FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Pastor Nikkeya Berryhill comes to us from the flatlands of the midwest United States, specifically Wisconsin! Land of dairy and beer. Her theological lens is marked by liberation theology, Womanist theology, Queer theology, and mysticism. She is deeply contemplative, moves slowly, and tries to invite others into a moment of rest and reflection in an often overly-busy and hectic daily life. She likes to remind people to pause, to feel their feelings and then to dream into new ways of life from this place. Ritual and embodiment are important to her in her faith practice. She looks for experiences of the divine through senses, prayer, intuition, and deep listening. She likes to do creative practices, crafts, and invite others to use their senses in worship.

 

Pastor Nikkeya grew up in Rockford, Illinois where she attended prep school and punk rock shows. She received her Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, her Masters of Arts in Communication Theory from Northern Illinois University, and her Masters of Divinity from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California. All of this led to a love of over analyzing media especially TV shows and film. She loves an engaging audiobook and a good paranormal podcast. Pr Nikkeya considers herself a Christian-Paranormal mutt as her relationship with the Divine is characterized by aspects and experiences she has picked up throughout her life. She always comes back to the mystery of God combined with God's great love for all beings.