Jessica Nupponen
How important is Colonial Park United Church of Christ to Jessica Nupponen? Well, when she and her husband, Erik, were looking for a home to purchase, they wanted to be close by and they ended up purchasing a home five minutes away.
Jessica has been a life-long member of CPUCC. She grew up in the church and considers it her second family.
She remembers sitting on the steps listening to the children’s sermons from Pastor Morris and being so enamored with him that she gave him a Play-Doh heart. Later, the memories that are most fulfilling to her are seeing her children, Riley and Kai, sitting on those same steps, being welcomed into the church with open arms.
Jessica and her husband, Erik, were high school sweethearts when they attended Central Dauphin High School. If you know the Nupponens, it should be no surprise that they met in choir. Following graduation, they went to separate colleges but remained a couple and were married by Pastor Jeff in 2001.
After studying music education at West Chester University, Jessica taught in public schools for a while but after a series of health setbacks, she transitioned to office work and was honored to take on the role of Choir Director here at CPUCC, which she kept on for 15 fun-filled years.
“The church has ALWAYS been there for me and has always been a big part of my life,” Jessica says. “My parents chose it for me when I was a baby. I’ve been here through a lot of ups and downs and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. I’m so grateful for who we are.”
“My son, Kai, has autism and ADHD. Erik and I found the church to be so incredibly warm and accepting of him. He has really taken to church, and we can see the difference in the growth of his confidence and well-being,” Jessica said.
At church, she shares her talents in the choir and attends Sunday School.
“I love making music. It’s so wonderful to come together to make something bigger than yourself – something beautiful,” she said.
In addition, Jessica always provides such a moving, warm personality that makes everyone feel welcome.
In life, her inspiration comes from people who fight for the rights and dignity of others.
“They may be just a pebble in a stream,” she explained. “But they start to make a difference. The fact that anyone is willing to take a risk to make things better for others is so inspiring to me.”
So, what does she do when she relaxes? Well, sing obviously! But Jessica also enjoys musicals, loves to read and crochet. “Oh, and I kayak! Just give me water!”
When asked what other members of CPUCC might be surprised to know about her, Jessica thought about it for a bit and admitted that when she was little, she wouldn’t join the children’s choir because she was too shy.
We are all so glad she got over that!
Her final words on her overall impression of Colonial Park United Church of Christ?
“It’s home.”
October 2024
Meet other members of Colonial Park United Church of Christ by clicking HERE.
