Last spring, after the congregation voted unanimously for a developmental ministry plan, the Board invited nominations for the search team. The congregation responded enthusiastically, nominating 38 of our fellow members.  Now, the Board is thrilled to announce the Developmental Ministry Search Team: Greg Terhune, Monica Pellman, Amy Monson, Alanna Oakwood and Melissa Rowland.

During the October 19 worship service, the Search Team will be commissioned in their work. Please plan to attend and join the Board in thanking Greg, Monica, Amy, Alanna and Melissa!

Meet the Developmental Ministry Search Team

Greg Terhune

I’ve been a member of St John’s since 2004, and over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving the church in various capacities. My involvement has included service on the Board, the Nominating Committee, the previous Search Committee, the Committee on Ministry, and most recognizably as the coordinator of our Greeting Team.

Beyond these roles, I have actively participated in a number of other church activities, such as hosting potluck and movie nights, being part of a Chalice Group, working within our LGBTQ+ community, and volunteering for various other initiatives. I’m passionate about the work we do at St John’s, particularly in providing a safe, caring, and welcoming space for our congregants and the wider community.

Melissa Rowland

Melissa Rowland has been a UU and member of St. John’s Unitarian Universalist church for more than 22 years. She has worked in religious exploration as a teacher assistant and as a teacher, facilitated chalice groups and listening circles. She is often seen as a worship associate and is active on the worship team. She has served on the Safe Congregation Committee and twice on the Board of Trustees. Her most recent term was as vice president, president and past president.

Monica Pellman

I have been a member of St. John’s since 2001.  I currently serve on the Board as Secretary, and have also previously served in Religious Education and on the Nominating Committee, (now named the Leadership Committee). Sharing my time, talent and resources with our spiritual community has become more important to me as the years have passed. I am looking forward to participating in this important task of helping to choose our next minister, and greatly appreciate the trust that the St. John’s community has placed in our Developmental Ministry Search Team.

 Alanna Oakwood

 I have been attending St John’s with my husband, Joey, for about four years and have been a member for a majority of that time. We have been getting more involved over the last couple of years. You may have seen me as a member of the greeting team on Sunday mornings. I have also helped with Found House and look forward to continuing to do so.

Church for me is about community, connection, and challenging each other to think critically and grow as humans. I am honored to be a part of the Developmental Ministry Search Team and look forward to continuing to learn and support our wonderful community here at St. John’s.

Amy Monson

I have been a member of St John’s for around 15 years. Soon after attending St John’s, I was asked by Greg Terhune to be a Greeter. This was a perfect undertaking for me to greet people and learn their names. Then I got involved with children’s Religious Education (RE), being a teacher assistant and later teaching in the early elementary area. RE is dear to me and I have continued to serve on the committee, assisting as I can.

Involvement in the Sanctuary Immigration Team during President Trump’s first term has led me to be our Contact Person for the Sanctuary Congregation Coalition of Cincinnati, where we have sponsored four families seeking asylum. I was involved in our last Capital Campaign visiting different households, and I have served on different committees such as the Annual Auction, Found House and the Covenant Team. The Forums have been a big part of my participation at St John’s for the last few years.

Our congregation is more important right now with the challenges in our world and in our country. We can be a beacon of hope for others searching for acceptance and peace.