LEADERSHIP
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Rev. Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Intentional intermin minister
The Reverend Mary Elizabeth Hill Hanchey began serving Umstead Park UCC as Intentional Interim Minister in December 2023. Mary Elizabeth is a pastor, musician, writer, advocate, coach, and consultant. She earned a BA from UNC Chapel Hill, a JD from the UNC School of Law, and an MDiv from Duke Divinity School. Mary Elizabeth was ordained at Watts Street Baptist Church in Durham and previously served as an associate pastor at United Church of Chapel Hill.
Mary Elizabeth trained as a coach, consultant, and intentional interim minister with the Center for Congregational Health and participated in the 2020-21 cohort of Foundations of Christian Leadership through Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School. She currently serves on the board of Baptist Women in Ministry NC.
Mary Elizabeth was born in Mars Hill, NC. She has spent most of her life in Durham, where she now lives with her husband, children, and a lab rescue that turns out not to be a lab after all.
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Rev. Tyler Ung, Minister with children & Youth
Tyler is from Pennsylvania and grew up in the suburbs north of Pittsburgh. They received their BA in Congregational Ministry in 2014, and their MDiv from Yale Divinity School in 2017. Tyler's interests are in theology and ethics, spiritual development, and pastoral care.
Tyler is new to the Durham area, moving from Charleston where they completed a chaplaincy residency and served as the Associate Minister at Circular Congregational Church. In addition to their role as Minister with Youth, Tyler works at Duke Divinity School as the Staff Specialist for the Office of the Chaplain.
In their free time, you can find Tyler camping with their partner (Shannon), napping with their dog (Hermes) or cat (Claudette), reading science fiction, or playing disc golf.
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REV. PAULA WOMACK, MINISTER WITH ONLINE COMMUNITY
Paula has been a part of UPUCC since day one of the congregation in 1999, and joined the staff in August 2024. She has served for many years as a hospice chaplain and as a facilitator of Parentcare, a community grief support group for parents who have had a child die at one year of age or younger. Paula previously worked as a writer and editor, including on the staff of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, a religious social justice agency.
A native of Memphis, TN, Paula grew up in north Mississippi and holds a BA in Communication from Mississippi College and an MDiv from Memphis Theological Seminary. She completed her chaplaincy residency at WakeMed in Raleigh. Paula has been ordained and endorsed since 2008 through the Alliance of Baptists, the group of progressive justice-seeking Baptists.
She and her wife of many years, Jane Weidig, reside in Garner, find joy in Canes hockey and trips to the ocean and share life with their spicy orange cat, Milo.
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DAVID WILSON, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
David Wilson, a native of Raleigh, began his piano studies at age 10, following in the footsteps of his mother and sister. These lessons, as well as his music experiences in public school, set him on a musical path that would eventually lead to Appalachian State University, where he graduated with a B.M. in Music Education, with concentrations in both Piano and Voice. Since his graduation in 2014 he has maintained a close working relationship with the teachers and students of Wake County, and frequently collaborates with high schools on musicals, concerts and other educational experiences. He has a passion for empowering growing musicians through the acquisition of music literacy skills and, as a pianist, serving as a knowledgeable support in their musical endeavors. David joined the staff of UPUCC in September of 2016 and became Director of Music in August, 2022.
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GWEN VASS, FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Gwen has been an active member of UPUCC for over 12 years with her husband, Lee Harrison. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Gwen dedicated four decades to a fulfilling career in public accounting, primarily working with various not-for-profit organizations. Three years ago, she embarked on a rewarding journey into retirement and is thrilled about contributing her financial expertise as the Financial Administrator at UPUCC.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Gwen finds joy in traveling, hiking, and continuously expanding her knowledge. She enjoys square dancing and line dancing.
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LINDSAY COOPER, NURSERY DIRECTOR
Lindsay subbed in the nursery at UPUCC for over seven years before permanently filling the role of Nursery Director.
Lindsay is a Raleigh native but resides in Wendell with her husband and 5 children. During the week, she teaches preschool at a church in Wendell.
She loves all things nature, cooking and crafting; as well as caring for and teaching children of all ages.