By now you’ve heard that Rev. Wendy Bartel and Rev. Lynn Gardner, our candidates for Co-Ministers, will be here for Candidating Week from Sunday, April 30 – Sunday, May 7 (and if this is the first you’re hearing of it, you may want to think about getting out from under that rock once in a while). We know you’re curious to learn more about them, so here’s the quick 411 to hold you over until you can meet them in person.

Rev. Wendy grew up in Massachusetts and earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Ann Maria College (MA) in 1989/90 (graduation ceremonies were held at the completion of 4 years of coursework for students (back then) and the diploma was issued after an additional 6 months required internship.) Rev. Wendy then moved to California and worked as a Music Therapist with children and adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities.

Rev. Lynn is from the West Coast and has lived in California and Oregon.  She earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood education from De Anza College (CA) in 1988 and ran an in-home daycare, which included several employees and served many families. In preparation to attend seminary, Rev. Lynn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Oregon State University in 2005.

Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn met while attending Starr King School for the Ministry. They were married in 2008 and earned their Masters of Divinity from Starr King in 2009. Rev. Wendy did an internship at the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo (UUSM) and served as Summer Coverage Minister in 2009. During seminary, Rev. Lynn served as the UUA Regional Organizing Consultant for Young Adult and Campus Ministries in the Pacific Western Region. Upon graduation, she served as the Worship Arts and Education Specialist for the First Unitarian Church of Oakland.

In 2010, they were hired as Consulting Ministers at the Sierra Foothills Unitarian Universalists in Auburn, CA. After a six-month adaptive call process, the congregation voted unanimously to call them as their settled Co-Ministers in 2012.

Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy have been very active in the Pacific Central District (PCD) and the Pacific Western Region (PWR) of the UUA. Rev. Lynn currently serves as co-chair of CENTER Committee of the UU Ministers Association (UUMA) and is a Good Officer for the UUMA. Rev. Wendy currently is President of the PCD Chapter of the UUMA. Together they have served on the Worship Faculty for the Russell Lockwood Leadership School, have answered the call to Standing Rock, and led the Opening Celebration of General Assembly 2015 with colleague Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley.

Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy are the co-parents of Meghan, their young adult daughter who lives and works in California. They also are “the people” to a small, shy dog named Luna. Between them they have many interests and passions including spending time with family and friends, dark chocolate, drumming, organic gardening, poetry, strong coffee, hiking, reading, yoga, cooking, acrylic painting, spending time in or near bodies of water, Harry Potter, photography, meditation, camping, and risking joy.

They are also warm, compassionate and fun to be with. But don’t just take our word for it. Find out for yourself during Candidating Week:

 

Wednesday, May 3, 5:30-7:00pm    
Potluck Dinner with Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy
vegan and gluten free offerings appreciated (Dining Room)

Friday, May 5, 7:00-8 pm
Talking & Drum Circle – All are welcome for fun and sharing
with Rev. Lynn Gardner and Rev. Wendy Bartel (Great Hall)

Saturday, May 6,5:00-7:00pm
Potluck Dinner with Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn
RE Families of All Ages and Sizes
vegan and gluten free offerings appreciated (Dining Room)

Sunday, May 7,10:30am  
Worship Service led by Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy

Sunday, May 7,12:00pm  
Congregational Meeting to vote to call our Candidates