Our Pastor

The Reverend Linda (Lin) Smalec has been pastor of Salem Church since June 1997.  She is a native of Connecticut, served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft radar technician, and has worked as an office manager, bookkeeper, marriage/career counselor, and workshop leader. Pastor Lin also served as lay pastor of visitation  at First United Church of Tampa, Florida, and as a licensed pastor at Bethel United Church of Christ, Cahokia, Illinois.  Pastor Lin holds an A.A. in Mid-Management, a B.A. in Religious/Ancient Studies, a M.Ed. in Counseling, and a M.Div. in Pastoral Ministry.  She graduated from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis Missouri  and was ordained in the United Church of Christ in May 1997.  She holds ministerial standing in the Evangelical Association of Reformed and Congregational Christian Churches.

Pastor Lin is married to Andy Smalec, a 24-year Air Force veteran.  They have no children, but share their lives with two dogs (Muffin and Rufus).