Candidates 2024
Meet the Candidates 2024
These are the candidates running for election at the Congregational Meeting on May 19th.
Jon Peterson
Program Council
Incumbent Candidate
Jon aims to “carry forward what was learned in the last four years, helping the Program Council accomplish its manifold objectives with the resources at hand, and with joy.”
Jon has been a member of UUSS since 1976 and has worked with multiple UUSS committees and groups over the years, from the 150 year committee, to Soul Matters. He is committed to the goal of welcoming members and friends into our groups and engaging them with meaningful action. He has worked with all current Program Council members on a variety of activities: “a team of seasoned veterans!” He is currently focused on providing support to the many activity groups at UUSS as well as meeting the challenges posed to the congregation by our commitment to social justice, inclusion, and equity.
“UUSS is where I get, and try to return, support and meaning.”
Jon Peterson
Joyce Ownby
Program Council
Incumbent Candidate
“In my time on the Program Council I have had the privilege of working with the other members of the Council as well as many of the people in our UUSS groups. I find it deeply fulfilling helping these groups thrive and achieve their goals.”
Joyce’s leadership style is collaborative: she seeks the input of others to work toward the best outcome. As a new member she was grateful for the guidance, mentorship, and companionship of the congregation. In her leadership, she seeks to help other members make those vital connections. Joyce, a former biology teacher, has joined the American River cleanup crew, Blossoms and Bushes, Stitchers, Sandwich Brigade, and Soul Matters, among other groups. Along with serving on the Program Council, she is co-leader of the Brew Crew.
“I really feel like I have found my people at UUSS! The UUSS community has become like family to me.”
Jim Glidden
Program Council
“When I moved to Sacramento, one of the first things I did was check out UUSS.”
Jim has UUSS experience leading the book club, working at the bookstore, and participating in Soul Matters and Ministry Circles. During his career as a computer programmer, he visited other congregations and got a sense of the diversity of UUism. His leadership style is to work as part of a team, “to help” and facilitate.
“I have been part of UUSS since 2005 and have always considered it one of the most important parts of my life. I ‘ve met a lot of people and have had my life enriched by the experience. I appreciate the opportunity to explore spirituality without the dogma. I have learned new ways of looking at the world.
Jim Glidden
Karen Sparrow
Nominating Committee
Incumbent Candidate
“I see UUSS as my community, not just a place of worship. Volunteering, serving, and participating is key to my personal philosophy.”
Karen currently serves as the Worship Committee Chair, heads the monthly group Saturday Stitchers and Crafters, assists with the Sheriff’s Brigade, and has worked on the Building and Ground Maintenance crew since May of 2020.
“Being of service is the glue that holds my life together. I work with so many amazing and fabulous people who have now become friends. I just couldn’t ask for a better place to play.”
Marion Randall
Nominating Committee
Incumbent Candidate
“I am running for re-election because I feel my work is not done. In the context of the Nominating Committee, I’m interested in working with others to identify steps we can take to help us move towards becoming a multicultural, anti-racist congregation.”
Marion’s priorities on the Nominating Committee are transparency, inclusivity, and outreach related to moving toward more democratic competitive congregational elections. Her agenda is to help UUSS achieve Goat 3 of our strategic plan: to “Live out our commitment to justice, equity, and compassion.” As a leader, she hopes to make her teammates feel included, heard and valued.
“The UUSS community is an integral part of my life that calls me to be my best self. I am challenged to examine my assumptions, inherent prejudices, and how they play out at the interpersonal, organizational, and systemic levels.”
Marion Randall
Cassie Wilkins
Nominating Committee
“I find the work of the congregation and all the various committees inspirational and so important during these turbulent times. I am a strong supporter of both Roger and Lucy, and their contribution/leadership to the UUSS community.”
Cassie brings her previous experience on the nominating committee, as well as her volunteering with Soup Sundays and the Welcome Committee. Her background in management and Human Resources provides her knowledge of the job interview and candidate selection process.
