Program Life Team
Minister of Program Life
Rev. Jen Crow 612.825.1701x jen@firstuniv.org
Jen joined First Universalist as the Minister of Program Life in 2012. Prior to that time, Jen served as the Associate Minister of the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY, one of the largest and most innovative Unitarian Universalist congregations in the country. Shaped by a desire to offer the life-transforming experience of Unitarian Universalism to others, Jen pushes herself and others to think creatively and boldly about what we can offer each other and those who have not yet entered our doors. A graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School and Smith College, Jen holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Passionate about creating a community where everyone can grow and no one needs to walk alone, Jen brings a focus on love and transformation to her ministry. She trusts the wisdom of the gathered community, values the empowerment of others, and leans in to the movement of the spirit - on her best days. The founder of the Wellspring Program for Unitarian Universalist Spiritual Deepening which is now used in over 20 Unitarian Universalist congregations around the country, Jen draws on our own UU prophets for strength and inspiration, as well as her own daily spiritual practice of prayer and meditation.
As the Minister of Program Life, Jen oversees the many programs of our church; including the ministries of Congregational Care, Membership and Small Groups, Children, Youth & Family Ministries, and Faith in Action. Jen also enjoys supervising our ministerial intern and serving our larger movement as a member of the national Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association’s Committee on Ethics and Collegiality.
Faith in Action
Director of Faith in Action
Debra Rodgers 612.825.1701x106 debra@firstuniv.org
Strengthens and deepens the work of justice in our church by actively supporting our existing social justice action groups and building greater commitment and involvement in justice work by the larger church community. Directs the Unity Center for Youth Leadership, an affiliate racial justice organization that offers year-round programming for teens. Reports to the Senior Minister. Groups that work directly with the Director of Faith in Action: Green Sanctuary, EcoMinds, Foundation, Youth Cultural Exchange, Habitat for Humanity.
Children, Youth & Family Ministries
Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries
Lauren Wyeth 612.825.1701x111 lauren@firstuniv.org
Strengthens and deepens the ministry to children, youth and families. Directs the Religious Education program for children age birth-12th grade. Provides support for volunteer religious education teachers. Engages children and families in multigenerational community building and faith in action. Supervises the Youth/Young Adult Ministries Coordinator, Program Assistant and Childcare Provider, and the 2 and 3 year-old teacher.
2&3-year-olds Teacher
Emily Christie 612.825.1701x120 emily@firstuniv.org
Lead teacher in 2&3 year old classroom on Sunday mornings. Provides program support to Children's Religious Education program. Reports to Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries.
Membership and Adult Ministries
Interim Director of Membership & Adult Ministries
Sara Smalley 612.825.1701x124 sara@firstuniv.org
Leadership of adult programming including membership development and integration, fellowship and hospitality, adult faith formation, and small group ministry. Strengthens and deepens each congregant's commitment to First Universalist Church and UU identity. Reports to Senior Minister.Groups that work directly with Sara Smalley: Library, Small Group Ministry, Newcomer Orientations (First Step), Membership Classes (Pathways to Membership), Adult Programming.
Membership Support
Sandy DiNanni 612.825.1701x125 sandy@firstuniv.org
Coordinates visitor and member services, office activities, building security, and other tasks as needed on weeknights and Sunday mornings. Staffs the Information Center on Sunday mornings. Helps with the calendar for all church-related events. Reports to the Director of Membership & Adult Ministries.
Cummins Ministerial Intern
Communications
Communications Manager
Craig Lindahl-Urben 612.825.1701x110 communications@firstuniv.org
Coordinates and implements communication avenues for the church. Primary contact person for Church monthly newsletter the Liberal, Weekly Email, Orders of Service, annual reports, and other key mailings. Serves as webmaster. Monitors information flow for the congregation. Reports to the Minister of Program Life.