Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent
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228 Gougler Avenue |
Meet our Lay Leaders
Kathy Kerns, Moderator |
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The Moderator chairs the Board of Trustees and is authorized to act on behalf of the congregation. Some of my duties are to propose agendas for the board meetings, to make sure all voices are heard during Board discussions, and to ensure that we are following church by-laws and procedures.
I have been a member for about 8 years and have held several other leadership positions in our church. I grew up in a Unitarian Universalist church, and am happy to have the opportunity to raise my children in the faith. It is important to me to use the 7 principles as a guide in my life. |
Rhonda Richardson, Assistant Moderator |
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As Assistant Moderator, I actively assist the Moderator by providing advice, input, and support as needed. I also take the place of the Moderator in her absence. I serve as a member and convener of the Master Plan Committee. During the 2007-08 church year, this committee is working with Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer on facilitating a year-long process of congregational covenanting, mission renewal, and visioning. In May 2008 I will step into the role of Moderator for the 08-09 church year. In addition to my role as Assistant Moderator, I currently serve as a member of the Finance Committee which provides me with valuable insight and input into maintaining the fiscal well-being of our beloved church. I play fiddle in the Celtic Clan, which I cherish for both the music and friendships that bring balance to my life. I have been a Unitarian-Universalist my whole life. The seven U-U principles reflect my core values. Membership in the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Kent enables me to live those values. |
| Lori McGee, Board Secretary | |
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As secretary, I am responsible for taking minutes of all Board and congregation meetings. I am also responsible for making sure that the church has an effective system of communication. I have been a member of the church since May of 2005. |
| Beth Straubhaar, Treasurer | |
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As Treasurer for the church, it is my responsibility to manage the church's money and pay our bills. I work closely with the Trustee for Finance on financial reports, monitoring our budget and the financial health of our congregation. I am also a member of the Finance Committee. I enjoy being involved in our church life. I am a Youth Advisor, a member of Hogwarts, CUUPS and the Adult RE Committee. I served as Board Secretary during the 2006-2007 Board year.
I am Unitarian Universalist because it allows me to explore my own spiritual journey in a safe, loving community. |
| Bob Erdman, Trustee for Finance | |
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I have been a member since February 2007. Prior to this position, I was Chair of Music Committee, Assistant Moderator, and Moderator. I also chair the Sunday Program Committee. As Trustee for Finance I work with the Treasurer to manage the church's money, and with the Financial Secretary to take in and account for the money and properly record everyone's contributions. I also work with Social Justice and Hogwarts Treasurers and others on a variety of church accounts. My role is primarily being sure that these people have what they need and that the church financial operations operate within our bylaws policies and good practice. I also handle setting up accounts and transfers between accounts. |
Jim Scott, Trustee for Fellowship |
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I serve as the Trustee for Fellowship, and have the responsibility for coordinating activities related to membership services, social activities, pastoral care and volunteer recruitment. I am a Unitarian Universalist because I believe a spiritual journey is personal, and changes over time as we mature spiritually. This faith allows me the freedom to explore many religious traditions, and incorporate the things that work into my own journey. |
Joel Slater, Trustee for Programming |
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I first became aware Unitarian Universalism while in high school. The First UU Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was allowing a student group concerned with Civil Rights to meet there. On occasion I would attend the services, but was never involved with the Church. My next UU experience happened as a student at Kent. In those years (late 60's) this Church was very active in sponsoring anti-vietnam war activities, and draft counseling. I actually have twice signed the book, the first time in 1968. I would attend services here sporadically, but then UUism had no role in my life until I married Kathie. We were married in the Church she went to in Fort Dodge Iowa, |
Randy Ruchotzke, Buildings and Grounds |
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Bret Osburn, Outreach to the Wider World |
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As Outreach Trustee, I'm responsible for overseeing the social justice and denominational affairs activities of the church. I founded, with my partner Heidi Shaffer, the Kent UU Progressive Political Salon that met during the last presidential election season. I am currently serving in the unofficial capacity of Support Team Member for Councilwoman Heidi Shaffer. I am a lifelong UU ... but I only found out about a dozen years ago. |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent, 2008