Hi! My name is Corey Widmer, and I’m a pastor and community leader in Richmond, Va. My wife Sarah and I met at University of Virginia in the late 90s. In 2005, we moved to North Church Hill to be a part of a community development initiative in the inner city that focused on youth development, affordable housing, and building relationships across difference. I’ve pastored in Richmond for 15 years at an inner city multi-racial church and a wealthy suburban church. I’m most passionate about seeing the deep historic divides in our city healed through truth telling, justice, and reconciliation.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Sarah and I have four amazing daughters, all of whom are proud RPS students!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
For 8 years I co-pastored East End Fellowship, a multi-racial congregation in North Church Hill. Currently I am Senior Pastor of Third Church on Forest Ave. in Henrico County. I love that I get a front row seat to witness how God’s love can bring healing to broken people, communities, and cities.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We cried when Dutch and Co. closed- it was our favorite! We also love Little Nickel.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Over 15 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My friend and mentor Don Coleman, former chairman of the Richmond City School board. A champion for Richmond and a lover of reconciliation.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Anywhere in the 70s with low humidity- to escape August in Richmond!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Ted Lasso! He’s created a kindness revolution.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Root your deepest identity in the love of God.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Kite surfing
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
U2
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Ukrops.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Any dad of 4 adult daughters who has a great relationship with each of them, so I can learn from him. We could eat at The Continental on Grove at one of the sidewalk picnic tables.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Richmonders love Richmond with a deep and resilient loyalty.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully in Richmond, enjoying a greater measure of joy than I do currently!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I am unusually good at yo-yoing.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Swiss Alps
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October! The weather is amazing. Single best day is probably October 5 (also one of my daughter’s birthdays).
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Gelati Celeste Ice cream.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife Sarah! She is a public health nurse who has given her all the last 14 months. She’s amazing!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
First cup of coffee. Sub Rosa in the morning. The smell of fall.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Loved, Rooted, Known.
