Rev. Dixie Walker Brachlow

I am Fairfield’s Associate Pastor, concentrating on pastoral care and on ministries of Christian education at Fairfield, among other things.

In the past, I worked with community-wide programs for older adults, taught high school English classes, did grant-writing for a Christian college, helped administer educational seminars for pastors, and even taught piano lessons! My husband Stephen and I moved to Virginia in 1999 (from SD), when he took a position on the faculty of a nearby seminary. I have served churches since 1997 in Mankato, MN, in Sioux Falls, SD, in Ashland, VA, and at First Presbyterian in Richmond. While Stephen and I live in Mechanicsville, we have two adult children – Andrew, a son living in Maine, and Allison, a daughter with husband and young son who live in Minnesota.

I savor my work with pastoral care. There’s a wonderful spirit of acceptance and care for one another at Fairfield. The church has a welcoming spirit and sense of fellowship with others who walk with each other through both trial and celebration. I enjoy helping shape the church’s healing services, celebrations for Lent and Advent, and even a “Blue Christmas” service for those who find the Christmas season not a merry one, but who appreciate the comfort and assurance of the light shining in the darkness.

A second focus is in overseeing educational ministries, from cradle to 99 (and even beyond!). At Fairfield, people can grow and deepen in biblical faith through active Sunday School classrooms and seminars and small groups. Through Rotation Sunday School, Preschool and K-5 children have a wealth of activities and ways of learning the biblical stories and finding them relevant to their lives through multiple experiences. We are a learning community, ever open to God’s Spirit guiding our understanding.

Our need for healthy families (and individuals) is paramount, as we can help all to learn respect and practice repentance, forgiveness, acceptance and love. These are qualities we experience through worship, fellowship and study together as a community of faith. I am grateful to be using my God-given gifts in service to Christ as I work with Fairfield to nurture the kingdom work of God both here and throughout the world.

Bio:

BA, English Education, Music Minor, University of Minnesota

MA, Christian Ethics and Organizational Management, Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD

Master of Divinity, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

2009: Serve on Board of the Rehoboth Project for the Presbytery of the James

Organizer of POJ Rehoboth Group for Women Clergy

Moderator of the Public Ministries Board, Presbytery of the James