The Chapel of the Resurrection is served by three pastors who are committed to providing excellent pastoral care for the entire University community; students, staff and faculty. All three pastors; Joseph Cunningham, Darlene Grega and James Wetzstein, share in the duties of preaching and leading worship throughout the week. Together with Music Director Dr. Lorraine Brugh, they guide the Morning Prayer Staff. In addition they are all available to provide compassionate and confidential pastoral care, regardless of the situation.
In addition to these shared duties, each of the pastors has an area of special interest and commitment. Consider this your “Go-To-Pastor” list:
University Pastor Joseph R. Cunningham
Joseph.Cunningham@valpo.edu
Phone: 219-464-5093
Cell phone: 219-405-2209
Fax: 219-464-6688
AIM: vupastorc
Pastor Joseph Cunningham takes the lead in planning the Sunday services. He serves as the Chapel’s teacher for baptism and confirmation preparation. He’s also the primary provider of pre-marital counseling for weddings performed by the pastors of the Chapel. Pastor C also serves as chaplain to Athletic, Greek Life and the faculty and staff of Valparaiso University. He loves having conversations with students and especially enjoys teaching about the Christian faith. He also loves leading worship and is passionate about music (he performs with the VU Bach Choir and Camerata, a semi-professional choral ensemble). Pastor C came to Valparaiso University in 1999. Prior to this he served parishes throughout the Midwest as senior pastor, musician, catechist and minister to youth and campus ministry. His wife Sara teaches fourth grade at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Valparaiso. They have three children, Megan, Ben and Paul, and one granddaughter.
University Pastor James A. Wetzstein
James.Wetzstein@valpo.edu
Phone: 219-464-5096
Cell phone: 219 405-0630
Fax: 219-464-5049
AIM: vupastorjim
Pr. Jim's blog: http://staff.valpo.edu/jwetzste/
Pastor James Wetzstein is the Mentor for the Social Action Leadership Team (SALT) and works with the students who plan and implement Celebrate! every Wednesday night. With the help of Chris Boshoven in his office, Pastor Jim manages the “business side” of the Chapel’s ministry. Lessons learned through independent international travel and twelve years of experience in a small, multicultural congregation in Gary, Indiana, are at the root of his commitment to a global vision coupled with gospel-driven, grassroots local action. Pr. Jim and his wife Tracey, an attorney, live in Gary with their four-year old son, Gabriel, and a bunch of cats. He draws a weekly, three-panel comic strip for churches called "Agnus Day."
University Pastor Darlene E. Grega
Darlene.Grega@valpo.edu
Phone: 219-464-5099
Cell phone: 219 395-4952
Fax: 219-464-5049
AIM: vupastordarlene
Pastor Darlene Grega is the Mentor for Fellowship House and the Residential Ministers (a.k.a. Piece Core). She’ll be leading the planning for the Chapel’s discernment retreats and she has an abiding commitment to the spiritual needs of international students on our campus having worked, before ordination in 2006, over 20 years primarily with international students. She loves reconnecting at VU with the international community and offering them hospitality and helping others learn from them. A Valpo grad herself, she remembers the spiritual formation she received here and looks forward to being a new face in a crowd that is welcoming and committed to walking with you during your tenure here. By the way, you will also find her walking her Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Muffin, around campus, and keeping up with her son Nathan, a senior at the college of William and Mary who is studying neuroscience.
Got another question or concern? Call the Chapel office at 464-5093 and a student receptionist will get you connected to the right person. Or email any of the pastors!
Mailing Address:
1600 Chapel Drive,Valparaiso IN 46383
You can also email prayer requests to
prayer@valpo.edu