Leadership
Natalie Browne is an experienced Religious Educator, with a Master of Education degree in Child Study, and background as a Professional Development Facilitator and as a Family Life Coach. As Director of Lifespan Faith Development, she oversees and coordinates Religious Education for Children and Youth, Adult Programs, and Family Ministries. She can be contacted by telephone at 713-526-5200 or by email at natalie@firstuu.org.
The Religious Education Committee for Children and Youth provides essential lay support for the DRE and RE programs and events for children and youth, as well as serving as a creative think-tank for policy and programs. The committee works on improving curricula and provides ongoing assessment of our annual events to make them more vital, inclusive, and meaningful. Members usually commit to a two-year cycle. The current committee consists of Charlie Burrus, Carmen Druke, Elsa Kapitan-White, and a representative from the Older Youth. RE Committee meetings are open and all are welcome to attend.
The Adult Programs Team works alongside the DLFD in finding and implementing a wide variety of programs that serve the community's needs for spiritual growth, relational development, and social action in the community at large. Current members of the Adult Programs Team are Robert Barnett, Steven Braun, Frances Burford, April DeConick, Liz Gilbert, Woodie Lane, and Jon Naylor.
Family Ministry is a new program within Lifespan Faith Development. Its leadership team is still being formed. Its purpose is to welcome families as they enter the community, to support parents as they nurture their children, and to support the Religious Education Program for Children and Youth.
Our Childcare Coordinator is Maria Ramirez. She and other childcare personnel are available every Sunday morning from 9:00 - 1:00 p.m. She can be contacted at childcare@firstuu.org.