Wednesday, September 25th, 2024
I am delighted to announce Tuckahoe Presbyterian’s new Director of Christian Formation, Jillian Marie Lincoln Gatewood. Many thanks to Jackson Harrill, Pat Macaulay, and Leslie Shimer who served on the search committee. They were thorough in their review and interview of each of our candidates.
Jillian and I met on our first day of seminary at Union Presbyterian here in Richmond. We both were taking summer Greek, an intensive course to learn Biblical Greek and how to faithfully translate the Bible. Jillian is thoughtful, intelligent, personable, and dedicated to Christian Education. She and her husband Chris are our daughter Annie’s godparents, which further highlights our trust in their discipleship and faith.
Tuckahoe has a long history of commitment to Christian education, and we are excited to have Jillian become a part of this church family as we seek to be the heart, voice, hands, and feet of Christ where the Spirit leads us. Please join me in welcoming Jillian on her first day, Sunday, October 13th.
Peace,
Keli
Jillian Marie Lincoln Gatewood is a dedicated educator and community advocate. Jillian holds both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary (UPSem), where her academic excellence was recognized with several awards, including the Malcolm and Mildred McIver Scholarship and the Glen Gibson Memorial Award. She has also completed coursework in Religious Studies at the University of Virginia. Since graduating from UPSem in 2021, Jillian has focused her research on the intersections of faith, social justice, and community empowerment. Her educational journey has been marked by a commitment to understanding the transformative power of faith and education.
In addition to her academic pursuits and church work, Jillian is actively engaged in community service. She serves as a Board Member and part of the Building Committee for Girls for A Change (GFAC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering self-identifying Black girls in Central Virginia. GFAC’s mission to foster discovery, development, and social change resonates deeply with Jillian’s belief in the importance of preparing young women for leadership roles in their communities.
During her time at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Jillian took on various leadership roles, including serving as the Student Representative on the Board of Trustees. In this capacity, she identified critical areas of academic importance and addressed the quality of life for all members of the Seminary community. As Vice Moderator of the Student Government, she represented the student body and supported initiatives aimed at enhancing the student experience.
Jillian’s Christian education experience includes curriculum development and instruction as a Curriculum Author and Video Instructor for Hill City Church in Richmond, Virginia. There, she researched and wrote scripts for a six-part religious studies and Biblical interpretation curriculum while serving as an on-screen instructor. Jillian also contributed to the Morton Library at Union Presbyterian Seminary, where she maintained customer relations and supported the library’s transition to the Library of Congress classification system.
Her prior roles include serving as an Area Administrator for Young Life in Westchester, NY, where she managed communications and mentored high school students. Jillian also worked with Burbio, where she coordinated community calendars to help families manage their busy schedules. Her leadership in retail management at Ivivva and Uniqlo is notable; she successfully increased sales and operational efficiency, demonstrating her ability to drive results in diverse environments.
Jillian earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Michigan State University, where she also minored in Health Studies. Her background in retail and youth leadership has equipped her with unique skills in communication, management, and community engagement.
In her free time, Jillian is passionate about supporting youth development initiatives and engaging in community service. She enjoys exploring new ideas, participating in local events, and fostering inclusive environments that empower individuals of all backgrounds. Through her work and studies, Jillian remains committed to the belief that education and faith can serve as powerful tools for social change.
In Jillian’s words…
I believe that faith is not merely a private matter but is expressed in action. We are called to be agents of change, sharing God’s love and truth in a world that often needs hope and healing. In all things, I seek to reflect the light of Christ and engage in the work of reconciliation and justice.
I believe in the importance of community, both within the Church and in the broader world. We are called to love one another, serve our neighbors, and seek justice and mercy in all our interactions. The Church is a place of welcome, where all individuals are valued and encouraged to explore their faith.
