On the Record with Patrice Burger

Published on May 01, 2007 by The Joe Koski

If you don’t know Patrice Burger, you are seriously missing out.

For starters, Patrice is easily one of the nicest and thoughtful people I have ever met.  As both a volunteer in our children’s ministry to 4th grade students, and as part of the worship team in Crossroads, Patrice is the kind of person you can’t help notice because she is just so kind!  Always wiling to help with anything needed, big on giving surprise gifts, or just quick to share one of her patented and always much-appreciated, Patrice-style smiles, I was really excited to have the opportunity to interview Patrice and to let others in on how great she is.

Okay, let’s have fun with some of your “Favorites”:What is your favorite song? Jamie Cullum’s version of “What A Difference A Day Made”
Favorite cereal?  I love Special K!
Favorite holiday?  Christmas!  I love the atmosphere, and people are just nicer.

Favorite pastor? (Laughs) The Joe!

Good answer!  Okay, let’s talk about your future…what college are you currently attending, and what is your major? 
I am going to Cal State East Bay studying Business Administration.  My brother told me, “You’re creative, do marketing!”  So marketing is my option.  I want to work in the music industry and be a band promoter.  I love Ska music; I would like to bring Ska back!

Let’s talk about ministry stuff…what ministry are you currently involved in?I am involved in the Children’s ministry, “The Adventure”.  I work with the 4th graders.  They are an interesting group of kids and they keep me entertained.  I love learning with the kids, all the Bible stories, and sometimes when they ask questions, it can be embarrassing because they know more than me!

Where do you use your singing talents?Crossroads!  As far as I can remember I’ve sung.  I’ve been in three different choirs.  People tell me I’m good, so I guess I’m all right!

When did you start coming to Neighborhood Church?I started coming in June of 2005.  Two friends brought me to Crossroads College Ministry and the morning service, and I just kept coming back.

What is your history with church before that?I accepted Christ when I was nine years old, and I re-dedicated my life at 21.  After I became a Christian, I didn’t think I was really living for God.  When I came to Neighborhood, I decided to re-dedicate and stick with it.  The people that God put in my life showed me what it really meant to be a Christian.  Seeing that made me want to be like them!

What’s the biggest thing God’s done in your life?To teach me to trust people again, and to trust Him.  I had friendships before I came back to church that were not so great, people abandoning me, I wondered, “Is this my fault?”  But that has changed in the past year.  The friends He’s put in my life really remind me that people can be trusted.  That there are good people.

If you could pass on the wisdom of Patrice, what would it be?Life overall is tough, but if you are trusting in God, there is no situation that you can’t get through!

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?I do!  It is Ephesians 1:7,8 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”  I thought about that verse a lot before I rededicated my life to Christ.  Knowing that I am not perfect, that I’m a sinner, but that even still Jesus loves me enough to die for me, to wipe my slate clean, is just incredible!