Rev. Dr. Jill L. Sanders
Minister
The Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders became the pastor at First Congregational UCC on March 1, 2020. Jill received both her Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. Jill has also completed training in Spiritual Direction and feels privileged to accompany people on their spiritual journeys. Having grown up in Iowa, Jill served most of her ministry there. She served small, mid-sized and large congregations for 12 1/2 years and then for 17 1/2 years as a consultant and resource person on the Conference Staff of the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church. Jill is also a trained spiritual director and feels privileged to accompany others on their spiritual journeys. Her heart has always been with the ministry of the local congregation which she sees as the heart, hands and feet of Jesus in the world today. Jill’s extended family remains in Iowa—dad and his wife, Janie, and two brothers and their families— all live in the Des Moines area. She loves to follow the activities of her two nieces and two nephews. Jill enjoys hearing people’s stories, working in coffee shops, and finding new purposes for old things! She also loves to read and zentangle. She has four Yorkies—Izzy, Emmy, Ruthie and Ellie—who are stellar at offering unconditional love to everyone they meet! Jill is passionate about facilitating “aha! moments, working for justice, and creating faith communities where everyone is welcome and included. She is excited to be in Alexandria and eager to become involved in the community.
