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Rev. Michael Burnett, Interim Minister
Rev. Michael D Burnett is a native of Poquoson, VA where he currently resides with his wife Christina, son Henry (3), and daughter Lydia (1). He attended Christopher Newport University from 2005-2009, taking a small break to enter the workforce before returning to finish his degree in Philosophy/Religious Studies in 2011. He is currently taking seminary classes remotely through the Virginia School of Ministry, in order to be a more present spouse to his wife and father for his two high-needs children. He has been engaged in one form of ministry or another for most of his adult life. Most notably, he served as Youth Director for his childhood church, Tabernacle UMC in Poquoson, where Christina and he still operate a monthly community diaper distribution ministry; served as long-term pulpit supply for Warwick UCC in Newport News; and currently serves as the Campus Minister for Flourish CNU (formerly United Campus Ministries at CNU) in addition to serving the good folks of Grafton Christian Church as Interim Pastor! He was a candidate for ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church until May of 2021 when, after a long period of prayerful discernment, he left his childhood denomination and joined the ranks of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He's happy to talk about that decision, but recommends doing so over a tall cup of coffee! Michael's theology is firmly grounded in God as revealed in Jesus of Nazareth, champion of Divine Love, Liberation, and Justice; his call to ministry resonates with Genesis 12:1 – to leave the familiar behind and go where God leads him; and his ministry is firmly rooted in Matthew 25:31-46 – service to and solidarity with whomever the world considers “the least of these.” Michael's approach to discipleship is very much “boots-on-the-ground,” owing much to his Wesleyan upbringing. In his (admittedly very little) free time, Michael enjoys tabletop gaming, painting, and making sounds which occasionally resemble music with various instruments. Above all, Michael is honored and excited to join Grafton Christian Church for the next leg of their journey with Jesus! |
Joyce Dangerfield, Secretary
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Ellen Schiavone, Organist/Choir Director maryellenschiavone@gmail.com Wallace Borum, Custodian |