Hope Lutheran celebrates ordination

Interim Bishop Kenneth Olsen of Southeast Michigan officiates the ordination of Kimberly Vaughn at Hope Lutheran Church. Photo by W.P. Nebel

Kimberly Vaughn was ordained into the Christian ministry at Hope Lutheran Church in January, becoming one of a handful of African American women ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Vaughn grew up in Cleveland’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood. Early in her studies at Cleveland State University, she attended the Lutheran Student Movement national gathering in Atlanta, GA, and became involved in Lutheran Campus Ministry. Vaughn served in many lay ministry positions throughout Ohio before her decision to enter seminary. Upon her return to Cleveland in 2000, she joined Hope Lutheran Church, eventually serving as president of council.

Vaugn earned her Master of Divinity degree at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, focusing on urban ministry. 

Vaughn will serve as director of youth ministry for the Southeast Michigan Synod of the ELCA and pastor of Genesis Lutheran Church. 

Rev. Donald King is Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church on North Taylor Road and an active participant in the Heights InterFaith Council. He has lived in Cleveland Heights since 1985.

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Volume 2, Issue 3, Posted 2:17 PM, 02.05.2009