Ed Searl - Church Minister
I'm a Unitarian Universalist minister -- humanistic in orientation and steeped in Natural Religion. Since 1983 I've been minister of the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, IL, a suburb fifteen miles west of Chicago.
I’ve been a Unitarian Universalist minister since 1977-- humanistic in orientation and steeped in Natural Religion. I was minister of the First Unitarian Church of Youngstown, Ohio, through 1983. Since then I've been minister of the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, IL, a suburb fifteen miles west of Chicago.
I studied American history as an undergraduate at the University of Delaware and as a graduate student at the University of Vermont. I received my theological training at McGill University's Faculty of Religious Studies in Montreal. I lived in Canada for six years and am forever nostalgic for that wonderful country and its civil people. I favor back roads and small towns throughout America, urban strolls in Chicago neighborhoods, ethnic restaurants and country cafes, and vegetarian food.
I've published seven books. In Memoriam: A Guide to Modern Funeral and Memorial Services, Skinner House Books, Boston, 1993, was republished in a Second Edition in 2000. A Place of Your Own, (about home altars with weekly devotions) was a Berkley Books, 1998 imprint. More recently (2006-2007) Skinner House has published five quote collections of mine. Four address the great rites of passage: Bless This Child (Birth), Coming of Age, We Pledge Our Hearts, (Marriage/Union), and Beyond Absence (Death). The fifth collection In Praise of Animals explores the relationship between human beings and the breadth of the animal kingdom. For these books see my website http://members.authorsguild.net/edwardsearl/.
I also make my writings available as perfect bound books or downloads on lulu.com (search Searl). Of particular interest for newcomers to Unitarian Universalism is 101 Reasons I’m a Unitarian Universalist, which Jeff Briere (then my intern) and I co-authored several years ago. You can review 101 Reasons at http://www.lulu.com/content/2058883.
I’ve recently launched a blog, In My Estimation: http://edsearl.blogspot.com/. Posted on this site are current events that relate to contemporary religion. In this election year I'll be paying particular attention to how religion is used to further political agendas.
Pam Fodor - Director of Religious Education
I have a long history here at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale. I grew up in the church and am proud to be a product of our religious education program.
My mother was the Director of Religious Education while I was growing up and our family valued the seven principles and purposes of our faith. I participated in all levels of the religious education program and was an active member of the High School Youth Group. I have fond memories of being dedicated at the age of six, building a cardboard home in Haunting House, painting the RE Kitchen cabinets in Junior High and of Lock-Ins in High School.
I earned a degree in Elementary Education from National-Louis University. I have taught First, Third and Fourth Grades in both public and private schools. I also have education and experience in Early Childhood Education. After college I returned to the church to teach all the grade levels including being a Senior Youth advisor and trained Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education Facilitator.
My family and I have celebrated marriages, baby dedications, anniversaries, and memorial services here at the church and I truly feel that The Unitarian Church of Hinsdale is just as much a part of my family as I am a part of its church family.
I am now raising my daughter in the church and religious education program and it is my goal to fill her, and all the other young people in our church family with the true spirit of Unitarian Universalist values.
Roy Fleet - Youth Director
Since 1992, and with help from the congregation, the church staff, fellow Youth Group advisors, and the Board of Trustees, I have led our Youth Group, which continues to be a UU haven for youth in grades 7 through 12.
My UU life began in 1984 when Jeanne and I were searching for someone to officiate at our marriage. Little did we know that, upon meeting Reverend Searl, we would find our religious home. Our Sarah was born and dedicated the next year, and Eric followed in 1988. We signed the membership book in Fall 1988. Within a year, I became actively involved with the church, working with and eventually co-leading the annual pledge drives. Jeanne and I also took up residence in the nursery in 1989, where I met some future Youth Group members. While Jeanne went on to teach in the Religious Education program, I began a long run on the board in 1991. I served as chairman, manager, or primary worker of the facilities portfolio through the installation of the RE lift in 2004.
My life as an advisor has been enriched by attending 75 hours of Renaissance Modules covering UU History, Identity, Philosophy, Youth, and Worship; learning and facilitating Our Whole Lives – sexuality education for grades 7-9 and 10-12 since 2000; working with DREs Marilyn Ludwig and, now, Pam Fodor, and with youth advisors Luan Burton, Mike Ferrando, Verna O’Brien, Jeff Price, Tom Stillman, and Bill Wilson; and, of course, knowing all the youth who have passed through Youth Group.
In the world beyond Youth Group, I teach high school physics, and I continue to consult, research, and publish in the field of pipeline safety, reflecting my 21 years as an engineer in the pipeline business. Early in my adulthood, I spent four years in the Air Force and four years as a civilian employee at a Department of Defense installation. I have earned Bachelor and Master degrees in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA. Jeanne and I continue to watch the world zoom by from our home in Westmont: Eric is seriously considering the Marines; Sarah is pursuing grad school for physical therapy; and Anne, my oldest daughter, has given us two wonderful grandchildren – Elizabeth (10) and Steven (8).
Chris Garofalo - Music Director
Chris Garofalo has been an active pianist, accompanist and composer in the Chicago area for many years. His compositions include works for solo piano, voice, and choral ensembles. As a soloist, he has performed in Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy and J. S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5. In 1990, he appeared on the television series Music Alive! sponsored by the Chicago Department of Film and Entertainment. With a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, he has been the Director of Music at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale since 1987, and maintains a private teaching studio. Chris’ latest recording, Silhouettes, was released in November 2005. The CD features 12 original compositions for solo piano, plus the original song cycle Within the Circle of the Seasons, with tenor Henry Pleas. The four poems are from Edward Searl’s collection of seasonal reflections Beggar’s Bouquet. Previous recordings, produced by Melinda Perrin, include Left Brain/Right Brain (1998), Earth Air Fire Water (1989), Luminaria (1990), and Soliloquy (1991). In 1999, he accompanied tenor Henry Pleas on Henry’s first CD: Deep River: A Spiritual Journey. The recording Silhouettes and scores for Chris’ original compositions are available at www.ChrisGarofaloMusic.com.
Luan Burton - Church Administrator
I’m a graduate of the University of Illinois and have spent the intervening years raising my three children, working, and volunteering.
I’ve been a substitute teacher in grades K-8 and a Paraeducator for students with autism. I have also worked with adults with developmental disabilities. Prior to that, I wrote articles for medical websites and publications. I have administrative experience in a medical board office, two law offices, a university research oversight office, and a financial services group.
I’ve served on my local school district’s strategic planning committee, raised money for leukemia research and for programs at a family center, and serve as an election judge.
Since joining the church in 2003, new to Unitarian Universalism, I’ve served the congregation as Senior Youth Group Advisor, Our Whole Lives facilitator, Religious Education Committee member, New UU facilitator, Chalice Circle facilitator, Delegate to the UUA General Assembly, and Financial Assistant.
As Church Administrator, I strive to provide a spiritual home that is welcoming and rich in the services it offers the families in our community.