welcome to us at the university chaplaincy!
We are an ecumenical team consisting of three priests, a pastor and a deacon. We are here for you who need someone to talk to, and we arrange the various activities that the University Church organizes, such as Grief groups, Rainbow evenings and pilgrimages. Read more about us below, where each employee answers five quick questions!
Five quick questions with the University Chaplains: eva
1. What did you do before you became a chaplain?
I did a variety of things, including attending a folk high school where I focused on art and creativity, and I worked in Stockholm with the homeless and substance abusers at a place called Ny Gemenskap. I also had my three children while I was studying.
2. How did you become a chaplain?
My time at Ny Gemenskap and all the broken and wonderful people I met there were absolutely crucial for me. It took me a while before I dared to take the step, but I wanted a job that makes a difference and really means something to people. I hope that through it, I can give others the opportunity to see that God is close throughout life's ups and downs.
3. When you're not working - what do you like to do?
I enjoy working with ceramics, both sculpting and throwing, and then being surprised by how the glaze turned out after firing. I usually take long walks with my dog and have long phone conversations about everything that's important and unimportant. The forest is also important to me. And I like to write.
4. How do you think a good chaplain should be?
Above all, they should be open to the fact that people are different and that it's possible to think and be in different ways, not providing definitive answers, but still being secure in their faith.
5. What are you looking forward to in your new job?
I'm looking forward to meeting the students and hopefully being able to support them in the way they need.
Bonus: What don't we know about you?
My favorite candy is raspberry/liquorice skulls (the smallest size) and chocolate!
Five quick questions with the University Chaplains: magdalena
1. What did you do before you became a chaplain?
Studied to become a chaplain. 😊 But, before that, after graduation, I managed to study some French in France, work in the Alps and in Corsica.
2. How did you become a chaplain?
I had a sudden gap in life when I tore a cruciate ligament in my knee (see previous answer, the Alps can be dangerous for knees). The break gave me time to think about what I really wanted to work on in life, then realized that I longed to work on something that had to do with existential questions. I started studying Religious Studies in Uppsala and met various people and contexts that made me realize that I would enjoy being a chaplain.
3. When you are not working - what do you like to do?
I have three children that I enjoy hanging out with, a big house to take care of and three cats that need cuddles and food. I also like gardening, reading books, swimming in the lake (but preferably in the sea on the west coast) and I think it's very nice to meet my friends and family.
4. What do you think that a good chaplain should be like?
Curious about other people and open to what God wants for his own and other people's lives. Not believing that you have definitive answers to life's questions, but at the same time capable of learning from life and the experiences you get as a human being.
5. What are you looking forward to in your new job?
I look forward to meeting students, partly to learn more about life through them, partly to be able to walk alongside for a while, in both tough and fun moments and hopefully be there as a support when needed.
Bonus: What don't we know about you?
Probably quite a few things, maybe one of them is that I've just started improvisational theatre, incredibly fun! Another thing is that I come from beautiful Borås!
Five quick questions with the University Chaplains: Karin B
Karin is the rock of the University Chaplaincy. After 15 years in the service, she is still just as passionate about the University Church being available to everyone who needs a shoulder to lean on. Below you will find her answers to five quick questions.
1. What did you do before you became a chaplain?
I grew up in a small village in the country side in Värmland and studied science programs in high school. I considered becoming an agronomist, but then I started studying music at Geijerskolan after graduating and took a cantor degree and then moved to Uppsala to study theology. I also worked in the home ministry a couple of years before ordination and be an exchange student in London.
2. How did you become a chaplain?
I had not really intended to become a chaplain, but after I started studying in Uppsala and got to do an internship, I discovered that this was very meaningful. And after 15 years in the University Church, I still think I have the best job in the world.
3. When you are not working - what do you like to do then?
For me, recovery in nature is very important and I love to hike regardless of the season- In the winter, the best thing is to go skiing and skating. Family and friends also bring joy and energy. Those relationships when one can only be without having to say so much.
4. What do you think that a good chaplain should be like?
To be themselves I think is the best, and to try to be sensitive and empathetic and meet every person where they are.
5. What is the best thing about working as a chaplain in the University Church?
All the people I get to meet in different contexts.
Bonus: What don’t we know about you?
During the pandemic, I discovered winter camping and sleeping out in a hammock regardless of the season. I have not been so secretive about it, but it is something I can really recommend for those who have not tried.
Five quick questions with the University Chaplains: LINNEA
1. What does a deacon do?
Diakonia is about taking care of everything created and is a commonly used word within the Christian church. As Christians, we have a mission to perform diakonia, and this mission goes beyond all religious boundaries. We all have a responsibility for the world we live in and what we leave behind. As a deacon, I work to make this visible in the context I work in and inspire others to participate.
2. What did you do before you became a deacon?
I have studied sociology and social psychology at Umeå University and also completed a year of theological studies. I have worked both at HVB homes, in elderly care, at a youth shelter and as a sex educator.
3. How did you become a deacon?
It has not always been obvious that I would become a deacon. But I became a Christian as a teenager and I have found a lot of strength in my faith in God. Jesus was very radical in his treatment and did not discriminate against people. Jesus' message inspires me to do the same in my role as a deacon.
4. When you are not working - what do you like to do then?
I like to hang out with friends and try on new things. Right now I am taking a course in improvisational theater, which is a lot of fun. I have also considered starting to sing in a choir this autumn.
5. What do you think that a good chaplain should be like?
Empathetic, reflective and curious about other people.
6. What are you looking forward to in your new job?
I look forward to all the meetings with students in their arena and to getting to know the University of Uppsala (which I heard so much about).
Bonus: What do we not know about you?
I'm a fan of horror movies!
Five quick questions with the University Chaplains: MARIA
1. What did you do before you became a chaplain?
I moved from Värmland to Uppsala after high school to study theology, was involved in Värmland's nation, among other things. as 1Q, served on the party floor, worked extra at Ulleråker Hospital and was a housewife at Sjömanskyrkan in Cape Town m.m.
2. How did you become a chaplain?
I can not specify a specific time, but it has been more of a development during the 9 years that passed from the time I started studying until I was ordained - a development that was based on thoughts that started at the age of 10, was followed by the reflections during the confirmation, which were eventually followed by meetings with nice and fun friends in a Christian high school group. I tried to do something else several times, but eventually realized that I was supposed to be aa chaplain.
3. When you are not working - what do you like to do?
I hang out with family and friends, am a member of some associations and am still involved in Värmland's nation. I like meeting people and we have the dogs Börje and Bosse!
4. What do you think that a good chaplain should be like?
Responsive, a good listener, but also able to talk easily and understandably about difficult questions. Dare to be yourself and at the same time rest in and trust that God is with us in everything that happens.
5. What is the best thing about working as a university chaplain?
All meetings with students in different life situations, to get to be involved and work with so many different exciting topics in a creative environment. It's fun and meaningful!
Bonus: What do we not know about you?
I'm not very secretive, I'm lousy at lying and singing - but right now decent at puzzles, crossword puzzles and sudoku on the ipad.