This is the question to which I devoted much of my life. The enterprise of truth-seeking is universal: the pursuit of the scientist, the theologian, the artist, and the street sweeper alike. Each of us pauses at some time in our lives to wonder why we're here, and what it all means. If objective truth exists, it has yet to be found. Yet, each of us makes a journey that eventually reveals our own "truths," and it is these precious lessons that define our actions and beliefs.

My own journey began in the scientific realm and ended quite surprisingly (to me, at least) in the religious. I earned my Bachelor's degree in the field of Behavioral Neuroscience, a field that studies the relationship between the biology and chemistry of the brain and processes such as consciousness, attention, learning, and memory. After leaving scientific research, I received the call to professional ministry and entered seminary in 2004. I continue to seek truth not only through reason and science (though not professionally), but also through faith and devotion to God, and through writing. My poems and fiction are available on this site and my book can be purchased through online retail outlets.

My life thus far has been a varied and exciting journey - for which I am profoundly grateful. Along the way, I've learned what it means to be faithful, what it is to believe in love, and what responsibilities we must meet to each other and our planet. Most importantly, I've discovered that the enterprise of truth-seeking is accomplished communally, when every voice is given equal weight and dignity, the rights of all are upheld, and the creative spirit in every soul is allowed to flourish.

It has been my privilege to walk with many people. Perhaps I'll have the joy journeying with you, too.

The very nature of God is described by 1 John 4.7: “God is love.” It is this attribute above all others that accurately describes the divine; other language about God (the very meaning of the Greek theo logos) in regard to gender or appearance is largely imaginative, as Paul Tillich describes it. The imaginative nature of faith, however, is not a limiting factor or a weakness: God invites us to use the imagination as a means of accessing the transcendent in a way that reason alone cannot. Each of us must understand the divine in a personal way if we are to accomplish a deep and transformative spirituality.

Perhaps foremost in my theology is this doctrine of individual freedom, inherited from the congregational arm of the four united denominations that became the UCC. The Kansas City Statement of 1913 stated the polity of individual freedom thusly: “We believe in the freedom and responsibility of the individual soul, and the right of private judgment.” Likewise, I affirm the right of all believers, of all faiths, to walk their own path with God. In matters of faith, I am a universalist rather than an exclusivist.

In my own journey, I have gained a deep respect for the importance of scholarship, and of educated clergy and laypersons. I am committed to life-long education in my ministry, that I may be both a constantly evolving Christian and a more effective witness to God. My passion for learning and teaching extends to many fields and interests and reflects an eclectic and integrative approach to leadership and action.

Our scriptures teach us that knowledge and critical thinking are important. Yet, they also teach us that true faith cannot be founded on reason alone; rather, it comes from the real and moving presence of the Divine in our hearts. Through learning we find understanding, through faith we find transformation.

I have always admired the courage of spiritual leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Mohatma Gandhi, and Protestant Reformer Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who stood tall against the most evil powers that have yet walked this earth - the Nazis. Their testimony is a constant reminder to me that Christians owe sole allegiance to God and Jesus Christ, not to any “powers or principalities” on earth. Their bravery is also a steadfast example of sacrifice for faith, an example of how we must not tolerate evil but must fight injustice even if it means harm to ourselves. Of course, Jesus Christ's own example - dying on the cross - is the Christian model for faith in action. Without good works, our faith is hollow. Jesus calls us to a higher standard of righteousness: to feed the hungry, care for the sick, visit the imprisoned, to pray for our enemies. Out of love, we regard others as better than ourselves.

Reflecting the UCC's historic tradition of activism, I have strived to be voice for justice in my life. In high school, I served on the Coventry Council for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol abuse, while in college I volunteered for the Women's Center and the UConn Public Interest Research Group. I was also a member of the Gay, Straight, and Lesbian Alliance and remain committed to Open and Affirming theology in our churches.

I continue to strive to meet Christ's call for justice with active volunteering and political engagement.

