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Reverend Anya Sammler-Michael |
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Tuesday, 18 October 2011 |
 Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael has served the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling since 2007. A graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School, Rev. Anya is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist who has since her years as a high-school youth, been committed to the values and principles of the UU faith. She believes wholeheartedly that Unitarian Universalism has a saving message that can nurture spirits and heal our world.
Rev. Anya serves as the president to Loudoun Interfaith Bridges and as secretary to the Chesapeake Chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Minister's Association.
Married to Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, who serves the Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, Rev. Anya is part of a regional co-ministry. On occasion Rev. Anya and Rev. Scott swap pulpits. When they both take a weekend off, they spend it with their cat, resting and catching up on home repairs or gardening in Fairfax City, VA.
Rev. Anya is an avid cook and lifelong vegetarian. She practices Bikram yoga and enjoys long runs and walks. She has travelled recently to Israel, Mexico, and Turkey. As an undergrad she studied Philosophy and Fine Arts. On occasion Rev. Anya exhibits her own photography in our gallery at UUS.
Rev. Anya holds office hours on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday is her day off, and Friday is her day for sermon preparation. Please email or call to make an appointment.
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703-406-3068
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Director of Religious Exploration - Linda Weaver |
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Saturday, 20 February 2010 |
 Linda Weaver has been the Director of Religious Exploration (DRE) at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling since 2006. She plans and administers the children's Religious Exploration program. She also leads classes from time to time and supports families and RE volunteers. Prior to becoming DRE Linda had been an active RE leader and RE Committee member. Her passion for Unitarian Universalism and lifelong learning led her to accept the position at UUS. She appreciates Unitarian Universalism's emphasis on developing individual belief rooted in both reason and experiences of wonder and awe, while also building communities of diverse individuals striving to make the world a better place. Linda continues to develop her knowledge and skill by attending religious education training sessions and workshops and reading works recommended by the Religious Education Credentialing program.
Linda received masters degrees in history and library science from the University of Maryland. She has pursued interests in patternmaking, costuming, art and history in volunteer and professional capacities. Her volunteer work often involved leading children's classes and tours. Linda resides in Herndon, Virginia with her husband and teenage son. She enjoys the many events, parks and museums in the area, along with reading, doing needlework and traveling.
Linda treasures the opportunity to support the growth and learning of the children of UUS and to encourage the faith development of teachers and families. She welcomes conversation about RE and encourages children and adults to share their questions and ideas.  Email Linda Weaver
Learn more about Religious Exploration
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 21 February 2010 )
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Music Director - Kristina Adams |
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Monday, 21 February 2011 |
 At 28 years young, I have lived in Virginia for 5 years. I currently live in Leesburg with my husband Rob and son William. I have been the music director at UUS for 3 years now. I enjoy directing our adult choir, organizing and participating in our in house band jUUstUUs, and helping incorporate music in our children's religious exploration. I chose to work at UUS in hopes that I would not only get the opportunity to work with adult musicians again but to find a spiritual home for my husband and me. My hopes for UUS are abundant. I want to see our music program grow even stronger to provide opportunities to enrich our lives and stimulate our senses mentally, physically, and spiritually. Outside of directing music I enjoy singing barbershop, playing golf, skiing and spending time with family.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 18 October 2011 )
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Church Administrator - Phaedra Edwards |
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Monday, 31 January 2011 |
 I joined the UUS team in October of 2010. My two sons and I currently live in Sterling, and I've been in Virginia since 1995. My professional background is in Graphic Design and I am currently the Administrator at Unitarian Universalists of Sterling. I donate my graphic design skills to groups such as LEAP (Loudoun Education Alliance of Parents), LOL: Loudoun Out Loud, a support group for teens struggling with their sexual identity, PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian and Gays).
I appreciate the open acceptance philosophy of UUS. I enjoy meeting and interacting with the congregation and participating in social events at the church. The people of UUS bring so much knowledge and experience that it's been a pleasure having the opportunity to be an integral part of the UUS team.
I hope to continue to be a valuable member of the staff while being open to learning new ways to improve the systems that keep the church running smoothly and efficiently. I will continue to utilize my graphic design skills to assist in keeping UUS's image in the community visually appealing. I look forward to getting to know the key members of the congregation and staff better in order to understand the beliefs and practices of the Unitarian Universalist faith.
Contact me via email at
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or by phone at 703-406-3068. I'm in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am until 2pm. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 03 February 2011 )
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Accompanist - Mary Matheny |
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Thursday, 03 February 2011 |
 I am the piano accompanist for the Choir and the Sunday Services. I also accompany soloists and instrumentalists when needed.
When I was seven, in a small town in Kentucky, my mother woke me one summer morning and said to me, "Get up Mary, you have a piano lesson this morning." I replied, "But we don't have a piano." She told me that my grandmother said there was no one to play the piano for our little town church and I should learn and I could practice on the antique pump organ that was in my grandfather's antique shop down the street... thus began my career as a church pianist.
I believe music is one of the true equalizers in life. It can be heard by all types of people of different cultures, social, religious & economic levels, and enjoyed equally by all, with each giving to the piece their own interpretation, spanning all emotional levels. To be able to perhaps give someone that opportunity to go where they may have never gone before, in turn, gives it back to me. So, I feel I am the richest person on earth when I play the piano for others.
As a member of the UUS staff I hope to be able to help make the church and choir music experience a richer experience for all, enhancing what others already give. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 03 February 2011 )
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