West Seattle churches: Fauntleroy UCC announces Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski as new senior minister

Another West Seattle church has just announced new leadership. Here’s the announcement from Fauntleroy Church:

A quorum of members voted unanimously Sept. 20 to select Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski as senior minister of Fauntleroy Church UCC. The 335-member congregation has been engaged in a nationwide search for new pastoral leadership since Rev. Dr. David Kratz retired in January 2013.

“Rev. Bilinski comes to us with a wealth of experience in preaching, youth programs, service and outreach, pastoral care, and administration,” said Sarah Finney, moderator of the congregation. “We know Leah will be a wonderful addition to our church and to the wider community.”

When asked why she had applied, Rev. Bilinski said she has longed to serve what she found at Fauntleroy Church – “a well-engaged, thoughtful, and very aware congregation.”

An ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Bilinski received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology alongside an elementary teaching certificate from Grinnell College in 1999, then a masters of divinity from Eden Theological Seminary in 2007. Her experience includes six years as copastor at St. Peter’s UCC in Washington, MO, and four months as acting pastor of Ebenezer “Stone Church” UCC in Gerald, MO. She has also had leadership and administrative roles in UCC youth programs and chaplaincy experience in hospital and elder settings.

She currently lives with her husband and two-year-old daughter in Washington, MO, southwest of St. Louis, and will move to West Seattle to start her new pastorate on Nov. 29, the first Sunday of Advent.

SIDE NOTE: One of the church’s most popular community events, the twice-yearly Recycle Roundup, is coming up this Sunday (September 27th), 9 am-3 pm, in the lot outside the church at 9140 California SW; our recent preview includes information on what can and can’t be dropped off for recycling, for free.

3 Replies to "West Seattle churches: Fauntleroy UCC announces Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski as new senior minister"

  • LAintheJunction September 21, 2015 (2:11 pm)

    Looking forward to welcoming you to West Seattle, Rev. Bilinski!

  • Busrider September 21, 2015 (5:26 pm)

    Congratulations fauntleroy ucc and welcome Rev Bilinski!

  • rockislandline September 21, 2015 (8:52 pm)

    Not a churchgoer, but I appreciate the local activities that Fauntleroy Church supports. The second chance sale was great this weekend, and I always enjoy the fall festival. And yes to getting rid of unwanted electronics every year! Glad to see the church has picked a pastor who will have energy and enthusiasm for community relations.

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