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Today's Featured Biography

 
Chris Christopher

I graduated Elon College in 1981 as a Biology Major, and was commissioned in the USMC in May of 81. Spent 2 years in the Orient as a Combat Engineer Platoon Commander. Returned in 83 to Cherry Point, as Heavy Equipment Section Commander. Met Theresa Russ on a blind date Thanksgiving weekend and were married on March 10, 1984. Left the Corps and returned to Burlington to work at CB Ellis with Jeff Holland. Taught private trumpet lessons and worked with Jr. and Sr. High Bands in NC and Vir.

Felt the call to Seminary in 1988 and began studies at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC. Left after 1st year as God and I had different ideas about the way God should handle things, and moved to Laurinburg NC to work for St. Andrews College. Taught Biology, Chemistry, and Physical Science at Scotland High for 3 years before working out my God issues, and returned to seminary for my final 3 years of studies.

My first call was in Charlotte, NC at A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church, where we served for 3 years. We then left sweet tea, grits, and long hot summers of NC and moved to the Catskill Mountains of NY to serve as the Executive Director of Koinonia Outdoor Ministries... 1200 acres of wilderness 90 minutes from NYC. That was great! However due to my Dad's chronic illness, we returned home to NC and was called to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Gastonia. After 5 years in Gastonia, we have moved to Newton NC and serve as the pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Startown. We have been here since 2004.

My mother passed away in 1994 from complications from emphysema. My dad passed away in 2003 from complications from emphysema.

My wife Theresa, has taught elementary school in Charlotte and in Hickory. She is now a stay-home Mom/wife to manage our crazy life together. We have now been married for 25 years. It is amazing to me that there is a woman who would put up with me for that long. She is wonderful.

Our children still live at home, as Ada is 22, but suffers from mental ilness and is disabled. Our son, Charlie, just graduated from HS and is considering the USMC or Community College for Auto Mechanics.

I still play my trumpet on occasion, and find great pleasure in that. I also love to write and hope to take a sabbatical next year to do just that. I also enjoy flower and vegetable gardening. However, I really enjoy my work, especially working with our Youth, and when I need alone time, I put the top down on my 1995 BMW 325 and cruise. Theresa, my soul mate, understands me and sometimes I even let her ride with me!

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