Dear siblings in Christ,

I am delighted to introduce the newest member of our staff team: Karina Barlow, our new Youth Ministries Leader!

Karina brings 13 years of teaching experience designing programs where young people explore big ideas, grow in character, and serve their communities. She's built and led STEAM camps serving 120+ students, directed gifted education programs, coached academic competition teams, and earned recognition as Educator of the Year.  What stood out most in our interview process wasn't just the impressive resume; Karina has a heart for creating engaging, inclusive spaces where students can ask questions, take risks, and discover who God is calling them to become.

Karina will oversee our Circle and Fusion programs (high school and middle school youth ministry) and partner with me in leading Confirmation. She understands that youth ministry isn't about having all the answers—it's about walking alongside young people as they figure out their own.

A bit about Karina: She graduated from Wellesley College and spent years teaching middle and high school science in Texas. At St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hondo she taught preschool Sunday School, partnering with families to nurture early faith formation. She and her husband Wes recently relocated to Northwest Indiana with their three sons—Jack, Nick, and Clem—who claim to be excited about the snow.  (Check back with them this February!) 

Join me in warmly welcoming Karina and her family!  She will be installed in worship and begin officially in January; please introduce yourself after worship, sign up to have dinner with Circle (please do!) or send her a welcome note at karina.barlow@clcvalpo.org. We're grateful for the way God has brought her to this community, and we can't wait to see what happens next.

In God's amazing grace,

-Pastor Tim