Pastor Zach and Pastor Kelly
This all started with two friends who met in seminary and bonded over their love for ice cream. It became a mission to find the best ice cream place (within a drivable distance at least). These weekly ice cream outings led to great conversation about things we were learning, questions we were having, and dreams we were dreaming. One day after failing at 3 different ice cream parlors, we laughed at each other and said, “gosh, we should write a book about this!” It only took a moment for us to look further at each other and say, “no really, we should write a book about this and all the ways we’ve learned about God through ice cream and conversation.”
Kelly Spencer
Kelly Spencer is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) currently serving as pastor at Newport Presbyterian Church in Washington. After hearing her call to ministry in 8th grade, her journey to full-time pastoring has been a long time in the making. She volunteered with her youth group and worship band in high school, served as a youth pastor in college, and worked as a ‘part-time’ (does that even really exist?) co-pastor for two years in seminary. Kelly’s official journey to ordination started in the United Methodist Church, before she realized her queer identity and before the UMC decided to strengthen restrictions against LGBTQ+ folks in ministry. With many tears and much discernment, Kelly found her home in the PC(USA). All the while, God’s love was steadfast as she gained friends and mentors who helped her see the movement of the Holy Spirit in the midst of all of the brokenness of the world. Kelly’s biggest supporter is her incredible wife, Katie, who also works in ministry through social work. Aside from the joy she finds in preaching, pastoral care, and local advocacy, Kelly loves to explore with her wife, make music, get outside, and find great restaurants.
Zachary Wright
Zachary Wright is a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Zach always knew he wanted to be a part of the church, but didn’t know at what capacity. He was active in church life, helping serve during worship and participating in youth group. After attending Roanoke College (Salem, VA) for business, Zach was moved by the Spirit during one chapel service as a freshman. This experience got him thinking that God was calling him to the Church. So he decided to study theology. While sitting in the college cafeteria, Zach decided to pursue ordained ministry by going to Princeton Theological Seminary. It is there where he met his best friends and his beautiful wife, Amy. Amy is also a Lutheran pastor. Besides quoting Martin Luther too much and long walks through the ice cream aisle with his wife, Zach enjoys rooting for the Orioles, scaring his wife, watching Below Deck, and drinking beer.
Ice Cream Theology 