The balanced and complete life incorporates spiritual practices for healing and wholeness. Whether one finds their inner peace and focus through prayer, devotion to sacred texts, meditation, communion with nature, or other form of ritual communication with the divine, the importance of strong faith cannot be overstated. Indeed, medical research over the past twenty years demonstrates a strong link between spiritual practices and better physical and mental health. Although the church has traditionally focused on the care of the sick, spiritual practices for wholeness encourage proactive thinking with a goal of a happier, healthier life right now, even if we are not sick. By faith and our communication with God, our bodies and minds are enriched, our spiritual journey empowered, and our souls bound ever more tightly to the divine.

Recognizing the spirituality/health connection, I preach and observe healing faith and practices such as meditation, creative expression through music and art, contemplative prayer, and Yoga. I am committed to home visits, hospital visits, and community outreach for the sick, the mentally ill, and those seeking a higher form of living through the power of God's presence.

Reflecting my commitment to spiritual practices for healing and wholeness, I am enrolled in the certificate program for Faith, Health, and Spirituality at Andover-Newton as part of my theological training.

After leaving research, I spent 3 years as a substitute teacher and eventually associate director of the El Puente ("The Bridge") After School Program for the Salvation Army. During my tenure there, I was able to nurture a deeper regard for the necessity of spirituality in the lives of children, and the role of education in uniting communities toward a common goal. My work for the Salvation Army involved not only the care and guidance of kids, but volunteer service for the Willimantic area. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to help raise funds for children's toys at Christmas (through the "Christmas Angel" program), collect and distribute coats during the winter, and assemble and hand out turkey dinners during Thanksgiving. And, yes, I rang the kettle bells to raise money for Christian outreach, too!

Building strong communities means finding unity of purpose while still meeting a diversity of needs. The ties that bind us are the struggles and dreams we share in common - making ends meet, raising a family, taking care of those in need, and paving the way for the next generation. Our common dream of the peaceful kingdom of God on Earth inspires us to share resources and provide for the safety and dignity of our souls.

The maxims of capitalism seem inimical to the teachings of Christ: "he who dies with the most toys, wins" is a far cry from "store up your treasure in Heaven." Yet the reality is we must all provide for ourselves and those we love. Our Christian duty is see that our own success does not come at the expense of another's. Just as the apostles gathered possessions and divided them among the church (in Acts 4), we have an obligation to give of our own bounty that others will not go wanting. As Gandhi once said, "The Earth has enough to provide for every man's need, not every man's greed."

My sense of the importance of family began with my own. I give thanks to God for my loving mother and father, Jane and Paul, who raised me to always make time for those close to us.

Our solitary Earth, teeming with life and standing "on the shores of the cosmic ocean" in the words of Carl Sagan, testifies to the splendor and mystery of God. The riches of our planet, from fresh water and oxygen-producing plants, to the diversity of species brought about by evolution, are gifts from God. Genesis tells us that God gave humankind the right to be caretakers of the Earth. Unfortunately, we haven't always lived up to our responsibilities, and our planet is teetering on the edge of disaster.

Christians around the world are feeling called to better stewardship of our natural resources. I affirm proper care of the Earth as a Christian value that ought to compel us to seek renewable energy sources, use reusable or recyclable goods, and protect our natural world from those who would choose short-term profit over long term human health. The native Americans have a saying that we do not inherit our planet from our parents, but borrow it from our children. God's call is to protect our Earth that it may be a safe, healthy place for future generations.

Equally important to global health is an appreciation for diversity and the many ways in which people understand God. I am committed to ecumenical and Interfaith dialogue that encourages deeper respect for the cultures and faith practices of others. The study of other faiths does not diminish our own Christian heritage, but rather allows us to see its special place in the multitude of religions. Jesus tells us that in God's house, there are many rooms. We model ourselves after God when we likewise make space for a diversity of perspectives, binding ourselves in global fellowship toward the aim of peace and justice for all.