Arlington Community Church Staff
Rev. Jen chapman, Pastor
Meet Our New Pastor
A Letter to the Community
Do we still need churches? This is a question many are asking and a question I have wrestled with myself. I recently accepted a call to be the new pastor of Arlington Community Church in Kensington, so clearly I believe the answer is yes! But it’s not just a blanket yes. What I have found in ACC is a church that is making significant contributions to equity and justice in the larger community, meeting important needs for the people in the congregation, and that has great potential for the future. And that is why I am here!
Many who grew up in a Christian tradition have left it behind because it no longer aligned with their values. I was raised in an evangelical denomination in churches full of people who loved me well and that shaped me in many positive ways. But my values, along with my understanding of God and humanity, are much different now. ACC is part of the United Church of Christ, a denomination that has given me a lot of hope for the future of the church with attention to issues of justice, full affirmation of the LGBTQI+ community, and intentional diversity in all areas of leadership. This summer the UCC elected Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, the first woman, and the first Black woman, to lead the denomination as General Minister and President. The election of a Black woman to lead a denomination, or even to lead a congregation, should not be radical or exceptional, but it is. This is the kind of Church I believe is greatly needed, and is one of many reasons I am so grateful to now be a minister in the United Church of Christ.
When I spend time talking with people both inside and outside of the church, there are mixed feelings about religion, but many have deep longings for community, spiritual nurture, and to be engaged in caring for others and for our world in a meaningful way. These are needs that the church can meet, especially as we leave behind beliefs and practices that have caused harm, and open ourselves to new ways the Spirit is moving.
I am passionate about abundant life, for myself, for my community, and for all. I long to see the church continue to become more inclusive, her gatherings and offerings a ‘thin place’ where people connect more deeply to the divine and then go out into the world challenged and empowered to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. I believe my calling at this point in my life and ministry is to help the church find new life, not just survival, but abundance.
If you visit Arlington Community Church, or watch a service on YouTube, you might just see another small, aging congregation. But this church is so much more! ACC is a spiritual center that welcomes people of all ages, races, mental and physical abilities, gender identities, gender expressions and sexual orientations. These folks are both open-minded and full of wisdom. They love to learn. They value science, the arts, and insights from all spiritual paths including those of other world religions. Committed to being a community where all can explore and deepen their connection with God, they support and care for one another well, and joyfully serve the community, engaging in actions of compassion, justice, racial equity, and care for the planet.
I believe so deeply in this little church that my family and I moved from Southern California to El Cerrito this July so that I could become their new pastor! My son, Michael, will be a sophomore at El Cerrito High School this year. And my husband, John, is a huge San Francisco 49er’s fan who hosts the 49ers Rush Podcast. If you see me around town, you’ll likely see me with my sweet sidekick, Lucy, our french bulldog. We are enjoying the bay area and looking forward to exploring it more, especially the hiking trails! And I also look forward to meeting many of you and your pets at the annual KCC Community Picnic this fall for the Blessing of the Animals!
I could not be more excited to see how ACC will continue to thrive, and to participate in the work of this church in our community and beyond. Together, we’re listening closely to God, and seeking to live a life of faith in the Christian tradition, in community, for the sake of the world. If that sounds like something you might want to be part of, come join us!
Jeffrey Frederic Paul, music director
Jeffrey Frederic Paul hails from the San Francisco Bay Area where he is known for his talents as a Musical Director, Pianist, Educator, Tenor, and Real Estate Professional. He has served various churches for the past twenty-four years as musical director, pianist, and/or organist. Jeffrey also directed the Emeritus Chorus at the College of Marin. He is the staff accompanist and vocal coach at the College of Marin in Kentfield and also enjoys performing frequently with ensembles such as Marin Oratorio, Marin Symphony Chorus, and the Consort Chorale. Jeffrey holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Highlights include performances at Davies Symphony Hall, the Oakland Museum, Marin Civic Center, Julia Morgan Theater, Marin Theater Company, and the Marin Community Playhouse where he has directed both adults and children.
Tim K. Murphy, Accompanist
Tim began studying music in 1959 in Naples, Italy with Robert Fried, a retired conductor, and started working professionally in 1961. He was pianist at San Francisco Ballet and San Francisco Dance Spectrum for many years as well many other dance companies, choirs, schools, and churches - most notably as a Music Director at St. Ignatius Church from 2003-2010. Further deepening of his musicianship came from years of study with former Juilliard master teacher, James Wimer. Broadening of his musical talents came from studying tabla, harmonium and chant with Swami Nadabhramananda, a Nada Yogi and Taan Master and from his work with Barrett Eagle Bear, a Lakhota medicine woman, as well many years in rock n' roll. He brings to life his understanding that music is a readily available and open portal to the Divine and there are as many such portals as there are kinds of music. He lives in San Rafael with his partner, Patrice, and their dog Ravi and two cats, Lucca and Fiona.
javier gonzalez, caretaker
Javier Gonzalez was born in Uruguay. He has worked in a bank in Montevideo, and as a roofer across the Bay Area. As caretaker of ACC, he handles minor repairs, sets up and cleans up many events, solves all sorts of problems, and graces our community with his kindness and good humor. He lives on site with his wife Beatriz and their two dogs, and their granddaughter Molly attends Hilltop School across the street.
Jacob Day, Office Administrator & Rentals Manager
Jacob Day is our office administrator and rentals manager. He studied Music Theory, Performance, & English at Berklee College of Music Boston & the University of New Hampshire. Jacob moved to the Bay area in 2014 to pursue working in the local community arts and music scene. He’s a multi-instrumentalist and writer of numerous musical collaborations & solo projects. He currently lives in Albany with his cat Oskar.
Sean Whitman, A/V Technician
Sean Whitman is originally from Arizona. He began working with sound and recording when he was 17 and has been exploring the field ever since. He studies sound at City College of San Francisco and expects to have completed certificates in recording, live sound, and sound design in the fall of 2022. He has been working with Arlington Community Church since July 2021 as a live sound and A/V Technician. Sean was drawn to Arlington because of the open and accepting atmosphere of the church.