Rev. Jessica Clay, Lead Minister
revjessica@wbuuc.org / (651) 204-8243
Pronouns: she/her
Rev. Jessica Clay (she/her) is our newly settled minister since August of 2023. Prior to coming to WBUUC she served a congregation on Cape Cod, MA. She received her Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry in 2016. Her ministry focuses on widening the circle of welcome, nurturing spiritual practices, and countering oppressions. She was the Hallman Ministerial Intern at Unity Church Unitarian in 2016 and fell in love with the Twin Cities during that time. Prior to seminary she was an occupational therapist, she brings this lens of accessibility to her ministry with WBUUC. In her free time she has many adventures with her daughter and her 17-year-old dog.
Rev. Jack Gaede, Associate Minister
revjack@wbuuc.org / (651) 204-8204
Pronouns: he/him
Born and raised in northern Minnesota, Rev. Jack has spent most of his adult life in the Twin Cities, and he has a rich tapestry of friends and chosen family. After his seminary education at United Theological Seminary, he did a one-year internship at All Souls UU Church in Kansas City, MO. Pastimes include puzzles of all types, playing pickleball, watching tennis, hiking, reading, and seasonal exercise. [Don’t get him started about all the winter activities he enjoys!] He currently lives in Saint Paul with his partner Garrett and their brand new Shih tzu puppy Bobbo.
Jack says,
Karn Anderson, Operations Director
office@wbuuc.org / (651) 204-8224
Pronouns: she/her
Amy Peterson, Director of Religious Education
dre@wbuuc.org / (651) 204-8257
Pronouns: she/her
Amy Peterson comes to us from serving as Professional Lifespan Religious Educator for 10 years at the Unitarian Universalist congregation of Flint, Michigan.
Amy says,
Alex Rack, Director of Music Ministries
music@wbuuc.org / (651) 204-8293
Pronouns: he/they
Alex Rack is a conductor, singer, and educator currently living in South Minneapolis. Rack is the founding artistic director of the Minneapolis Choir Co-Op (MCC), a vocal ensemble that focuses on creating opportunities for musicians and advocating for local social justice organizations. In addition to the MCC, Rack directs OutLoud! – the small pop ensemble at the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus. You can hear Rack perform with his band Rabeca streaming online, or at local venues throughout the Twin Cities. In addition to musical activities, he loves swimming in lakes, riding his bike, making delicious food, and spending time with friends.
Matt Thielen, Religious Education Assistant
mthielen@wbuuc.org / (651) 204-8307
Pronouns: he/him
Matt tries to connect to nature as often as possible on the land he lives on in Taylors Falls, however it usually turns into playing with his two kids by climbing up a ninja course to zip down a zip line, or in the winter having epic sled runs (when there’s snow) one might call a candlelit New Year’s Eve run (2 years ago) legendary.
Matt works with kids daily finding solutions to learning challenges and guiding them to grow in their individuality as their strength. He does this as a paraprofessional and soccer coach in Chisago Lakes School District.
Matt and his family have been members for over a year and he is excited to take a new role in this community!
Matt says,
Erin Scott, Graphics and Content Specialist
web@wbuuc.org / (651) 390-0848
Pronouns: she/her
Erin found WBUUC via a Google search in 2010 and like many, had a transformative experience sitting in the sanctuary on that first Sunday she attended. Quickly, she became a member and went “all-in”. In addition, Erin contracted with WBUUC for many years to maintain the church’s website and other projects. Bringing a diverse design background in print, web, video and multimedia, she’s pleased to now be part of the staff – and continues to manage the website, assist with church communications and technically support the multi-platform worship services. Erin moves through this world graphically, loves to find the sacred in the simple and feels very much at home.
Erin says,
Karla Colahan, Tech Assistant
kcolahan@wbuuc.org
Pronouns: she/her
Karla Colahan is a musician, entrepreneur, and brand designer focused on collaboration and creativity in every aspect of her work. Though born in Wisconsin and raised in Georgia, Karla claims the Midwest as her home after attending Luther College (2013) and residing in the Minneapolis area for six years. Her formal training is in violin performance from Luther where she met cellist Olivia Diercks and began their crossover duo The OK Factor in 2012. The two have enjoyed nearly a decade of shared performing and deep friendship, alongside witnessing the growth of each other’s families, careers, and personal lives.
You can find Karla close to her computer designing brands for creative entrepreneurs and behind the tech desk on occasional Sunday mornings at WBUUC!
Karla says,
I’m so glad I can join the Tech Team at WBUUC! It’s a joy to use the side of my brain that loves a production, pushing buttons and pulling levers, and hanging out behind the scenes”
John Sisterman, Custodian
Pronouns: he/him
John has served as Custodian since 2000.
John says,
Connie Ruiz, Facilities Associate
Connie started at WBUUC in 2017 and says she really enjoys working at WBUUC. In her spare time, she likes to cook and spend time with her nieces and nephews.
Connie says,