DRE Position
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington is looking for a dynamic and collaborative Director of Religious Exploration for our children and youth.
In this role, all responsibilities center on the spiritual and educational nurturing and growth of our community, with the intention of helping integrate children and youth into the overall life of the church, and helping members cultivate a Unitarian Universalist identity.
Our Ideal Educator
Our ideal educator is someone who has a commitment to lifelong learning, has their own sparks of creativity to engage the families they serve and is skilled at connecting with people of all ages and stages. A professional who is highly organized and able to work autonomously but appreciates the opportunities to work with a team, and is inspired to work with a congregation learning and growing towards shared ministry.
Our Congregation
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington, Kentucky is a progressive religious community of roughly 240 members, countless friends, and dozens of children and youth. We just welcomed 15 new members this spring. We are growing and finding our way through the new normal after the pandemic.
We are situated on seven acres of land with several monarch waystations, pollinator gardens, a nature trail through our wooded area, memorial garden, and plenty of room to experience nature in the city. Our main building consists of our sanctuary, fellowship hall, classrooms, and administrative wing. The historic farmhouse on our property from the 1790s is home to a music studio and houses several small group meetings.
We are an 8th Principle congregation, which means we have an active justice ministry and commitment to anti-oppression work. We are one of the member congregations of BUILD (Building a United Interfaith Lexington Through Direct-action) and have a deep commitment to environmental sustainability.
Our Staff
Our staff team is collaborative and supportive of one another in our work. We create a welcoming, fun, and vision oriented environment in our work.
Religious Exploration
The Religious Exploration Program has enthusiastically returned to meeting in person with 12-15 children and youth gathering on Sunday mornings as we get to know each other again after the pandemic.
How to Apply and Timeline
Applications will be accepted and the position will remain open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications at the end of June 2023. The start date is flexible, with August or September 2023 preferred.
Please email your cover letter and resume to Rev. Brian Chenowith.
email address: minister@uucl.org
subject line: DRE Position
We are committed to creating an inclusive and talented team to achieve our mission. Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington, KY is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all. We value a diverse workforce; people with disabilities, people of color, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+ are encouraged to apply. If you are excited about this role, but are unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to inquire and/or apply.
Meet the Search Team
he/him/his
Rev. Brian is excited for this new chapter of religious exploration at UUCL. As a progressive religious community, our message is clearer than ever these days. This includes the nurturing of our children and youth -- especially by providing experiences rooted in our values. The life-saving information we offer with Our Whole Lives along with a safe and supportive environment is crucial for families. Our next director of religious exploration will join a fun and collaborative staff team that supports one another in our important, varied, and intersecting ministries.
Rev. Brian Chenowith
she/her
Marie Christy Conger has been coming to UUCL for more than 25 years and treasures this special place. Along with husband, Stephen, they have raised 3 sons here, in this community of open minded, caring, and liberal people. The Religious Education/Exploration Program is one of the gems of our church and has always been led in an authentic, creative, affirming, and welcoming manner. Marie’s wish for families is that their children have as positive an experience as we have had from preschool through high school, including Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education!
Marie Conger
she/her
Alana Ghent and her tween twins have been active in the UUCL RE program since arriving in Lexington in 2013. Alana is involved in theater, an artist, potter, and college professor. Their family loves to travel, camp, bike, and spend many hours in the mini-van shuttling between hockey, figure skating, soccer, and art fairs. Favorite family RE experiences have included "Celebrating Our World" dinners (Mom) and field trip to Jennifer Crossen's farm (kids) as well as "Maker's" events.
Alana Ghent
he/him
I've been a member of UUCL since 2005, and my children Janie and Will have grown up as part of the church. I have served on the Nominating Committee and Board. I helped with Religious Exploration as my children grew up, usually in supporting roles and ran a Personal Finance 101 for teens series.
Martin Herbener
she/her/ella
Katrina Martir is in her 16th year in education currently serving as a Behavior Interventionist at an inner city Lexington school. She has been a UU for 18 years and served on the RE committee for several years in her previous congregation in Madison County. Katrina has 2 children who are being raised in UU, so the RE program holds a special place in her family’s heart.
Katrina Martir
she/her
Christine (Chris) Nason is a long time member of UUCL. She and her husband Mark were married in the church 40 years ago. In the early 1990's she had the opportunity to serve as DRE for 3 1/2 years. Friendly, caring members, one of a kind church grounds, and offering a progressive, welcoming community to Central Kentucky are all reasons Chris loves UUCL. Originally from New Jersey, Chris came to Kentucky for college and never left. She shares that she loves living in Lexington because it offers big city activities with a small town friendliness. The University of Kentucky in the center of town also makes it an exciting city. It has been wonderful to see UUCL evolve over all these years and it just keeps getting better.