Jeff Wild, Pastor

I've met people who think the title and name, Pastor Wild are an unusual mix. If by "wild" we mean full of surprises, unpredictable and free spirited God fits this description better than I do! My wife calls me a dyed in a wool Lutheran. I grew up in a Lutheran congregation in Beaver Dam, attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. It's fair to say that I am also a dyed in the wool Wisconsinite having served congregations in Racine, Janesville and now Madison. Along the way Nan and I have raised a son, Andrew, now a student at Carleton College and Beth a junior at Middleton High School. It has been my privilege to serve as pastor of Advent Lutheran and Madison Christian Community since 2000.

Tisha Brown, Pastor

I grew up in Northeastern Iowa and Southwestern Wisconsin.  I graduated from High School in Monroe where I attended Grace Lutheran Church.  My BA is from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.  In 1995 I moved to Sacramento, California where I served as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member.  It was in Sacramento that I heard and responded to the call to pastoral ministry.  I attended Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA from 1998 to 2001.  I was called in 2002 to serve Brookfield Congregational Church in Brookfield, WI as Associate Pastor and was there until I came to Community of Hope, UCC in November, 2003.  I am really glad to be back in Wisconsin and to have the opportunity to serve both Community of Hope and the Madison Christian Community as pastor and teacher.  I enjoy reading, music of all kinds, doting on my niece and nephew, and laughter with good friends.

  Sonja Keesey-Berg, Administrative Secretary

I have the best position at Madison Christian Community (MCC). I work with both pastors as well as the members of Advent and the members of Community of Hope and we work together as Madison Christian Community. I have been involved in the labyrinth ministry in the Madison area and at MCC since 1997. I welcome you to come and walk our outdoor labyrinth anytime or check the indoor labyrinth schedule. If you call us, I will answer the phone.

  Tom Matthews, MCC Maintenance

Joan and I have been Community of Hope members for about 25 years. We've enjoyed many very good friendships in Hope and Advent during that time. The opportunities for ministry and worship here have always been very fulfilling for me. We were also attracted to the MCC by the novel idea that two congregations of different denominations could come together, sharing not only physical space, but also youth education, governance, etc. I still think this is an excellent example for the world around us.

My main responsibility here is to perform repairs and maintenance to the building as needed. I also assist other members as they use MCC building facilities in their various projects and ministries. At other times, I like motorcycle trips (New Mexico this year), reading, arguing with people on the internet, and general tinkering.

  Jean Oliversen, Custodian

My name is Jean (Kittleson) Oliversen. I was born in Madison in my grandparents' house and have lived there mostof my life. I have five children and eight grandchildren. Thirty-eight years ago we left Bethel Lutheran Church and joined Advent. We found the people to be warm and friendly and they haven't changed. My husband Otto died in 1996. For the last eight or nine years I have been part-time custodian at MCC. I love my job—it's really not a job but a "labor of love." I couldn't find a better staff to work with. I like to garden and share the "fruits of my labor!" I love to read and occasionally dabble in better hobbies.

 

Madison Christian Community • 7118 Old Sauk Road • Madison, WI 53717-1099 • Phone: 608-836-1455 •