Rev. Karen Potter Munn
pastor • speaker • advocate
start a conversation
“My heart is turned over within me, all my compassions are kindled. -Hosea 11:8b, NASB
AboUT
My life changed in high school when a friend thought Jesus was too important to keep to herself. Never knowing that faith was something that could make a difference in my day to day life, her version of faith was fresh and intriguing. I began reading about Jesus for myself and was surprised to find his advice so transformative and life-giving. Now I‘m the one who thinks Jesus is too important to keep to myself!
When I‘m not telling stories from Scripture, or doing other ”pastorly” things, I‘m probably with my family or on the phone with a friend. I combat migraines by doing Crossfit. I like the physical challenge and the community energizes me. My husband, Nick, is my favorite and is currently serving as pastor with me at Orchard Covenant Church (see below). We have three boys who are as lovable as they are loud.
Speaking
Conferences/Retreats/Worshops
Messages steeped in story, built on Scripture & designed to make a difference in your day-to-day.
Email me to start a conversation.
Topics I often speak on:
Your Story, God’s Story
Faith and Fun
Refreshment
God’s Mercy (Jonah)
Joy and Justice
Passions:
Churches on Mission
Church Vitality & Planting
Anti-racism & Justice
Supporting Women
My Community
My community, Orchard Covenant Church, is a diverse, Christian church with a global heart in Indian Orchard (Springfield), Massachusetts. We are constantly learning and stretching outside our comfort zones to be the intercultural church that we believe we are called to be. The result? Everyone grows - especially our children and youth! Our community of faith strives to embrace culture of origin, while supporting new arrivals as they orient to life in the U.S. Our first gen children and youth are amazing! They learn English (and other languages important to their families), they take care of their siblings, they translate for people who are still learning English, they cook regularly for their families and they manage their school work. Their favorite week of the year? Going to Camp Squanto in Swanzey, NH. You can help them get there! LEARN ABOUT CAMPERSHIPS FOR KIDS.
But they aren’t the only kids who are a part of Orchard Covenant! Our church extends to orphaned children in Muhudu, Kenya. Mama Esther, an OCC church member from Muhudu, who was an orphan herself, started a feeding program out of her home over 20 years ago and her adult children keep it going. Together, we provide two meals a week, a special Christmas meal (with meat!) and scholarship help for a few exemplary students.
The mission at Orchard Covenant is growing. You can be part of it! LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTING ORPHANS IN MUHUDU.
Camperships
Give To MUHUDU ORPHAN FUND
Support kids that would never have chance
to experience camp without financial help. Many of them are from
refugee and immigrant families.
“Camp has helped me grow in my faith and is the best week of the year!”
-- Eva, 15yrs
Muhudu Project
Weekly Meals Program
The Meals Program provides simple meals for orphans two times a week.
Christmas Blessing
When my friend, Emily, visited Muhudu she learned that the orphans never ate meat. So, she started The Christmas Blessing.
The orphans come with their grandmothers or caregiver to eat a meal with meat once a year in celebration of Christmas.
Scholarships and Educational Fees
In the 20 years of this program, the orphans supported have thrived! Now many are in high school and COLLEGE! But school is not cheap. They even have to pay for High School! This fund helps build on the meals program by developing the kids into educated adults that can give back
Credentials
Rev. Karen Munn has a M.Div from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Christian Educational Ministries and Biblical Literature from Taylor University.
Ordained to Word & Sacrament in 2008.
Rev. Karen has been serving as a preacher and a pastor for over 15 years. She has had experience working in many different settings, from churches with 2000+ people to the small, urban church where she is doing ministry now. She also spent 9 years at a program sized church (300+ people).
Other training:
Anti-Racism Discipleship Pathway offered through the ECC
Growing Young Cohort, Fuller Youth Institute, Pasadena, CA
Small Group Training, Northpoint Community Church, Atlanta, GA
Ezer Collective (Women in Leadership Equipping and Networking Group)
