Kim and Eric McKinney
When Kim graduated from college in 2007, she moved to Harrisburg. Her mom just happened to be Dr. Rev. Bonita Zobeck, pastor of Colonial Park UCC so she started attending services.
If you frequented the Olive Garden near the church about 15 or 16 years ago, you might have met both Eric and Kim. They both worked there and that’s how they met. After they started dating, Eric started attending CPUCC as well.
They married at our church on July 14, 2011, with Kim’s mother officiating. As a special treat, the choir sang at the wedding. From that day forward, it’s been unlimited breadsticks and salad for the couple. (Just kidding.)
Neither Kim nor Eric grew up in this area. Eric was raised in Stuart, Virginia and Kim grew up in Jenison, Michigan. It just so happened that both of their families moved to the Central Pennsylvania area and Kim and Eric followed them here.
One of the biggest draws for the couple’s connection to CPUCC is the music.
“We both love being part of the choir. We LOVE the music,” they said. “We are both involved in the church choir because music is a big part of our lives.”
The couple take part in the Christmas Cantata. But that first time was the hook that kept them coming back.
“The first time we were in the choir and experiencing the Christmas Cantata was a feeling neither of us will ever forget,” they said.
In November 2025, Kim and Eric felt blessed to be included with members from the CPUCC choir and friends of the choir when they were invited to travel to New York City to sing Heather Sorenson’s “Solas” at Carnegie Hall.
Both agree that the sense of fellowship and togetherness of the congregation at CPUCC is a huge reason for joining. Eric is also a lay reader.
Inspiration comes from different places for everyone. For Eric, it comes from Neil DeGrass Tyson and Anthony Bourdain. Why? Because “their insatiable curiosity helps me keep my mind flexible and ready to try new things,” he said.
For Kim, it’s has always been her mom.
“She is an amazing example of a strong and independent woman and showing me while growing up and now, that I can do anything I set my mind to and how to stand up for those whose voices need to be heard,” Kim said.
Not only do you see the McKinneys in church together, but if you happen to stop by their place during the work week, you may see them there together as well. Both primarily work from home. Kim is an auto appraiser for Nationwide and Eric work for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board in their wholesale division.
When asked why others should join the church, the couple said, “This church is an amazing friendly open church with so much love. We support each other and the surrounding community. We care about others around us, regardless of their story. This church DOES what many only say they will do.”
Now for a surprise. If you are looking for a bodyguard, you might want to consider contacting Kim and Eric. They are BOTH 2nd degree black belts at the Harrisburg Kung Fu Center.
May 2026
Meet other members of Colonial Park United Church of Christ by clicking HERE.
