I have just joined  the staff of First Parish in Concord, MA  (August 2015) and will be leading their religious education program with a fabulous team.

Previously  I served for two years as  Consulting Minister at First Church in Boston, and for ten years as the Senior Minster of Channing Memorial Church in Newport, RI.   I also served the Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha’s Vineyard as the Interim Minister in 1999-2000 and as a Consulting Minister in 2012-13.

Below are highlights and favorite programs from my ministry.

Worship

Worship Arts are an essential component of my ministry.   I have preached as a guest minister for Unitarian Universalist congregations throughout Southern New England, and lead workshops and retreats for worship teams.   For three years I served as the Worship Minister of the North East Leadership School.

When I was studying at Starr King School for the Ministry I served as the research assistant for a two-year project called “Re-imagining Worship”.  The project culminated in a week-long conference.  Religious leaders from across the country gathered to reflect upon the history of worship in the free church tradition, take account of current practices, and imagine a future for worship in our churches, our fellowships, and our lives.  Our liberal religious heritage and the creative process allows us to engage with the issues of our times in ways inspire me.

Religious Education

One of the joys of congregational life is being part of a community of all ages and life stages.  A core of my ministry is strengthening relationships between adults and children and creating many opportunities for learning.  Unitarian Universalism affirms spiritual growth as a lifelong process.  Together we expand our perspectives and put our values into action.  Read More.

Shared Ministry

Shared Ministry is the key to vibrant religious community!  I enjoy the collaborative process and developing leadership teams.  Whether caring for one another or planning for the future, sharing ideas and working together creates more transformative results than working alone.  Unitarian Universalist communities can empower people to offer their gifts and learn new skills in an environment of mutual support.  Where we are often divided by age or interest in other places, congregations allow for all ages and people with diverse perspectives to share stories and form friendships.

Some of my favorite enrichment programs include

• “Listening as a Spiritual Practice”
• “Self-Empowerment Through Drama”
• “Hot Topics Forums”
• Small Group Ministry

Social Action

As Unitarian Universalists, we are change agents—bringing a liberating message of equality, inclusion, and love.  Part of my ministry includes inviting people of all ages to engage in social action and service.  Through dialogue, education, working together in the community and partnering with people beyond our church walls we become more effective in changing the world and changing ourselves.

Favorite Social Action projects while at Channing Memorial Church include:

• Aquidneck Island Crop Walk Against Hunger
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors– $5000 given to the congregation in amounts ranging from $5-$500 to make a difference in the city of Newport
• The Come as You Are Prom co-sponsored with Marriage Equality RI
• Hosting Walking the Talk: A Workshop in Congregational Social Justice with the Rev. Richard Gilbert
  Walk the Talk Guide by Richard Gilbert (PDF)
  UUA SJ Evaluation Form (Doc)
• Small Group Ministry program includes a group service project each term
• Becoming a Green Congregation