“Being a member of UUSS is important to me. Looking to the future, I hope that my engagement and participation with the nominating committee will encourage others in the UUSS mission.”
Michael O’Neill
Nominating Committee
“I believe it is important to keep a strong social fabric alive, especially with people who have the shared values that UUSS promotes.”
Michael’s experience in management has taught him to identify and match candidates to the roles they are best suited for in an organization. He will endeavor to engage our members, friends, and visitors in participating more fully in UUSS.
”For me, UUSS is a place where I can teach my children good values outside of just hearing them from their parents.”
Michael O’Neill
Molly Stuart
Endowment Trust
“I am interested in the ongoing sustainability and growth of our progressive congregation. I see how funds left by members and friends can sustain special projects that make our lives richer and contribute to our community and the larger world.”
Molly’s work as a mediator, grant writer, and non-profit leader has prepared her to be a responsible manager of UU funds. A lifelong UU, she has contributed her talents to UUSS for over twenty years.
Molly is an artist, gardener, and recovering lawyer. She facilitates end-of-life conversations. “My fundamental ‘spiritual’ belief is that everything is connected. Community is a real-world manifestation of our connection.”
Sally Wilkins
Board of Trustees
Member at Large – Incumbent Candidate
“At UUSS, I can find the important work of our community,” from feeding hungry people through the sandwich brigade to supporting the unhoused through Family Promise.”
Sally wants to continue to strengthen the ties between UUSS members and the greater Unitarian Universalist Association. She strives to create opportunities to bring people together to do good and enrich their social connections.
“Being a part of UUSS is the most important social connection at this time in my life at age 81.”
Sally Wilkins
Victoria Owens
Board of Trustees
Treasurer – Incumbent Candidate
“The Treasurer position is something I can do and do well. I have a finance background, and I like the duties. I am running again for Treasurer because I want to use my time and talents to support this wonderful community as it does the important work of making the world a kinder place.”
Victoria’s leadership style is engaging, friendly, and “most of all transparent.” She invites the congregation to come to a Board meeting, ask a question, and learn how the sausage is made. She enjoys hearing the informed opinions of her fellow Board and UU community members.
“Being part of this community lifts my spirits and improves my life. People in this community are friendly and generous, an example I try to follow.”
Dawn Huebner
Board of Trustees
Member at Large
“I find fellowship here, and spiritual replenishment, and ample opportunity to put my values into action.”
Dawn is a “take action-person, able both to be on a team and lead one.” She leads by example, and by inviting people to step up at a level that is comfortable for them. Dawn served on the Board of her previous UU congregation, and chaired it through COVID and a ministerial search. At UUSS, she started and now chairs the Caring Committee, and serves as a Worship Associate: “I am an energetic, well-organized person, and have been through the UUA Spiritual Leadership training program.” Dawn is a child psychologist, parent coach, and author of mental health books for children.
“When Lisa and I decided to move to California, we only looked at towns that had strong, vibrant UU churches, knowing that involvement in a UU community had been, and would continue to be, central to our lives.”
Dawn Huebner
Andy Cramer
Board of Trustees
Vice President
“I view church leadership as developing an understanding of the needs and desires of the congregation, articulating those, and leading the congregation to their achievement.”
In his previous UU community, Andy served in multiple Board of Trustee positions. At UUSS, he has been active as a worship associate, on the Stewardship committee, and in SacACT.
“Being a UU and participating in congregational life is integral to who I am and allows me to grow and be the best version of myself.”
Janet Lopes
Board of Trustees
Member at Large
“It is interesting and gratifying to be involved with a group of people working together to help the church function more beautifully and efficiently.”
Janet brings her long involvement with UUSS and previous service on the Board to this position. Her leadership style is to work well with others and set a good example: “I am a calm, non-reactive type of person who sees the humor in life.”
“Being a part of this community is one of the most important parts of my life. My family, my friends, the history of my middle (and now later) life has been here.”
Janet Lopes