathy Babinec has been the Office Administrator at Wedgwood Presbyterian since 1999. She runs the church office, is Property Manager, produces the newsletter, updates the church Facebook page and Blog, and is the voice that greets callers.
Kathy is a lifelong Seattleite. She is a long-time member of Lake City Presbyterian Church, where she serves as the Clerk of Session and produces their newsletter. She has been an elder and deacon there. Her favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because she enjoys gathering with family over a delicious meal. She doesn’t have one favorite food, but enjoys all of her husband’s wonderful cooking. She has many hobbies including reading, knitting, crocheting, and playing pickleball. She is a member of the Seattle Snapdragons, performing the art of western whip cracking. Kathy is married and has three grown sons.
Meredith Harris – Childcare Provider
Meredith is the newest member on Wedgwood’s staff. She will be caring for our youngest children during the Sunday morning worship service. Please pop in and introduce yourself and say welcome to Meredith. Some of you may recognize Meredith as she has attended church here and also been a valuable volunteer at Vacation Bible School, Elementary Fellowship and Youth Group for a while now. She is kind and supportive with all ages of children and adults. I’m excited for her to bring her lively, easy-going manner to Wedgwood when she starts in the childcare position in the middle of June. Meredith attended Roosevelt High School and is a graduate of Lewis and Clark College. She has just recently moved back to the Ravenna/Bryant neighborhood and will be starting at the University of Washington Law School in the autumn. She likes to read and play and referee lacrosse. She also likes kids so much that she is taking vacation from her present job to volunteer at Vacation Bible School!