Our Ministers

Our New Minister - Rev. Don Garrett

Don Garrett has a long and interesting history; we think you'll be impressed with his background. He began his adult life as a music student, pursued social justice work when Bard College closed in moratorium for the Kent State killings, survived lymphatic cancer in his twenties, worked in the printing industry (including running his own business for many years) and pursued nursing for a time. He joined his first UU church early in this time period, having rejected the Lutheran church of his upbringing. His decision to pursue ministry in many ways pulls together the themes of spirituality, caring and creativity that have characterized his life and work.

His student ministries in Hillsborough and Greensboro, NC helped him to solidify both his ministerial identity and his understanding of church dynamics. His internship at the 700 member Eno River UU church in Durham, NC with Rev. Arvid Straube gave him experience and a comfort level with large churches. His work in the congregations in Wilmington, NC, Raleigh, NC (another very large church), Indianapolis, IN, and Newport News, VA gave him more experience, including with congregations in conflict over several issues, most having to do with growth.

Don is a thoughtful, outgoing person. His dry sense of humor was noted favorably by his references, as was his collaborative style. His desire for continued growth and development make him especially open to constructive feedback. He will tell you that relationships are more important than issues in ministry and that everything begins with respect. Preaching and worship are special passions for him and after you hear him preach, you'll know why we picked him as our candidate!

Associated Minister Rev. Greta Browne

Greta has been a member of the UUCLV since the early '80s when she attended at the Lechauweki site with her three children, Zeke, Sofia and Victor. This was her first contact with Unitarian Universalism and right away she felt called to the ministry. A circuitous path took Greta to the position (part time) of settled and ordained minister at the UU Fellowship of Pottstown where she has served since January 2000.  She continues to live in Bethlehem, with her husband Guy Gray.

Greta comes from a family of missionaries who served the Presbyterian Church in China , India and Brazil. She accompanied her parents as they served first in China , where her father was born, and then (after the Maoist revolution) in Brazil , where her mother was born. This global connection, along with a taste for the Romance languages, has led Greta to become involved with the ICUU (International Council of Unitarians and Universalists), especially with Brazilian and other Latin American UUs. She is also deeply committed to the Simplicity movement and has initiated a UU Community Ministry, Pirilampo, based on the personal, justice, and environmental values of that movement. Greta is also a Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Bethlehem . She is involved with Peace, Justice, and Environmental issues through Lepoco and the Green Party, and sits on the Steering Committee of the Alliance for Sustainable Communities-LV. 

E-mail Greta