Daily Inspiration: Meet Nicole Lamarche

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Lamarche.

Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started by hugging the trees in the back part of our property in rural Eastern Washington! That’s not where you thought I would begin, but that seems like a perfect place. I grew up feeling connected to all creation, being in awe, wondering how things got the way they are with creatures and plants, as well as humans. That thread is one I hold still. After college, I went to seminary at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA for a Master of Divinity and then stayed longer to earn a MA in theology because I savored the chance to have more time soaking in philosophy and theology. Those subjects are rich with explorations of the mysteries that surround us. From there I was called to a church in New England and was ordained as a minister in the United Church of Christ, now serving my fourth church. I was called here to Colorado in 2018 and since January 2019, I have served as the Pastor of Community UCC in Boulder. I feel grateful that this is how I have gotten to spend my life- being in community with others who are curious and who are committed to caring about one another and making the world better. In a time when many are lonely and feeling hopeless, there is nothing better than a radically inclusive group of spiritual seekers committed to love and justice. Obviously I am biased.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My parents divorced when I was young. It was many years of teary exchanges, confusion, arguments, grief, loss and building a new world. There was also so much good, even in the hard. I think that being able to hold onto what is beautiful and not lose sight of all that is wonderful can lead us out of bleak seasons. And I found the people who saw me as I went along. For many of us, especially women, we must work harder to be noticed, for our gifts to be received, for our talents to be affirmed. It took a while for me to learn how to navigate those who can’t stand bright lights! Sometimes you have to let people believe what they want to about you and keep going with joy. Now I make it a point to support young women finding their way. I have found that transforming my own struggles and pain can be a gift to myself and to others.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a religious leader, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and currently Pastor of Community UCC in Boulder. I believe that communities of faith can be powerful places for personal and social transformation.. I am a part of the Faith Leaders Caucus of Boulder County with Together Colorado, a member of Faith In Action. Our church is also a part of Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence and we were instrumental in launching and growing the Guns to Gardens movement in the Front Range. It is now a nationwide effort to support individuals of conscience, communities of faith and other non-profits in hosting safe surrender events for unwanted firearms. I come from a working class background and won Miss California in 2003 and was Fourth Runner Up to Miss America 2004 and have had the chance to bridge many created chasms of this time in American life. I am proud to be a part of a church that includes people of all kinds, from all backgrounds, of all genders, of all cultures, of all family combinations, ages, stages and more. I have been in ministry for 20 years and I love what I do. I specialize in uncovering the Divine Feminine within the Church and have worked to uncover the presence of Mary Magdalene.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Guided by the poets, the words of Mary Oliver have been my north star. “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” To me success is daring to live the life I feel called to, knowing it is precious. It’s just amazing that we get to live on this planet with a finely tuned biosphere. I have achieved success by soaking up life, seizing it, being of use, helping others, taking risks for love and less money. It’s simple, but not easy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nicolelamarche.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.lamarche/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revlamarche

Image Credits
The black and white is by April Ellis Photography.