Rev. Ellen Barron
Rev. Ellen Barron is a dedicated, high energy, enthusiastic spiritual leader who is committed to prayer and spiritual growth with a passion for learning and teaching Truth principles. A strong communicator with excellent listening skills, she is dedicated to inclusivity and multi-generational ministry.
Rev. Ellen recently graduated and was ordained with a Master of Divinity from Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute. A native New Yorker, she lived in Florida for a number of years. Before coming to UCR, she served as Director of Youth Ministry at Unity of Fort Myers, creating and providing community outreach programs for foster and under-served families and youth. A Licensed Unity Teacher since 2015, Ellen worked as a Chaplain at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, and she taught adult SEE classes for credit at various churches in Florida and online via Zoom. Rev. Ellen was a regular speaker and workshop presenter at several Unity churches in Florida and the Keys.
Board of Trustees
2022-2023 UCR Board
Front row left to right: Laura Dearth, Clara Davis, Betty Sari
Back row left to right: Andy Anderson, Rev. Ellen Barron, Roenitia Steward, McCale Penven-Crew
The Board of Trustees is a group of members voted into leadership by the congregation based on their personal and professional skills and their love of UCR. Working in cooperation with the Minister, their purpose is to set policies, oversee the mission, plans, staff, and daily operations of the church while upholding Unity Principles. Each trustee also serves as the board liaison to the various activity teams of the church. If you would like to speak with a Board member, please call or email the church office, or ask an usher for help. Board members are always happy to speak with you.
The UCR Bylaws require a business meeting each year to inform the congregation of accomplishments, new developments, to vote on new Board members, and approve by-law changes. UCR's current Mission, Vision and Values Statements, revised Bylaws, and Annual Meeting Minutes are available here.
Staff
UCR staff is selected on the basis of their personal integrity, professional skills, and demonstrated commitment to solving the unique challenges that face our ministry on a day-to-day basis. These individuals work with the Minister and Board members to ensure the church runs smoothly.
Our key staff members include:
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Melanie Raskin, Program Director
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Louise Smythe, Office Manager and Bookkeeper
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Gregg Bockover, Music Director
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Laura Dearth and Betty Sari, Interim Youth Ed Directors
Teams
Our teams use the spiritual Principles taught by Unity to create a fun, loving, connected community. We are grateful for these dedicated volunteers who bless UCR with their time, talent, and treasure, uplifting our collective consciousness and moving us forward.
Caring Hearts Team: Delivers pastoral care and TLC for our church family in need with meals, cards, phone calls, and visits.
CORE Team: Leads community outreach projects, such as food drives, cards for soldiers and veterans, PB&J for summer lunch programs, animal shelter donations, etc. See our 2022 CORE Plan.
Fundraising Team: Develops and promotes events to raise money, foster fellowship, and attract more people to UCR who are looking for a spiritual home.
Hospitality Team: Creates fun, loving, connected community through food and hospitality for special events.
Technical Support Team: Provides audio, video, live-streaming, and projection support during services for our online community.
Prayer Team: The Prayer Team holds confidential spiritual space, listens with open hearts, and prays with and for others. Use our Connect form to request prayer.
Usher Team: Creates a warm and welcoming environment for all.
In addition to our teams, UCR will occasionally create committees to address specific short-term projects.