By Alysen Boston | FāVS News Reporter
Finding a progressive pastor to lead two small-town churches in the Colville area was no easy feat, the lay leaders of Chewelah United Church of Christ and the First Congregational Church of Colville will tell you.
But the Rev. Christine Tata is up for that challenge.
“These churches are the only open and affirming churches in their towns,” Tata said. “There are always little pockets of people trying to do the right thing, so as a pastor, you go help them. It’s not really a feather in your cap to go to liberal land to be just another one of the liberals.”
Tata, who came to the Colville area from San Antonio, Texas, was installed as pastor of both churches Sunday at Chewelah UCC.
“She is a breath of fresh air for us,” said Holly Peterson, vice moderator of the Chewelah church. “She doesn’t mince words. She’s not afraid to try new things.”
Karen Nooney, who represented Colville UCC on the search committee that selected Tata, said declining membership and revenue made hiring a pastor for each church impractical. So they banded together to find someone who could lead both.
“We knew if we kept doing business as usual, we were going to lose one or both churches,” Nooney said. “We needed someone who would help us rethink our approach and attract the younger generation.”
Tata has spent most of her 10 years of ministry experience as an interim pastor, guiding other churches through times of transition. Her background in human resources and graphic design also brings a unique perspective.
“I look at things differently, and I’m nobody’s patsy,” Tata said. “I told the committee that I can help make change happen, but they’re not going to like it. Change isn’t always going to be great, and it will be awkward. But look at what you can get from it.”
Rev. Tata’s approach to ministry
In conservative Eastern Washington, it hasn’t been easy to be liberal and affirming, Peterson said. As Chewelah UCC embraced women pastors and welcomed same-sex couples over the years, they’ve lost members and even received death threats over rainbow flags. The church is also known for its “Hope” sign, spelled in 4-foot-tall letters and visible from Highway 395, that was erected around Advent in 2016.
“The farther north you go, the more conservative it gets,” said Peterson, who has been a member of the church for more than 50 years. “We are the only progressive churches in the Colville Valley.”
That distinction is why the lay leaders of Chewelah and Colville UCC decided to share a pastor rather than merge and shutter one of the churches to save money.
“It’s imperative that we keep a presence here,” Nooney said. “We do a lot of social work, like providing meals and assisting the unsheltered, and we need young members to continue that work.”
Tata’s vision for the future of the churches
Tata, who will celebrate her 74th birthday Thursday, hopes her approach can make lasting change in the community.
“There are a lot of people who are in the religious closet, so to speak, who don’t know that there is a place where they can feel comfortable,” Tata said. “I would like to help Colville and Chewelah get a little bolder and braver.”
The Chewelah and Colville churches, founded by the Rev. Cushing Eells in the 1890s, were the first Protestant churches in the region.
“We’re looking forward to the next 135 years of making a difference in our communities, and I think Christine can help us lay the foundation for that,” Nooney said. “We’re going into the Christmas season with a lot of joy and hope and love in our hearts.”
The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News. FāVS News values diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis on matters of faith and spirituality.
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