Pulse Welcomes New Ministry Duo

This year, the Pulse team welcomed two new members: Emma Parr and Marike Jago, who are sharing the role of Children and Family Ministry Facilitator.

“It is with much joy, excitement and gratitude that we welcome Emma Parr and Marike Jago to the Pulse team,” shares Jo Drayton, Pulse Team Leader.

Emma and Marike are sharing the role part-time across state lines — Emma in NSW and Marike in the ACT.

“We think it’s great that we’re in different locations,” Marike said. “It gives us better insight into the ACT and NSW Synod and what the needs are. We want to look at how we can best create and connect teams of similar interests so we can continue to gather and sow and grow.”

For both, this role builds on long-standing callings to ministry, shaped by diverse life experiences.

Emma returns to ministry after a few years focused on raising her young children and being involved in her local Uniting Church. Her journey into faith-based leadership began early — as a teenager she was already mentoring others through Sunday School.

“I have always had a heart for making space for young people to explore faith,” she said.

Emma is passionate about building networks, encouraging collaboration, and empowering those involved in children and family ministry. “There are some fabulous people doing ministry in local congregations and there is such value in connecting them to one another to share stories, questions, resources, and be on the discipling journey together.”

With qualifications in theology, ministry, education and teaching – including a degree from United Theological College (UTC), Emma has spent her adult life in roles that span youth work, Christian education, Safe Church training, and Family Church. She’s particularly passionate about fostering intergenerational and intercultural spaces for worship and growth.

“There’s no magic one size fits all approach,” Emma said. “In each context the needs are different. My role is to connect people, draw out their gifts, and equip them with tools and ideas that serve their local communities.”

As a young mother, Emma adds, “I am even more convinced of our call to minister with family units and with parents/carers as much as directly with children.”

Marike’s path has been equally rich and varied. Originally from Germany, she moved to Australia in 2008 and has served in pastoral roles with Wesley Mission, Woollahra–Double Bay Uniting Church, and more recently at Kippax Uniting Church, ACT.

With a background in the creative and performing arts, Marike has always integrated the arts, faith, and community engagement. At Kippax, she coordinated events, connected with local Indigenous communities, supported social justice initiatives, and even joined in the church’s Christmas appeal by “Elfing”.

“I find great joy in creative ministry that connects the local church with its wider community,” she said.

Marike is particularly focused on supporting rural and regional congregations. “I am keen to connect and support the more isolated congregations in rural NSW and the ACT in running events for families and young people. Because of my physical location focusing on connecting Riverina/Illawarra/ACT folk makes sense.”

“Ministry starts with listening and building connections,” said Marike. “We want to be a safe space — encouraging curiosity, planting seeds of faith, and welcoming families from all walks of life into the church community no matter their faith, ethnic or social background”

To get in touch with Emma or Marike, follow Pulse on social media or email them directly. Emma is available at emmap@nswact.uca.org.au and Marike at marikej@nswact.uca.org.au.

Emma Parr

"There are some fabulous people doing ministry in local congregations and there is such value in connecting them to one another to share stories, questions, resources, and be on the discipling journey together."

Marike Jago

"Ministry starts with listening and building connections. We want to be a safe space — encouraging curiosity, planting seeds of faith, and welcoming families from all walks of life into the church community no matter their faith, ethnic or social background"