Meet The Pastor
Rev. Julia Weidemann
Julia was born in a small Siberian town in Russia, where during her first 15 years helped her grandparents on a self-sustaining farm, learned to play piano and violin, and danced with a dance company. Her college years she spent in Dresden, Germany, studying engineering. In 2000 she made yet another move to the United States. The first few years Julia worked as an au-pair, while studying for a teaching degree and becoming an involved member in the local Methodist church.
In 2004 the discovery of her grandfather’s sickness caused her to call on the Lord in a way that she had not done before. God began to get her attention when she found out that her grandfather was completely healed. However, it took another few years for her to discern and answer God’s call to full time ministry, during which she worked as a high school math teacher, and got married to the love of her life, also a committed Christian and partner in ministry.
In 2007 Julia began the steps in the candidacy process and started a 3 year seminary journey at Drew Theological School in the fall of 2008. In January 2009 she gladly accepted preaching responsibilities at Ridges-Roxbury and Springdale UMCs in Stamford, and was appointed there in July as a local pastor. In 2012, Julia was appointed to Diamond Hill UMC and Springdale UMC.
In ministry, Julia is especially passionate about creating inter-generational relationships in a spiritual setting, while strengthening the body of Christ within. Julia also has a passion for mission work, which began in her home church and continues in her current setting where she has both personally and corporately reached out to the disenfranchised of her community, as well as the world.
Julia and her husband Matt are raising two small boys while enjoying music, dancing, reading, the outdoors, and traveling.