Minister

I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. My religious roots were in the United Church of Christ, a liberal Christian denomination and the closest Protestant cousin to Unitarian Universalism. I attended Sunday school and was active for a short time in a youth group during my high school years. However, in my teen years I began to question some of my traditional Christian beliefs, especially after taking a class in philosophy.

Although I had no firm career goals when I graduated in 1985, I was interested in journalism and international studies, partly as a result of spending some time in Europe. I decided to attend American University in Washington, DC, but soon realized that this was not the place for me. I moved back to Cleveland and enrolled at Cleveland State University. There I discovered First College, a small liberal arts college within the College of Arts and Sciences where I was able to pursue a multi-disciplinary education through small seminars and extensive writing. I became interested in religious studies, and I completed my degree in that field. I became especially interested in Zen Buddhism and began my practice in that tradition, which I continue today.

Throughout college, and for many years afterward, I waited tables and bartended, and that is how I met my wife, Rita. We started at the Great Lakes Brewing Co. on the same day in 1989. After becoming romantically involved we began attending services at the West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church. That is where we were married in 1992. Rita brought our daughter Caitlin to our marriage and I adopted her shortly after the wedding. We were very lucky to stumble across West Shore; it was recommended to us because of the music, and we had no idea what to expect. Needless to say, my life was changed that day. Having majored in religious studies, I was amazed to find that I had never heard of Unitarian Universalism, and I want to make sure that never happens to another seeker again!

In 1993 Rita decided to pursue graduate study at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where she completed a PhD in social psychology seven years later. I initially studied Buddhism at the Naropa Institute, but decided not to complete a master’s degree in Buddhist studies there. This was partly because of the birth of our son Aaron in 1994, and partly because I was concentrating on Zen practice under the tutelage of Richard Baker-roshi. I worked in several great restaurants, then as a wine salesman, which brought me to Sonoma County occasionally. (How’s that for karma?) Rita and I also joined a UU Fellowship in Boulder and became active members. It was during this time that I decided to heed the quiet but enduring call to be a minister that had been growing in my heart since we first discovered Unitarian Universalism. I am in love with this liberal religious way of life and I want to share it with the world.

So our family moved to Boston, where I pursued my studies for the ministry at Harvard Divinity School. I eventually led the UU student group there. Both Rita and I were very active in the First Parish Church in Cambridge, where I co-chaired the Membership Committee (with Rita); led the annual Stewardship Campaign; ran a free meal program; and occasionally offered worship. I served a two-year internship at the First Unitarian Society in Newton, Massachusetts where Rev. James Ishmael Ford (a one time member of the Santa Rosa congregation!) was my mentor.He remains my main Zen teacher.

I was ordained in July 2006, shortly after being unanimously called to serve as minister here at UUCSR. This is my first settled ministry. I started in August 2006 and was formally installed by the congregation in May 2007. My family and I are thrilled to be here. I look forward to meeting you.