Co-Minister - Rev. Leslie Takahashi Morris
Leslie holds a Master of Divinity degree from Meadville-Lombard Theological Seminary, a Master's Degree in Public Policy and Environmental Studies from Duke University, and a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and English from the University of North Carolina. After her first career in journalism, she devoted her energies to educational and equity issues--including leadership training and economic development--primarily with non-profit organizations. She is a past congregational President, chair of social action and canvass, religious education teacher for adults and children, and member of a Committee on Ministry. Leslie is currently writing a book for Skinner House Press on the history of anti-racism efforts in the UUA, and is also editing a book on Universalist theological heritage. She has a passion for photography, loves biking, hiking, camping and canoeing and is an "over-zealous recycler." This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Co-Minister - Rev. David Takahashi Morris
David has a Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School, a Bachelor of Music degree from Michigan State University and did graduate studies in music at the University of South Carolina. In his first career, he was band and chorus director at a private school in Tarrytown, NY. He then spent 10 years in college textbook publishing as an editor and field rep at Random House. He is a past congregational President and chair of a Sunday Services, an RE committee member and a student minister. David and Leslie were founding members of the Thomas Jefferson UU District Anti-Racism Transformation Team. He serves on the Southeast Regional Subcommittee for Candidacy of the UUA's Ministerial Fellowship Committee. He loves reading, music and "cooking for those who freely enjoy food." David and Leslie were called to MDUUC as Co-Ministers in August, 2008. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Andy Karlson, Intern Minister
Andy is a fifth-year student at Starr King School for the Ministry, has completed a Clinical Pastoral Education residency at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, and holds a BA from Oberlin College in Ohio. Before hearing the call to ministry he worked as a construction laborer and carpenter's assistant, as a bookstore clerk, as a waiter and bartender, as a mortgage application processor, and as a program manager for adults with disabilities. He has been a high school youth group adviser, taught Sunday school, and was active in his home church's YRUU group. Andy is passionate about performing and listening to music; the intersections of art, craft, and religion; movies and video games; knitting; and spending time with friends and family, especially his wife and partner Sarah (and their two kittens, Charlie and Lizzie).
Heather Sawyers, Director, Lifespan Religious Education
Heather Sawyers heads up one of the most extensive and liberal religious education programs in northern California. Heather's education is in Business and Early Childhood Education, and she successfully operated a childcare business for 10 years. At MDUUC, she became a religious education teacher and served as chair of the LEAP (Lifespan Education and Programming) Committee. She is an OWL (Our Whole Lives) sexuality educator and a graduate of the Pacific Central District/UUA Leadership school.Working with the LEAP Committee, Heather is responsible for religious education and programs for children, youth and adults - and intergenerational events that foster a spirit of community. Her energy along with an outstanding teaching staff makes MDUUC's Lifespan Religious Education programs one of the main attractions of the church.
LouAnne Silveria, MDUUC Administrator
LouAnn Silveria joined MDUUC as Administrator in April 2009, after extensive experience in administrative positions in the business world--as an executive assistant, clinical studies coordinator and office manager. Working with the ministers, other professional staff and volunteers, she is responsible for the daily administration of the church, assuring that the office runs smoothly. For visitors during the week (9 am to 3 pm), her smile provides a warm welcome to our church.
Mark Tuning, Music Director
Mark Tuning joined MDUUC in September 2003 as Music Director. He holds degrees in Music Education and Choral Conducting from George Fox College (BA) and Oregon State University (MMus). In addition to serving for several years as Music Director for churches in Idaho, Oregon, Illinois and New Mexico, Mark also directed Jazz Choirs in several of those locations.
Mark is on the faculty of Saint Mary's College as the director of the NightinGaels Choir and instructor of voice. Mark is also assistant director for the San Francisco City Chorus. He is a frequent soloist as tenor or countertenor and especially enjoys the creative opportunities of music ministry in a liberal congregation.
Dr. Lino Rivera, Pianist
After graduating from Universities in Manila and Hawaii, Lino Rivera received his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from the University of Maryland in 1997. He is a full-time professor of music at Saint Mary's College and keeps a busy schedule as pianist, chamber musician and accompanist throughout the Bay Area. Lino brought his inspiring music to MDUUC in 2000.
German Rivera, Church Custodian
German Rivera joined MDUUC as the Church Custodian in April, 2008. He is a graduate of the Hospitality Management Institute of San Francisco (2000). His experience includes working as the custodial supervisor in five star hotels in Florida. Previously he had lived in Walnut Creek and returned to this area in 2002 where he has been working as Lead Custodian for the Walnut Creek School District.
