Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent

Lay Leaders

Christopher Gargoline, Moderator

In my role as the moderator, I share overall responsibility along with the Board for the general wellbeing of the Church. My objective is to support the congregation in fulfilling the mission, focusing on the vision, and living the covenant that we have established by facilitating the development and implementation of strategy, policies, and focused planning.

A more recent member of this congregation, I joined the church in 2009 after attending for a year. Unitarian Universalism appealed to me because of its focus on acceptance and service to others. The church offers me a place to fellowship with others, work on my personal growth, and contribute to the both the church community and the community-at-large.

On a more personal note, I am a scholar-practitioner in the field of psychology and teach at the university level. In my practice, I focus on whole system approaches to organizational development and management of change.

Kathy Slater, Assistant Moderator

As assistant moderator, my role is to aid the moderator in carrying out goals set by the congregation and board. I will also work with the Long Range Plan Committee. Being assistant moderator is a year -long mentorship preparing for a year of service and leadership as moderator.

I have been a member of this congregation for thirty-eight years and have previously served as moderator, fundraiser, chair of the religious education committee, chair of the committee on ministry, and member of the personnel and safety committees. Sunday mornings have often been spent in the middle school Religious Education room. Several years ago, I chaired the ministerial search committee whose work culminated with Rev. Carvill-Ziemer’s call to ministry at our church.

On a personal level, I am a retired middle school teacher and a master gardener. I have been married to Joel for forty years. We have two children and enjoy being grandparents of four. When not at church, or not involved caring for others, you can find me in the garden!

Kim Marfy, Board Secretary

The secretary is responsible for keeping accurate minutes of each Board meeting including the annual meetings. The secretary also handles correspondence for the Moderator and Board and oversees the Communications Council which consists of the website, publicity, Library Committee, newsletter and archives.

 

 

 

Kay Eckman, Treasurer

My duties as Church Treasurer include monitoring church finances in conjunction with the Assistant Treasurer and the Bookeeper. I have also set a goal during my term of promoting a greater awareness in our church culture of giving and stewardship.

I have been attending the UU Church of Kent since 2001. Throughout my 10 years with the church, I have served as a Sunday School Teacher and on the Membership Committee. I work as a banker and live in Chesterland Ohio with my husband Mark and 3 bad cats.

Cheryl Spoehr, Trustee for Programming

My role as the trustee for programming is to work with and support those who provide religious education (re) for our children,youth and adults,as well as small group ministry,lay lead services,and music to our church community.My role as a trustee on the board also allows me to see how our actions as a community can best be served by these committees,as well as how the board can best serve those who lead and work on these committees.

On a personal level,I find this congregation a place of peace and fellowship.I enjoy contributing to it with my own individual contributions,such as teaching third through fifth grade RE classes, facilitating discussions in adult RE, and offering as many opportunities for social activities as I can imagine.

My personal back round is eclectic.I have been trained in Police Science,and have worked in personal security.I have also had a mail order business in rare magazines and comic books.as well as working in retail and not for profit activities.I bring an interest in popular culture to many of my activities at the UUCK

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Lineburgh, Trustee for Fellowship

As the Trustee for Fellowship, I assist in matters of membership, pastoral care, social activities, and coordinating volunteers.

As a lifelong UU, I am excited to participate in the church community in this particular role of leadership.  I am sure this will give me a different perspective on some of the inner workings of our community.

I have attended the UU Church of Kent since 2008 and was an active member in the UU Church of Akron from 1998-2002.  I have served as a Children’s RE teacher, Coming of Age facilitator, and Helping Hands coordinator.  I am currently a greeter and will be co-facilitating the 2011-2012 Coming of Age program.

I am passionate about making the UU Church of Kent a warm and welcoming community for our current members, friends, and visitors.   I am also especially interested in reaching out to fellow Young Adults in the congregation.

I am currently working on my Ph.D. in Counseling at Kent State Universityand am a licensed professional counselor.  One of my professional interests is in spirituality and counseling.

Colleen Norris, Trustee for Buildings and Grounds

I have been a member of our church for 10 years. I have been involved with our annual Service Auction, Hogwarts, Walden retreats, fundraisers, etc. I have past experience with maintenance and repair of buildings and homes, including painting, plumbing, electrical, construction, etc. I have worked around and have driven trucks and race cars for most of my life. My wife Sandra is also very involved with our church. I am glad to be a member of our church and even gladder to have become friends with many of our church members.

Mac Goekler, Trustee for Outreach to the Wider World

I serve the congregation as your Trustee for Outreach to the Wider World. I coordinate the outreach and social justice activities of those groups who represent our congregation beyond the four walls of our beloved Church. Specifically, I’m the liaison with the Denominational Affairs Coordinator (a position I currently hold), the Social Justice Committee (a member), the Kent Church Time Bank (a member), and any other groups or individuals who want to do outreach work. Additionally, I am a member of the adult exploration committee, and the finance committee.

I came to Kent in 1998 and before that I was a member of congregations in Lafayette, IN and El Paso, TX. And before that I was a member of The Church of the Larger Fellowship (UU church by mail).

Besides my Church activities I serve at the UU district/regional level. I am the Regional Coordinator for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, UUSC. At the national UU level, I belong to UUs for Racial Equity. Also, I Chair the UU Peace Ministry Network and I am the President of UUs for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.