Xenia United Presbyterian Church has called its first installed pastor, the Rev. Mike Wakeland, from the Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois. XUPC is a product of the union between Memorial Presbyterian and Westminster Presbyterian churches, which took place just at the onset of COVID-19. It had been ushered through the uniting process by Interim Pastor Kevin Murphy.
Mike is married to Dr. Cindy Wakeland, a Presbyterian “PK” and certified Christian Educator. They are celebrating their daughter Sarah’s wedding in Chicago this September.
Mike is a graduate of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, has a background in congregational ministry and public service (municipal offices and work in the Illinois Treasurer’s office). A veteran, Mike graduated from the Defense Language Institute as an enlisted service member, and after 9/11 joined the Illinois National Guard as a chaplain, serving full- and part-time, with one deployment, to Egypt. He is trained in the “Appreciative Inquiry” approach to interim ministry.
Mike and Cindy enjoy the company of their ragdoll feline Gracie. They are looking forward to exploring local theatre offerings of the Miami Valley, having met in a high school play. Community is important to them, and they look forward to meeting Presbytery of the Miami Valley colleagues!
