Lay Ministry at UUFC

Through Lay Ministry, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis offers a unique opportunity for members of the congregation to deepen their understanding of their UU heritage, broaden their spiritual practice, and expand their service to the congregation. This begins with a selection process that includes writing a letter of intent and meeting with the minister to complete an interest survey and examination of one's "call" to service in the context of this congregation. The lay ministry candidate then attends monthly group sessions and private meetings witht the minister to study UU history and heritage and explore service options at UUFC. Through a process of discernment over at least six months, the lay ministers develop their own understandings of their lay ministries. They are then commissioned by the congregation and serve for three years with the option to continue as their call demands.

Current Lay Ministers

Back Row, left to right: Cliff Pereira,Til Tillitson, Richmond Brainerd Front Row, left to right: Jill Fischer, Sheila Smith, Wolfgang Dengler, Jesse Ford Not Pictured: Susan Grace Beekman, Lorene Hales, and The Rev. Diana Vezmar-Bailey

Cliff Pereira:
Lay minister for Worship and Ritual: working with Jill Fischer and Gretchen Woods to lead the Wheel of the Year and the Worship Associates to plan for our Sunday worship; prepared to preside at weddings, memorials, etc.

Til Tillitson:
Lay Minister for Caring; leads the Caring Connection that provides cards and casseroles for those in crisis, rides for congregants who need transportation to services or medical appointments, receptions for Memorial Services, and trainings for various caring needs.

Richmond Brainerd:
Lay Minister for Youth: works with Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) and organizes groups to attend youth convocations

Jill Fischer:
Lay Minister of Parish Nursing: provides support and information for people facing medical challenges; works with the Caring Connection, prepared to preside at weddings, memorials, etc.

Sheila Smith:
Lay Minister for Worship and Theology with an ancillary Animal Ministry; helps organize worship every Sunday; prepared to preside at weddings, memorials, etc.

Wolfgang Dengler:
Lay Minister for Ritual, Ceremony, and Initiation; organizer of Evening Spiritual Practice, prepared to preside at weddings, memorials, etc.

Jesse Ford:
Lay Minister for Diversity and Inclusiveness and the Seventh Principle: prepared to mediate conflict and encourage environmental awareness; prepared to preside at weddings, memorials, etc.

Susan Grace Beekman:
Lay Minister for Spiritual Mentoring and Rites of Passage: prepared to preside at weddings, memorials, etc. Also provides personal coaching

Lorene Hales:
Lay Minister for Community Outreach and Interfaith Collegiality: represents the UUFC within the greater Corvallis community working with Interfaith and civic outreach; will promote a more visible UUFC presence to the larger community.

The Rev. Diana Vezmar-Bailey:
Convenes lay ministers and covenant group facilitators and serves as "minister-in-hiding".