The Rev. James Galasinski began his ministry with us in 2016. He studied theology and philosophy while pursuing his undergraduate degree in jazz studies. Later, when he was working in the financial industry, he found a spiritual home at the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, where his call to ministry was reawakened and nourished. He received a master of divinity degree from Meadville Lombard, a Unitarian Universalist theological school in Chicago, after which he served the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque as ministerial resident. In addition to leading Sunday worship, James teaches classes touching on many aspects of religion and spirituality and hosts Chalice Circles and other small-group opportunities for community and fellowship. Learn more about James' ministry here.
Carol has been Director of Religious Education since August 2014. She received her bachelor of science in recreation and leisure studies from SUNY Cortland. Carol brings a passion for living and working in community. Her background in adventure-based education and employee wellbeing gives her a unique perspective in providing programming. Carol believes our vibrant religious education program not only provides learning and exploration for our children and youth but also spiritual growth for our adult volunteers.
Originally from Minnesota, Sara studied German and communications in college and later completed an M.A. in intercultural communications and European studies at Fachhochschule Fulda in Germany. She moved to the North Country in 2002 to work at St. Lawrence University. She took a break from working when her kids were born and then returned to SLU to work with international students. She is delighted to serve as our part time administrator because it allows her more time with her family. She loves to garden, to laugh, to be outdoors, and to spend time with her husband Chris and their boys.
Sara's office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment.
In her role as Music Coordinator for the UU Church of Canton, Betsy Kepes finds a diverse array of musicians to play for Sunday services. She plays the hymns most Sundays and when she is the musician-of-the-day she likes to find piano music that matches the theme of the service.
Betsy began taking piano lessons in first grade and has been a piano student or a piano teacher ever since. When she is not playing music, Betsy can be heard on NCPR doing "book chats" with radio host (and UU) Todd Moe or she can be found writing articles for local magazines and working on a Young Adult children's book that will someday be published.
Betsy and her husband, Tom Van de Water, built their own off-grid solar house in the foothills of the Adirondacks when they were young. It's where they raised their two sons and they live there still.
Grace (she/they) will be the Social Justice Coordinator and Social Media Strategist this summer until August 2023. She recently graduated from St. Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. Grace is passionate about community engagement, climate justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. They are very excited to be working with the wonderful staff and community here. They will be helping to plan the Social Justice Conference happening this October 2023, as well as increase the publicity and participation at the UU Church of Canton.
The Revs. Anne Marsh and Wade Wheelock served as our church's co-ministers for 16 years, from 1993 until they retired in 2009. Upon their retirement, the congregation honored their ministry by naming them our Ministers Emeriti. Anne and Wade now live in northern New Mexico, where they are active in the Los Alamos UU congregation, enjoy hiking in the beautiful mountains and canyons, and love spending time with their granddaughter. They appreciate their occasional visits to the North Country and treasure the wonderful people of the UU Church of Canton.