Note: This training was originally offered in a semester format in 2016.
Mother Teresa wrote, “Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” More than two thirds of Unitarian Universalist Churches have fewer than 150 members. In many ways, the future of our faith rests in the continued strength and vitality of these “small” congregations. This training will focus on the common challenges and joys of small congregational life and will offer ideas and inspiration for enhancing the health and future direction of your congregation.
Rev. Karen Brammer is the Senior Associate for Climate Justice at the UUA. She has served small congregations as well as serving as the Small Church Specialist for the Northern New England District of the UUA.
Mark Bernstein is a former member of the Congregational Life Staff of the Central East Region of the UUA and currently serves as an adjunct consultant. In this capacity, he served as consultant to congregations, assisting with training, presentations and facilitation of congregational meetings and events.
Patricia Infante is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist who grew up in a large New York City congregation. In 1997 her heart led her to begin a career in religious education and she currently serves the UUA Central East Region. Pat is a credentialed religious educator and, in 2016, was named DRE Emerita of the UU Church in Cherry Hill.
Andrea Perry Lerner retired as a Congregational Life Consultant for the Central East Region in 2019. She served as the District Executive for the Metro New York District for 9 years, and spent 4 years as the Program Consultant.
Rev. Renee Ruchotzke has served as a UUA Congregational Life Consultant since 2010. She spends half of her time expanding the UUA Congregational Life Team’s LeaderLab and the UU Institute and the other half of her time is with the Central East Region serving congregations in Ohio and New York.
