Meet our Newest Members!
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Savannah Brant-Thomas Brant-Amy Chamberlin-Liz Gurnee-Emelia Haines- Eric Howard-Jess Kruzinski-Paige Lehr-Howard-Helen Paglio- Marta Smith- Erin Spohn
Left to right: Liz, Erin, Amy, Emelia, Marta and Eric. Eric and Paige and Family. Jess. Savannah and Thomas with Erin. Helen.
First photo:
Elizabeth "Liz" Gurnee is "your friendly neighborhood maternity nurse!" She works the night shift at Wellspan, and is passionate about mohter/baby concerns, feminism, education, and her children- Rhiannon, 10; Abby, 9, and Ben, 5. She enjoys crafting, nature walks, eating, and spending time with her love, Erin Spohn and with their friends. She has found our members to be so warm and welcoming, and is inspired by all of the goodness here. She has lived in York City since 2005, and is originally from Baltimore County. Our welcoming pink triangle on our UUCY attracted her and her dad in 2006. Since then, the Finks are her "family," and they have supported her in visiting and participating more in recent years. She seeks to offer herself to those who can use her listening ears, open heart, and kind hands.
Erin Spohn has lived in Central PA her whole life but moved to York about five years ago. She shares a home in the city with her 11-year-old son, Angelo, and their American Bulldog, Tank. Erin is a proud member of the LGBT community, and her partner, Liz, is also joining the congregation. She enjoys watching TV, reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with family and friends. Erin works for the Office of Attorney General and will be pursuing a paralegal certification starting in January. She looks forward to being in community with others actively engaged in an open, spiritual journey.
Amy Chamberlin lives in York City and has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years. Her passions include the arts, education, and community development. She teaches ESL to parents of York City students. She likes to travel, cook, and spend time with friends. Amy has lived in York since 2016, and she felt a sense of belonging when she visited first, and appreciates the social justice focus. She seeks involvement in a meaningful small group.
Emelia Haines is a sophomore at York College of Pennsylvania. In addition to being in the UUCY Alleluia Choir, she is a member of the York College Chorale and Voca Bella (Women’s Ensemble). When she is not living at college, Emelia lives with her mom and younger sister in Wernersville, PA. There she has 3 birds, a cat, and her dog, Lilah. Her favorite movies are The Princess Bride and Phantom of the Opera (2004). What Emelia loves most about UUCY is the welcoming sense of community. She is very excited to become a member of such an awesome congregation.
Marta Smith is a clinical dietitian for Wellspan Health and received her undergrad degree from U. of Delaware/ MPH from Loma Linda University. She loves hiking, dogs (and cats, just recently adopted a white kitty), baking bread, foreign/art films and spending time with my 91 year old mother. She lived in York for 20 years and then moved to a small ski resort town: Mammoth Lakes for 14 years. And now she's back in York and currently living just across the street from the church. Marta was raised UU in Lancaster and had attended UUCY in the past, and is glad to be back “home.” She hopes to gain from her membership experience: inspiration and spiritual challenges to think outside the box; camaraderie and fellowship, and the opportunity to contribute to the York community.
Second photo:
Eric Howard has lived in York since 2001, and is educated in mechanical engineering, but works in the information technology field. He is husband to Paige and father to 3 boys- Zane, Greyson, and Hawkins. He enjoys spending time with family- traveling, camping, and just being outdoors. He is a volunteer coach for York Little League and is a committee member and den leader for Cub Scout Pack 25. Eric sought a place that would provide him the freedom and support to explore his spirituality and beliefs without rules and judgment, and for his children to explore many beliefs, so they can develop their own. He hopes to also connect with new people and do his part of spread love, acceptance, and peace throughout the world.
Paige Lehr-Howard is wife to Eric. When she is not playing, creating, dreaming, or having adventures with her children, she coaches the YWCA York Synchor-ettes, a synchronized swimming team. Before having children, she worked as a speech language pathologist, and is not updating her credentials to return back to work. In her spare time she likes watching old movies, antiquing , sewing, crafting, and being outdoors. She has lived in York her whole life, except for pursing education, and sought a place that encouraged equality and acceptance, and a place where her children could learn that even thought people have different beliefs, backgrounds or lifestyles, are are all worthy of kindness and respect. She hopes to grow spiritually and come to a better understanding of herself as well as helping to make the world a better place for her children.
Third photo:
Jess Kruzinski has lived in York her entire life, except when she was serving and stationed elsewhere in the Army. She chose UUCY because of its framework of acceptance and the freedom to explore her spirituality with guidance, instead of micromanagement. She hopes to join her fellow members in strengthening our relationship with the many cultures of our surrounding community. She is a psychiatric technician, and aspires to become a therapeutic foster parent. She loves dancing, listing to 1990's alternative music, gardening, being with friends and family, and writing interest pieces. She is passionate about solving issues involving veterans, underprivileged children, and mental healthy. She shares her love with her husband Patrick, and children- Zoey, 14; Kyra, 7, and Adam, 6.
Fourth photo:
Left: Savannah Brant has lived in York City and grew up in Millersburg and Hanover. She is a pagan, and her husband is a Christian. She sough at church that accepted both of us. She's hoping to experience acceptance and a family-oriented community. She loves writing, animals, nature, dogs, swimming, reading, snakes, drawing, and painting. Within her pagan orientation, she has a passion for ancient history and its focus on Mother/Goddess. Her family includes husband Thomas, 2 1/2 yr old William, dog Ace, and the family is expecting twins in February.
Right: Thomas Brant III , or "Tom," is a small business owner, and enjoys working, hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, nature hikes, camping, shooting, and spending time with friends and family. Tom hopes to experience community and acceptance at UUCY.
Fifth Photo:
Helen Paglio: No bio available.
Benefits and Responsibilities of UUCY Membership
Benefits
- You are welcomed as a committed member of our religious community
- You can vote at our congregational meetings
- You are not charged an honorarium for the minister (Weddings & Unions, Child Dedications, Memorial Services), or for use of our spaces for your ceremonial event
- You will receive the UU World magazine
- You will be able to access the Members’ Only website, Church DataBase, for directories, to join groups, and for other UUCY information. You will be listed in the Directory of Members and Pledging Friends
- You will have facilities rental privileges at a discounted rate
- You may Chair Committees, or serve as a Board or Program Council Leader
- You may request to serve as Delegate to the District Annual Meeting and/or national Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly
Responsibilities
- Deepen your spiritual practice by regularly attending Sunday services
- Covenant to be positive in relationships with other Congregants and with the staff
- Participate in Congregational life
- Support the Congregation at least annually with an identified financial contribution within your means
- Assist with Common Good, our Sunday service hospitality network
- Attend the two Congregational meetings per year, usually one in Spring and one in Fall
- Permit the closest, upper parking spaces for visitors and new-comers by parking in the lower lot or on the streets nearby
- To reserve the Directory of Members and Pledging Friends for UUCY activities and matters, not for commercial enterprises
- To support the work of the Congregation by hands on activities
What Does UU Mean? | Home Study Module
Keep in touch. Ask questions. Discuss.
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Connect with the Minister
During the home study period of this New UU orientation, Reverend Cox invites you to be in contact with her:
Watch Unitarian Universalist Multi-Media
YouTube Curated by UUCY
Enjoy this video, "Voices of a Liberal Faith," which was co-produced by UUCY members, Winnie McDonagh and David Alcorn. DVDs Available at UUCY
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