Julia Gaughan is an authorized minister serving Peace UCC in Alma, Kansas, and a member-in-discernment with Plymouth Congregational in Lawrence, Kansas. Julia obtained her Bachelor’s degree in American Studies and her J.D. from the University of Kansas. She is currently pursuing her M. Div. with Phillips Theological Seminary. In addition to her position as a pastor and seminarian, Julia works as the Prevention and Education Manager for her local community mental health center, teaching Mental Health First Aid and organizing trauma-informed care and suicide prevention efforts. Julia engages in racial justice and inclusion work with the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference of the UCC. She is a facilitator for several UCC curricula, including the Let’s Talk White Privilege Curriculum and SC2ER. Julia was elected to the United Church of Christ Board of Directors in 2019 and began her term as chair in 2023. As part of her UCCB work, Julia serves on the UCCB’s Racial Equity Task Force and several UCCB committees. She has served as Moderator for an 1100-member church, chaired the Vision and Ministry Task Force, and served on the Senior Pastor Search Committee at her home church. Julia enjoys spending time with her husband and son, playing board games, traveling, watching soccer, crafting, writing, and reading as many books as possible.