First Unitarian has had a long and distinguished tradition as a teaching congregation since we began our ministerial intern program. The generosity of one of our members has enabled us to have six interns.
Most often interns are theological students and are in the process of completing their ministerial training. Interns and ministerial students are supervised by our Senior Minister, offered additional guidance by our Associate Minister, and are supported by a Ministerial Intern Committee.
A number of strong UU ministers today had their first experience preaching from the First Unitarian pulpit as a ministerial intern.
Thanks to our ministerial interns who are listed below including the years that each were with First U, and where they are now.
(2022-2023) Kristin Famula is a lifelong UU who moved here from Truckee, CA, where she was completing her MDiv and serving as a DRE at a congregation just over the border in Reno, NV. She completed her internship with First Unitarian in June 2023 and we are excited to hear updates about where she lands next!
(2021-2022) Matthew Pargeter-Villarreal is a 2019 M.Div graduate of Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, with a concentration in Sexual & Gender Justice, and a Candidate for Ministry with the Unitarian Universalist Association. He is currently serving at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton, CA.
(2018-2020) The Rev. Jane E. Davis (she/her/hers), is a community minister affiliated with First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque. Rev. Davis currently works for the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center Project ECHO.
(2016-2019) The Rev. Dan Lillie serves as the Minister at the Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church.
(2014-16) The Rev. James Galasinski serves as Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton,
(2013-14) Bryan Elwood lives in Dallas.
(2009-10) The Rev. Carmen Emerson serves as Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville.
The Rev. Andrew Millard(2008-09) serves as Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Penninsula.
The Rev. Antonia Won (2008) serves as Minister at Unitarian Universalists of Central Oregon.
The Rev. Ron Hersom (2007-08) retired in Jacksonville, Florida and passed away in 2022.
The Rev. Meredith Garmon (2003) served as Minister at Community Unitarian Church at White Plains. He retired in 2023.
