Barbara Kirk
ACTIVE! That’s a description of Barbara Kirk’s life in just one word.
While many people may be satisfied with the flow of life, Barbara is always on the move. Whether it is her professional positions or her interests, she just never seems to slow down.
Barbara has a rare distinction of joining CPUCC twice. First off, she joined back in 1984, invited to attend by her friend Cindy Gnech. Then Barbara’s journey led her to another church where she attended Sunday evening, as well as CPUCC in the morning. After a while, she felt unable to fully commit to two churches, so she left CPUCC.
“My spiritual journey has been eclectic,” Barbara explained. “I was baptized Lutheran, raised EUB/United Methodist, graduated from Messiah College (Brethren in Christ), married a Jewish man and attended holiday services with him. ”
In 2015, after Barbara married her spouse Roben Roof, she came back to CPUCC because the church had become more open, affirming, and welcoming.
Since rejoining, Barbara jumped in and has played a big role in CPUCC over the years. She rang in the bell choir, served as lay reader, Sunday school helper, Council member, Council president, and various committees and she initiated the Breakfast with Santa event.
Barbara spent her career in non-profit accounting. Most recently, she served as Finance Director for Hospice of Central Pa. for 26 years, and then six years at the Partnership for Better Health. She retired two years ago.
But retirement has not slowed her down at all!
Their seven grandchildren, ranging in age from 9 to 3 (one each year!) keep her busy. Two are local, two live in Massachusetts, and three are in Delaware.
She also enjoys working on her family genealogy. Barbara recently completed a project to reproduce her second great-grandmother Amanda’s Album of Remembrance.
“The beautifully handwritten entries, dated from 1857 to 1864, are touching statements of friendship, prayers, Bible verses, and advice,” she said. “I gave a copy of the book to each of her descendants so that the words of faith and friendship that comforted Amanda might also speak to us.”
Both Barbara and Roben love to travel. They have visited Rhine River Christmas markets, Helsinki and an Arctic resort in Finland, ran a 10k at Disney World, mined quartz crystals in Arkansas, and recently completed a Rte. 66 and national park road trip. She also has a keen eye for photography. So much so, that she won first prize in the Wildwood Photo Contest, beginner division.
When asked what one of her favorite memories of CPUCC, Barbara recalls a particular Christmas Eve many years ago. She was a lay reader for the 11:00 p.m. service. As she was sitting on the platform in the dark and quiet church, she says she felt the overwhelming presence of Jesus and the Holy Family.
Barbara feels that there is something for everyone at Colonial Park UCC – and to become involved.
“Whether it’s office work, preparing/serving food, building repair and maintenance, lawn care, music, Sunday school, or the thrift shop – there’s a place for you,” she said.
In closing, we asked Barbara Kirk what has inspired her in her life. She said that the following words have encouraged her for the past 50 years:
For all that has been
THANKS
For all that will be
YES
We are all thankful that Barbara Kirk is so very ACTIVE and inspiring herself.
October 2025
Meet other members of Colonial Park United Church of Christ by clicking HERE.
