Karin Carlson

Karin Carlson grew up in Illinois, California, Puerto Rico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Karin completed a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from the University of North Texas and then earned her Master’s degree in Physical Education from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. For 23 years, her passion for coaching tennis and teaching was lived out at Odessa College. This passion extended it’s boundaries upon responding to full-time ministry. Upon completing the Basic Graduate Theological Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary, Karin was ordained as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church in October 2020. Karin also serves as pastor of Mackey Chapel UMC here in Odessa.
 
Odessa became home in 1989. Karin and Jim celebrated 28 years of marriage in 2020. They are blessed with two amazing daughters, Courtney and Megan. The Carlson family chose First UMC to be their church home in 2006. A favorite quote of Karin’s is, “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt.