The Rev. Mary Ganz will serve our congregation half-time from July 1 to December 31. She has previously been co-Senior Minister of First Parish Brewster, MA, a member of which described her “incredibly moving services”: “It was like seeing a work of art, seeing how all the pieces reinforced each other,” with sermons that were both “poetic” and “thought-provoking.” A previous congregant also notes her skill in pastoral care, describing her as “very adept at understanding” the person she is listening to and “there to be supportive.” Mary also has a long relationship with the Faithful Fools Street Ministry, working with the poorest people on the streets of San Francisco, and will continue to work half-time with them during her time with us.
In addition to a Master of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Mary holds an M.F.A. in Poetry and an M.S. in Journalism. She came to the ministry after a 20-year career in journalism. Among the many talents she brings to UUCPA is an ability to play the ukulele!
The Sabbatical Minister Search Committee received inquiries from several highly qualified ministers and interviewed three. We then proposed Mary to the Board, who approved our selection, and she has accepted our offer. During Amy’s sabbatical, July 1-December 31, 2016, she will serve here half-time. Her main responsibilities will be leading services twice a month, working with the Worship Associates and Caring Network, and providing pastoral care.
Mary speaks of how important it is to her to craft services to respond to the needs of the congregation. She will have a steep learning curve in a short-term ministry, but you can help by attending getting-to-know-you events when they are announced–watch this space over the next few months!
The Sabbatical Minister Search Committee: Susan Plass, Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern, Castor Fu, Sally Ahnger