About the Team at Tippe
Learn more about us... and then visit us, so we can learn more about you.
At Tippe, we believe in a spacious Christianity through which GRACE cultivates hope, healing, and purpose! Here faith continues to open up…to move away from cut and dry, right and wrong, good and bad. Tippe is a safe space, a brave place! An open and affirming community where everyone belongs! And, we're all accountable...in a life giving sense!
A community of communities where all are able to grow, ask questions, have doubts, and walk with others. Here, you will experience the palpable support of a community of believers, doubters, thinkers, doers, and pray-ers who together are changing lives and our greater community in visible ways! Please let us know if there are ways we can be supportive!
A community of communities where all are able to grow, ask questions, have doubts, and walk with others. Here, you will experience the palpable support of a community of believers, doubters, thinkers, doers, and pray-ers who together are changing lives and our greater community in visible ways! Please let us know if there are ways we can be supportive!
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Rev. Patricia "Trish" Eckert | Pastor
It is such a joy to serve at Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church! I have been the pastor here since December 2021, and am fortunate to be part of this "small church that does big things," both within and beyond the walls of Tippe. This ministry is possible because of the relationships we have with other faith communities and circles of connection throughout Milwaukee that equip us to pursue our mission of caring for people who are unhoused.
I attempt to “practice what I preach” by seeking an integrated life, making time for my own spiritual development and nurturing my relationships. I am an avid reader and I love to travel. I turn to music and art, words and poetry for inspiration, sustenance, comfort, and insight. I greatly enjoy singing, hiking, dancing, and I listen ardently to a wide range of music. Prior to my work in ministry, my undergraduate studies (English, Sociology, Religion) led to a career in social work, which expanded into educational and mental health settings. At mid-life I sought a graduate degree that would embrace wholeness and meaning-making, which led me to seminary where I earned a Masters of Divinity with a focus in the Ministry of Writing. I then entered campus ministry and pursued a Master of Education, researching and facilitating spiritual discernment approaches. After a decade among undergraduates, I felt called to enter the pastorate, and served a Quaker meeting (church) in New York state 2017-2021. Here at Tippe I am blessed to be part of a beloved community of seekers who wholeheartedly discern how to show up in the world, striving to act on what we hear in Matthew 25: 35-36 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. I encourage you to come and check us out – through one of our worship opportunities and/or as part of our amazing crew of volunteers. Join us as we build community, support one another in our spiritual growth, and discern what it means to “be church” in these challenging times. May we each come to recognize the divine spark in one another – whether we perceive the other as friend or foe, beloved or stranger – embracing that of God in every one of us. |
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Nicole | Ministry Support Associate[email protected] |
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Betsy | Music MinistryBetsy is a spiritual director and singer-songwriter with experience leading worship in a variety of settings. She sings, plays piano and guitar and is bilingual (Spanish). After serving in mission, she pursued a Masters degree in Christian Spirituality. As her image of the Divine broadened and expanded, she began composing music that incorporates contemporary spirituality into the lyrics. She has served Tippe as Music Director since August of 2023.
Betsy believes that music in worship should reflect our growing and changing relationship with the Divine. She chooses songs with a progressive understanding of the scriptures and inclusive language to inspire, uplift, and draw us forward on our faith journeys. Tippe worship includes an eclectic selection of music, from time past and present. On any given Sunday, you will encounter hymns both traditional and contemporary, including bilingual hymns as well as music from other genres to support and enhance the theme of each Sunday’s worship. The Tippe band is composed of five dedicated musicians from the congregation. Depending on the hymn and its intent, we sing along with some or all of the ensemble as they share their talents on brass, woodwind, string and percussion, accompanied by Betsy on piano or guitar. Music sets the mood for reflection, contemplation, gathering and celebration. Sometimes meditative, sometimes energetic, always prayerful, worship music at Tippe is a living expression of those who are present. At Tippe, we are all invited to express ourselves to the Divine in whatever way, shape or form best suits us. We can “make a joyful noise” or participate quietly from our hearts. At its best, worship music at Tippe is living and vibrant, just as our relationship with the Divine is meant to be! |
