Adriene Thorne joined the staff at Middle in June 2008. As Associate Minister for Congregational Life, she provides for the spiritual care, nurture, and development of Middle Collegiate Church and community. Adriene spends time with members, both new and old, discerning the ways in which God is calling them to use their gifts, works with many of our various small groups, coordinates hospital and home visits, and plans large and more intimate opportunities for our community to fellowship and play together. 

In addition, Adriene acts as chaplain to the wonderful and amazing Middle Church Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir, co-coordinates Middle’s college and young adult outreach, and assists in developing our congregation and community partnerships in ways that support Middle’s mission and ministry.

Prior to ministry, Adriene pursued a nearly 20-year career in the performing arts.  She danced professionally with the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Workshop Ensemble and toured the US and Canada in a Broadway musical.  Adriene has performed at The Metropolitan Opera House and Carnegie Hall among others.  As a musical theatre performer, she worked with five-time Tony award winner Susan Stroman on Crazy for You, and had the privilege of being selected for the cast that taped the show live for PBS’s Great Performances.  She joined the long line of Radio City Music Hall Rockettes in 2000 and assisted in implementing their summer training program at the Harlem School of the Arts.

Adriene graduated from the State University of New York – Empire State College with a B.A. in Cultural Studies that had a Creative Writing focus.  She completed her Masters of Divinity degree with an emphasis in art and psychology at The Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA.  At her graduation in 2008, she was awarded the school’s highest honor.  The Koinonia Award is given to distinguished graduates who have strengthened the school through outstanding contributions of spirit, insight, and intellect and those who have earned the respect and recognition of their peers and the faculty.  

Adriene’s ministerial gifts lie in the areas of healing with the arts, worship and liturgy design, and crafting prayer.  She served as the Interim Worship Director at the Pacific School of Religion before coming to Middle and is a current member of the Reformed Church in America’s Commission on Christian Worship.  Adriene has taught throughout her career, both nationally and internationally, developing curriculums for all age groups that integrate movement with concepts of teambuilding, identity, and healthy living. Her mission statement says, in part, that, “the arts provide an extraordinary opportunity to encourage self-reliance, foster creativity, celebrate difference, and demonstrate self-love.”

While no longer performing professionally, Adriene enjoys connecting various artists with religious institutions interested in creative partnerships.  Adriene is currently working on publishing her short stories and a book of prayers as she completes requirements for ordination. She is thrilled to be offering her gifts in a faith community interested in following God’s lead, having fun, and living the good news with playful imagination.

- athorne@middlechurch.org