This summer brings some bittersweet but exciting changes to our church staff. We’re looking forward to the future and getting ready for a great year to come.
Fond farewell to…
Rev. Carra Greer, who stepped down after five and a half years as our amazing minister to families. Thank you Carra from everyone at The Church at Ponce & Highland. Carra will be in our prayers and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Jim O’Connell, who retired after 16 years as our Finance Director. Jim helped guide the church through major decisions and keep us on a steady financial footing. Thank you Jim for your wise stewardship and counsel!
Congratulations to…
Jim Wright on his new title of Operations Director. Jim will add many of Jim O’Connell’s responsibilities to his prior role as facilities director. Working with the finance committee and our new accounting firm, Brooks, McGinnis & Company, Jim will also handle donations, accounting, and stewardship of church resources.
Welcome to…
Rev. Colin Holtz, our new Associate Pastor for Administration and Communications. A graduate of Mercer University School of Theology, Colin has interned at the church since last summer. He is the co-author of Moral Leadership for a Divided Age and worked helping non-profits communicate online before attending seminary.
Colin sees the church as a community of people struggling to root themselves in a bigger story in the midst of confusing modern life. He just returned from a month in learning from our ministry partners in Chiapas, Mexico, and hopes to help the church be a liberating presence in a world of injustice. Colin will help with administrative tasks, pastoral care, occasional preaching, and sharing the story of our church with the Atlanta community.
Colleen DeGraff, our new Minister to Families. A native of Atlanta, Colleen is also a graduate of Mercer University School of Theology. Colleen also taught preschool and brings years of experience with foster care families.
Colleen believes children are a valuable part of the church community as they are both teachers and learners. She strives to help children find their place in the church by building cross-generational relationships and leading children on their own spiritual journeys.
Alyssa Chester, intern for families and children. Alyssa is a dedicated mom of 3 and a seminary student who is in her last semester at Mercer University School of Theology. With a background in Outreach Ministry, Alyssa has a heart for serving others in the community and plans to create a practical solution to help solve the homelessness that plagues our communities.
Erica Cody, ministerial intern. Erica is a thirty-year-old Atlanta native earning a Master of Divinity at the Mercer University School of Theology with a concentration in Pastoral Care that focuses on Womanist Theology, Social Justice and Inter-Faith dialogue.
Caroline Legrand, choral scholar. Caroline returns to the church after serving with us last year. Originally from Durham, NC, Caroline is a second-year student at the Mercer University School of Theology. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Furman University. She is interested in the theology of worship and hopes to continue her studies after receiving the MDiv.