Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent
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228 Gougler Avenue |
Meet our Minister and Staff
| The Reverend Melissa Carvill-Ziemer, Minister | |
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Melissa has served as the minister of our congregation since September, 2005. Melissa did not grow up in a particularly religious home. She became a spiritual seeker in college and that is when she became acquainted, and fell in love, with Unitarian Universalism. Melissa graduated from Smith College with a B.A. in Women's Studies in 1995 and earned her M.Div. from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 2005. Melissa's training for the ministry included a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL, a year of service and learning as the Laurel Hallman Ministerial Intern at Unity Church-Unitarian in St. Paul, MN and a summer ministry at First Unitarian in Rochester, NY. In calling her to serve as our minister upon her graduation, our congregation had the privilege of ordaining Melissa to the Unitarian Universalist ministry. |
| Hal Walker, Music Director | |
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Hello. My name is Hal Walker and I have been the music director at the UU church of Kent for over 12 years now. I like this job and I've gotten to where I really love this church. What an interesting and enjoyable task it is to collaborate with Melissa in creating worship services. I'm so grateful that the congregation has given me such freedom to express myself musically in our services. At our church, you'll hear a variety of music that you've probably never heard in any other church. We have a very musical congregation and it has been my pleasure to welcome the talents of musicians of all types into our sanctuary. Always open to new singers, our adult choir rehearses every Sunday night. As Music Director, I'm interested in silence, shaping sound, building community and creating real beauty. I'm interested in the process of learning well how to incorporate music into worship. Though I don't join things easily, after 12 years, I can almost call myself a real Unitarian Universalist. |
| Judy Brannan, Church Secretary | |
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Judy Brannan has been the church office secretary since 2000. She produces the Thread from the Web (a short announcement-filled weekly enclosure to the order of service), the order of service and publicity materials for committees and some church events. She also maintains the official church calendar, and schedules events and meetings. Please contact me if you'd like to schedule an event, submit an article for the Thread from the Web, or inquire about renting a church facility. |
| Diana VanWinkle, Director of Religious Education | |
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June 2007 began Diana's journey as the Director of Religious Education of our church. A life long learner, Diana's life is infused with spirituality and religious education as a teacher, religious education committee member and currently as a Director of Religious Education. Diana hold's a MA in Theology and a M.Ed. in community counseling. She has served as a chaplain, social worker, counselor and a social service administrator. As the Director of Religious Education, Diana works collaboratively with the Religious Education Committee to provide year round educational programming for children and youth as well as with the minister to plan meaningful worship experiences for children and youth. Seek the Director of Religious Education to discuss religious education ideas or check the church's Religious Education portion of the web page for programming information. |
| Pam Whittington, Sexton | |
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Pam Whittington has been a staff member with the church for 2 years. Pam is responsible for the care and cleaning of our church and offices. In addition to her regular weekly duties, Pam prepares and cleans the church for all weddings, memorial services and church rentals. She is also available for hire by groups within the church who need additional set up or clean up assistance for special events. Pam has successfully operated her own cleaning service for 15 years. If you need anything, Pam is always there to help. |
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