Senior Pastor Larry Kleiman

  “God breaks into our world of the ordinary reminding us we are essentially meant to experience the extra-ordinary…”

 –Larry Kleiman

Don’t let the warm smile, compassionate blue eyes and gentle spirit fool you. Larry Kleiman is a serious practical joker. Just ask any St. Peter’s youth who has gone “snipe hunting” with him.

Larry was born in Indianapolis and grew up in Greenfield, Indiana, birthplace of the famous poet James Whitcomb Riley who said, “Greenfield is the best home outside of heaven.”

Perhaps this inspired Larry, because after graduating from New Palestine High School in Indiana, he set out to explore his interest in philosophy, poetry and spirituality at Valparaiso University, where he was awarded a B.A. in Philosophy. He then expanded his knowledge at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, earning a Master of Divinity degree.

Prior to joining St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Larry served as Director of Admissions at Christian Theological Seminary, and Pastor of Northeast United Church of Christ, Indianapolis.

In 1972 he married Rose Halderson. Their son, Seth was born in 1976.

Larry describes the spirit of St. Peter’s as “rooted in a community seeking goodness and justice in the lives of the congregation and the ministries through which we serve others.”

During his years at St. Peter’s, he has watched the congregation and spirit grow in ways he never imagined.  “The ever-changing transformation of both individual and community spirit is a joy to share.”

A joy right up there with practical joking?  The next time you see Larry, ask him what is a snipe hunt anyway.