Prairie Association

The Rev. Katherine A. Lawes became Acting Association Minister in February 2006.  She has most recently served as pastor and teacher in the Community Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Elburn for the past 13 years. Prior to that, she served a church in Berwyn and in an internship at Bamford Chapel in England. She served as Interim Director of Continuing Education/Recruitment for Chicago Theological Seminary from 1990-92.

Kathy grew up in DeKalb, Illinois, where her parents still live. She graduated from the University of Illinois (she’s still quite orange and blue), worked as a technical writer, then responded to God’s call by pursuing her Master of Divinity Degree at Chicago Theological Seminary. She has served on numerous committees and in various roles of responsibility in the Association and Conference. She is a past moderator of the Association, has been a member of and chaired the Church and Ministry Committee (now MTAM) for the Association, as well as participated in and chaired the “Ottawa Table” for the Illinois Conference (Conference church and ministry issues). She has served as a delegate to General Synod and chaired the Conference Task Force on Office Location and Utilization.

Kathy is a single mom, having adopted her son David, now three, at birth. They live in DeKalb, where they have a support system of family and friends that allow her the ability and flexibility to balance family and ministry. She firmly believes that David is the greatest, most incredible gift from God, and that the God of Creation and surprises sometimes answers prayers in ways beyond our imagination. She said, “When I prayed for a man in my life, I didn’t think he’d be so short or so amazing or so wonderful. Thank You, God!”

Some of the terms that her colleagues and references used to describe Kathy are: “I believe that Kathy’s strength is in her people skills, her ability to communicate well and to work through issues.” Another calls her “talented and creative.” Still another says, “Kathy is very much a people person, always caring, always a good listener. People of all ages, from youngest child to oldest adult are attracted to her—people from all walks of life.” “Kathy works well with committees and is extremely well written—has a way with words.” Another says, “Kathy is bright, articulate and confident. She is a comfortable and inviting public presence. She is well read and has an infectious sense of humor. Her pastoral skills are superb. Kathy possesses a courageous willingness to face difficult situations directly and helpfully, will not avoid a conflicted situation.”