Lay Ministry Council

At UUCR, we understand ministry to be a shared responsibility—each of us ministers to others in a variety of ways—through friendship, respect, kindness, a little extra warmth, volunteering, and more. Some people have special responsibilities for ministry: our ministers, our staff, and our volunteer Lay Ministers.

Our Lay Ministers have participated in extensive training led by our ministers: Topics included Unitarian Universalist history, theology, ecclesiology, and governance. They have selected program areas at UUCR that they support as part of their ministry. Lay Ministers provide inspiration and a caring ear to those in their program areas, and help keep others informed about happenings and changes. And they listen to responses to those changes. Some Lay Ministers are also program leaders, others are not. But all are interested in helping our programs flourish.

The Lay Ministry Council meets monthly to learn what’s new at UUCR, share accomplishments, and discuss topics of common interest. The Council meetings include a strong component of training, to help the Lay Ministers continue to develop their skills and a deeper understanding of ministry.

Lay Ministers on the Council often support special projects and many are connected to program areas.

• Worship & Music Arts: Cynthia Shires-Thurston

• Social Justice: Ethel Gilbert

• Pastoral Care: Kent Hancock

• Program Leadership: Sharrill Dittman

• Stewardship: Mark Shannon

• At-large: Fran Lowe, Marie Reed

• Board of Trustees Liaison: Colleen Dolak

• Adult Faith Formation: Bruce Baskett

• Co-chairs: Cynthia Shires-Thurston, Fran Lowe

• Spiritual Leadership:  Rev. Lynn Strauss, Rev. Rebekah Savage

If you have any questions about the Council, please contact Fran Lowe or Cynthia Shires-Thurston at layministrychair@uucr.org .