Note: Commissioner profiles are appearing regularly in the Synod of the Trinity enews.
Family (spouse, children, grandchildren, pets): Husband, Rev. John Deisinger; my deceased husband, Dr. Michael Kareha, and I had 2 sons: Stephen and Peter. Son Stephen Kareha and daughter-in-law Jennifer have three daughters (Savannah, Jocelyn, and Juliette). Son Peter Kareha and daughter-in-law Kate have one son, Owen
In what capacity do you serve (church name and leadership position, presbytery board, synod committee, etc.)?: First Presbyterian Church, Allentown: Parish Associate; Member, PC(USA) Special Offerings Leader Support Network
In what other capacity have you served in the past (former churches, committees, etc.)?: Honorably retired as of Aug. 1, 2016 after serving as chaplain for Luther Crest Senior Living Community for 24 years. I’ve served as Chair of Lehigh Presbytery’s Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Chair of the Synod’s Committee on Representation, a member of the PC(USA) Committee on the Self-Development of People, a Lehigh Presbytery Commissioner to the PC(USA) General Assembly, and a member of the PC(USA) Review Committee for the Office of the General Assembly.
When you’re not serving your church, what can you be found doing?: Serving as a supply pastor or a supply organist; volunteering for Meals on Wheels; serving as convener and publicity coordinator for the Greater Allentown CROP Hunger Walk planning team; singing with the Emmaus Chorale, Luther Crest Chorus and Melodiannes; walking or traveling with my husband, John; swimming or taking exercise classes at Luther Crest.
Describe yourself in one word: Alive
What was your childhood dream job?: Missionary
What steered you into this ministry field?: The Holy Spirit (speaking through direct promptings, circumstances, other people and Jesus/scripture)
What goals do you have while serving as commissioner?: Facilitate communication between and mutual appreciation of presbyteries, synod and GA
Why do you feel God has called you into this position of commissioner?: Facilitate communication between and mutual appreciation of presbyteries, synod and GA, especially with regard to the wonderful work being done through PC(USA) Special Offerings
Any closing remarks?: Thank you to the Synod for facilitating the communication and ministries of all of us in this Synod and beyond.