Thanks in advance for sending gifts & offerings to First Christian UCC, P.O. Box 1678, Burlington.

We welcome Rev. Michelle Funk to our team!

The Rev. Michelle Funk was born and raised in Bethlehem, PA. Ministry was not her first calling from God.  She worked in the Medical Field for several years before following her dream and opening a dance studio. She was the owner and artistic director of a thriving and growing studio, the Pennsylvania Performing Arts Center, for 20 years.  

Michelle is a “recovering Lutheran” and discovered the wonderful diversity and welcoming of the United Church of Christ in 2009.  She felt her call into ministry in 2011.  Michelle served for 7 years at St. John’s UCC in Whitehall, PA. during which time she had several ministerial roles.  She was initially hired in 2013 as the Director of Christian Ed & Youth. In 2016 she was called as their Associate Pastor and approved as a UCC licensed minister. After the Sr Pastor’s retirement she served as Acting Lead Pastor.  Michelle’s husband, Jon, was transferred to Graham NC as Versalift SouthEast’s operations manager in January 2020. They purchased their home in Burlington North Carolina March of this year.  Michelle completed her ministry at St. John’s in May 2020. 

While her initial call was into youth and young adult ministry, God has continued to evolve and grow her calling.  Michelle holds two certificates from Princeton Theological Seminary.  One in Youth & Theology and the other in Ministry & Theology.  She has had a diverse range of educational opportunities prior to her ordination.  She is passionate about Ministry for all ages, enjoys intergenerational faith formation, building relationships with all ages, and absolutely loves leading worship and preaching!  She knows the importance of looking for ways to reach those that have been hurt by the church or are seeking a place at Christ’s table.  

Michelle and Jon have been married for 24 years. Together, they have two young adults, Cassi, age 23, and JT (short for Jonathan Thomas) age 22 who still reside in PA. Michelle & Jon have two lovable beagles, Dobby & Luna. (If you didn’t get the name connection, Michelle is an avid Harry Potter fan) Michelle is full of energy and loves to laugh and enjoy life.  She loves day trips at the beach, crafting, reading, coffee shops, technology, and she especially enjoys spending time with her family.