While our permanent minister, Reverent Jane Smith, is on sabbatical, Pastor Lora Powell-Haney will serve as our Anchor Minister from February 2 to June 2. Pastor Lora will provide a familiar face in the pulpit the first Sunday of each month and join us for fellowship during coffee hour. She will also facilitate occasional Sunday’s After discussions. Our Anchor Minister Sundays will be: February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4 and
June 1.
Pastor Lora graduated from Meadville Lombard Theological School in May 2020 with a Master of Divinity; her study included a ministerial internship at Towson Unitarian Universalist Church in Lutherville, Maryland, and a chaplain residency in Hagerstown, Maryland. She currently serves as interim Director of Family Ministry at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and as an itinerant preacher, officiant, and pastoral care provider. Pastor Lora also served nine years as Director of Religious Education (DRE) at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick (UUCF). She and her husband, Charles, live in a small town in Maryland and try to keep in close touch with three young adult sons who astonish them with their awesomeness. Lora loves reading, drinking tea, building Beloved Community, and standing barefoot on the earth.
Pastor Lora’s love for ministry and thoughtful perspective stood out during the hiring process. She brings enthusiasm and inspiration to worship services and a warm, caring approach to pastoral care. We believe her skills and compassionate nature will support us well as we continue to engage in meaningful worship, navigate life’s challenges, and uphold our strong sense of community during Rev. Jane’s sabbatical. Pastor Lora’s heartfelt energy will help us care for one another with compassion and purpose as we continue to grow together in the months ahead.
As Anchor Minister, Pastor Lora will lead one worship service a month and provide pastoral care during her time with us. She will officially join us on Sunday, February 2nd. After the worship service, you’ll have the opportunity to greet her in a small group setting, both online and in person.
You can explore Pastor Lora’s “bare bones” blog at https://perambulations.blog/.