Our Pastor

Pastor Julie Kolacz

Rev. Julie S. Kolacz is a native of Venango County where she started her journey as disciple of Jesus Christ at the age of eight upon having a miraculous encounter with God. God led her to attend Sunday School and church in a small Presbyterian church in Pleasantville. A significant life event occured at the age of fifteen. She was placed in foster care through the Bair Foundation and was welcomed by the family of Rev. John and Susan Seth. Julie has been part of their family for forty years and she is deeply grateful for their impact on her life.

Pastor Julie graduated from Grove City College where she majored in psychology and religion. She holds a M.S. in community counseling from Georgia State University and a M.Div. in pastoral councesling from Ashland Theological Seminary.

Her ministry with the UMC first began in 1999 when she was hired as a director of Christian education. Shorly thereafter, she was a director of youth ministry. She has pastored local churches since 2005 primarily in rural communities and most recently in Vintondale, PA. Julie has ten years of experience serving as a part-time chaplain at Meadville Medical Center (extension ministry). She has worked as a mental health therapist in various community settings. Pastor Julie was ordained as an elder in 2016.

Julie's passion in ministry is bringing healing and wholeness to the body of Christ throuugh preaching, teaching, pastoral counseling, and discipleship. In her free time, she enjoys natural beauty and recreational activities - hiking, cycling, kayaking, and physcal fitness.

Julie has a son, John Stephen, who lives in Fairfax, Virginia. Additionally, there is Aslan, her Shih Tzu canine companion.