Meet Kyrstin Schwartz, New Director of Children and Family Faith Formation

Kyrstin will begin her ministry with us on Dec. 3. Read her previous introduction. 

We asked her some questions about life and ministry:

1) What kinds of things were you involved in at church as a kid and teen?

I loved volunteering in the nursery, teaching VBS and Sunday School, singing in the youth choir, acting in the youth musical, and going to lock-ins and mission trips! It was one of my favorite places to be so really I participated in everything I could!

2) Were there 1 or 2 moments in your life when you really “knew” or “felt” like God was pushing you along or calling you to a specific ministry?

I had always felt called to ministry but got sidetracked in college. The year after I graduated I was going through a difficult time and was trying many things to help me through it but nothing was working. I went to Ash Wednesday and received a key chain with Jesus on it. I didn’t think much of it but when i got home to open my door the key chain has flipped and there was a verse on the back “Return to me with all your heart.” Joel 2:12. I found the Youth Director the very next week and told him to sign me up to volunteer with whatever he needed. I volunteered on the summer mission trip and a few months later took a full time position at a church in Forest Lake. Skip to 13 years later and I have been contemplating finding a new position for awhile when I see the opening at Gloria Dei. I had just returned to work after maternity leave so I took some time to really think and pray about applying. The next Sunday my 4 year old and I were driving to church and we were near downtown St. Paul when he said “Mom, this drive is too long. Can’t you find a church to work at that is closer to our home?” It for sure helped me make the decision to apply and I couldn’t be more excited and ready to begin at Gloria Dei!

3) What do you like to do on a day off?

On a perfect day off everyone in my family would sleep in!! Once we are awake go to Baby Yoga at Blooma with my 4 month old, Lila. Then a family adventure to the zoo, crayola experience, cool park, etc.

4) Where did you meet your spouse?

We met at Gustavus in an education class sophomore year. We started dating our senior year. He asked me out on a date on Halloween. I was a bumble bee and he was a number 2 pencil.

5) Name your top three favorite foods or restaurants.

My favorite restaurant in Cossettas. My favorite food to eat at home is a cheeseburger from the grill in the summer and chili with all the toppings in the winter.

6) Name two items on your “bucket list.”

– Go on an epic family road trip when the kids are older. – Sit in the best seats at all the Minnesota sporting events.

7) What does your house look like for Christmas?

Full of colorful lights and special decorations we have inherited from our families. My favorites are my Grandmas needlepoint ornaments and the Christmas carousel.

Welcome, Krystin!