Staff
Unitarian Church of Evanston Executive Team: Rev. Dr. Janet Newman, Interim Senior Minister; Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director; Rev. Connie Grant, Minister for Lifespan Religious Education
The Executive Team is comprised of the two ministers, Rev. Dr. Janet Newman and Rev. Connie Grant, and Executive Operations Director Sandra Robinson. The Executive Team works together to implement the mission of the congregation and the policies and goals of the Board. Each member of the team has certain individual responsibilities related to ministry, programs, administration, and management. The team collaborates to supervise paid and volunteer staff, as appropriate, and to ensure effective use of spiritual and tangible resources.
Rev. Dr. Janet Newman, Interim Senior Minister
Rev. Dr. Janet E. Newman
The Interim Senior Minister is the Rev. Dr. Janet E.Newman. Her work with the Unitarian Church of Evanston is multi-faceted and time-limited; her term here ends in July, 2013. In addition to performing all the tasks of a parish minister, Dr. Newman consults with congregations that are “between” called clergy. One of her goals is to guide congregants through honest examination of themselves and assessment of their systems. This process enables members to have a clearer idea of who they are as a congregation, a better idea of what they want to be, and more focused ideas about what kind of senior minister would be a good fit for them. She is available during working hours for pastoral conversations, helping members take stock, and listening to others’ ideas. It is best to call first to make an appointment: 847 864-1330 x 201. Her email address is jnewman@ucevanston.org.
Rev. Connie Grant, Minister for Lifespan Religious Education
Rev. Ms. Constance L. Grant
The Rev. Constance L. Grant is our Minister for Lifespan Religious Education. She focuses on planning and implementing learning opportunities for children, youth, and adults. She also regularly leads worship services for people of all ages, conducts rites of passage (child dedications, weddings, and memorial services), and is available to talk about spiritual issues or other concerns.
Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director
Sandra oversees day-to-day administration at UCE and manages the building/grounds and rental program. Sandra serves on the ISC and Budget Working Group, Information Working Group, providing input and data for accomplishing financial and fundraising goals. Sandra keeps the master calendar of the church and supervises staff operations to maintain our services to UCE members, friends and guests.
Bart Bradfield, Director of Music
Bart works off-site during the week, rehearses with the choir on Thursday evenings and directs the choir on Sunday mornings. Bart works with the Ministry team to coordinate appropriate music for services. Bart coordinates Music Sundays and special music programs throughout the year, including Jazz Brunch in the spring.
Gregory Shifrin, Pianist
The very talented Gregory Shifrin has been UCE’s pianist/keyboardist since 2006. He works with Director of Music Bart Bradfield to provide just the right music for all our worship services, including summer services when the choir does not sing. Gregory is also present to support our special music events with his many skills.
Eileen Wiviott, Membership Director
Eileen builds engagement at the Unitarian Church of Evanston: from welcoming visitors, to helping newcomers who are interested in becoming members, to coordinating covenant groups that deepen relationships among members. Eileen also coordinates the Social Action Council, a sub-group of the Board of Trustees comprised of the Food and Shelter Team, Green Sanctuary Committee, Peace & Justice Committee, and the UCE Rainbow Alliance. She coordinates the volunteer opportunities and activities related to these areas.
Judith Ramey, Communications Director
Judith is responsible for our “formal” internal and external communications, including a monthly newsletter, regular e-announcements to the congregation, website information updates, and advertising and publicity to promote various UCE events, among them Rummage Sale, music programs, and Serendipity Auction. In addition to being “editor-in-chief,” Judith is a friendly voice on the other end of the phone when inquiries are made to the church office. She is a long-time member of UCE.
Chris Isely, Accounting Manager
Chris is a long time member of UCE and a 10 hour-per-week employee. Chris performs the accounting work for UCE, makes deposits, issues checks, prepares statements and financial reports. Chris always makes himself available to help with Rummage Sale, Serendipity Auction, Concerts and other events that require credit sales and other special requests for information on UCE finances.
Carli Magel, Administrative Assistant
Carli assists Sandra Robinson and Rev. Connie Grant in their Administration and Religious Education goals. Carli answers phones, keeps our membership data up-to-date, maintains listserv and e-mail news lists, and accomplishes a variety of other administrative tasks that support UCE’s smooth functioning.
Brenda Dunkins, Church Assistant
Brenda is in the office one day a week folding orders of service, helping with mailings, organizing supplies, watering sanctuary plants and making sure the kitchenette is clean and orderly in Room 3 and other tasks as required. Brenda works five hours a week with Rick in assisting him with custodial tasks.
Lindsey Kennedy, Lobby Staff
Lindsey Kennedy started working lobby staff at the young age of 16. Now an adult and mom, Lindsey continues to bring us joy on Sundays and throughout the week as she watches over our facility during service and as lobby staff on weekdays as well.
Liz Kennedy, Lobby and Kitchen Staff
Liz Kennedy is our multi-tasker. Along with Kathy Talmage, she is in charge of the kitchen on Sunday morning, making coffee, putting out bagels and fruit after the service and making sure the space is spotless afterwards. Liz is here during special events and rentals to make sure all details are in order and to make sure the space is properly cared for.
Jonathan Motley, Lobby Staff
Jon Motley is the quiet, helpful man on Tuesday and Friday evenings who assists congregants and renters who use our space. He has a reputation for being especially helpful to those with special mobility needs and makes them comfortable in our space, moves heavy equipment for them and generally provides assistance whenever he is needed.
Kathy Talmage, Kitchen Staff
Kathy Talmage is our longtime kitchen and event food management person. Kathy provides hours of service in preparation of Sunday morning coffee, lunch set-up and clean-up and well as event food preparation such as Easter Service, Serendipity Auction and other important functions at UCE.
Credit for these staff photos goes to David Linsell.