Rev. Jennie Garcia-Kitch (she/her)
Rev Jennie Garcia-Kitch is a Chicago transplant, living in Chicago for the past 25 years. She is a first generation Greek Cypriot, raised in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. Rev Jennie grew up attending a conservative baptist church. Coming out at 15, she experienced the challenges that so many young lgbtq people experience. Having experienced clinical depression Jennie sought a loving and affirming God. There had to be more to the Divine than the wrath she was promised for being lesbian. Along the journey she began practicing Zen Buddhism which taught her that the kind of Chrisitanity she grew up with did not teach a true path to God but rather taught her to feel judged and ashamed. Once realizing that Jesus is a path rather than a religion Rev Jennie returned to Chrisitianity where she eventually found a liberating and embracing God.
Continuing her path towards a liberating God, Rev Jennie received a Master of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary in 2010 and was ordained in the Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches in 2013. She completed 9 years as a Hospice Chaplain before accepting a call to serve as Senior Pastor at aChurch4Me Metropolitan Community Church Chicago. Besides being a pastor, Rev Jennie loves spending time with family, checking in with her 4 adult children, attending local theater and music venues, playing percussion with other Queer Christian Musicians, and riding her motor scooter around town. Jennie is dedicated to bringing the Liberating Love of God to all God’s Children especially LGBTQI+ and our allies.
During the covid-19 pandemic Rev Jennie utilized her previous career in Film and Television to pivot from “in building” worship to a vibrant virtual community. Now back in person, Rev Jennie leads a vibrant Hybrid Faith Community.
Rev Jennie lives in Chicago with her wife Chandra and three pups, Briar, Deerfield and Boots.