MEET COURTNEY KRAUS: IPC'S NEW DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

We welcome Courtney Kraus, IPC's new Director of Children’s Ministries.

Courtney joined IPC’s staff on February 8 and was greeted by members following 11 am worship on February 5. She is excited to connect with the families of IPC and create an atmosphere where children can learn and grow in their faith.

Keep reading to learn about Courtney Kraus, her background, and more!

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE COMING TO IPC?

I am from Hartsville, South Carolina, and went to Auburn University for my undergraduate degree with a major in Communication Disorders with an emphasis on Speech Pathology. After a crazy turn of events, I was called to ministry in Charleston as Director of Youth Ministries at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church (USA). I enjoyed this role very much and served for a little over four-and-a-half years.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN YOUR NEW ROLE?

I am looking forward to building a robust children’s ministry through new activities and building up the 4th-6th grade programming. In addition to this, I am looking forward to making bonds with the families and children and fulfilling their needs for faith formation at IPC.

HOW CAN MEMBERS CONTACT YOU TO LEARN ABOUT CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES AT IPC?

I would love to meet with the families over coffee, in my office, and of course virtually through my phone and email. I want to hear what you would like to see in Children’s ministry at IPC and how I can help to facilitate that and make it happen!

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My family and I are very close so I would have to say that my mother is my biggest inspiration. She always reminds me to “not sweat the small stuff and enjoy every moment for what it is.” As a type A person, I admire her calm, cool, and collected mindset that I try to emulate as it makes me a better person. In the ministry field, my childhood youth director, Neeley Lane, is my biggest inspiration because she instilled my love for God and the Presbyterian Church. This is something that I pray I do for all of the youth and children in my life.

WHAT’S ONE THING—EITHER WORK-RELATED OR NOT—YOU HAVE LEARNED IN THE LAST MONTH?

I have learned how to move cities and leave the life that I built in Charleston and move to Birmingham in order to follow God’s call. This has been an interesting time, but a time that I have had to reflect upon and prepare me to do my best work at IPC for the children and families.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.

My perfect day would start with seeing the sunrise with a warm cup of coffee in my hand, followed by a brisk walk on the beach, taking in God’s amazing beauty that surrounds us all. I would then meet up with some of my best friends laughing and catching up about our crazy lives. I am sure we would then go to a great restaurant since I am a foodie and love a great Happy Hour. I enjoy all of the little moments in life so where that would happen would be my most perfect day!

JOIN US FOR AN UPCOMING CHILDREN'S EVENT

Feb 24-25: 456 Retreat at the Children's Fresh Air Farm

Feb 26: 4th Grade Bible Presentation, 11 am, Sanctuary

March 12: Extended Atrium Levels 2 & 3, 10 am - Noon

March 19: Spring Musical Presentation, 10 am, Highland Hall

April 2: Palm Parade, 10 am

April 8: Children's Egg Hunt, 10 am, Highland Hall

May 6: Preschool Fellowship Event

May 21: 6th Grade Recognition & 2’s Bible Presentation, 11 am, Sanctuary

May 22-25: Vacation Bible School (registration opens March 1 for members)

June 5-9: Bibletimes Marketplace (registration opens March 1 for members)