The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia

Ní neart go cur le chéile (There is no strength like co-operation). This is at the heart of Norman's administrative success. Since 1989 he has collaborated with a cast of thousands in an often changing but always dynamic mix, including ministers, Boards, church personnel, committees and members, rental clients, vendors, licensing agencies and the general public. He has helped bring us into the 21st century and achieve balanced budgets with progressive improvements in business administration, fiscal procedures and property management. The church’s visibility as a truly vibrant cultural and community center has also grown locally and nationally thanks in large part to his work. Norman has a B.A. in Philosophy from Temple University. A native of Cork, Ireland, Norman and wife Jo Anna enjoy living in center city.  He keeps close to his Celtic roots with regular visits to family and friends in Ireland and England. Contact him at norman[at]philauu.org, 215-563-3980 extension 300.

Jennifer Hayman, Music Director

Jen received her Bachelor of Music degree from Syracuse University and a Master of Science in Music Education from the College of Saint Rose for her graduate work., Jen earned her Master of Science in Music Education,  and received the school's Graduate Student of the Year honor in 2007.  She has been a sought-after accompanist for solo,  chamber and choral groups,  often accompanying and co-conducting many district,  regional,  and all-state choruses. In addition to teaching,  studying,  and working in the music business,  Jen has also worked as a church musician "religiously" for the past 13 years.  Most recently,  Jen was the music director at St. John's-St. Ann's Catholic Church in Albany,  NY,  where she served for 4 years.  Jen has always enjoyed working with volunteer choruses,  and in 2005,  she became the director of the Albany Medical Center Chorus and Orchestra,  a group comprised of doctors,  nurses,  professors,  and medical students.  , Jen continues to work to refine her musical craft,  studying with conducting greats Weston Noble and Charles Bruffy at the Summer Conducting Institute at Westminster Choir College for the past 2 years.  She also sings with the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia,  and teaches private voice and piano lessons.  Email Jen or call 215-563-3980 ext. 315

We are thrilled to introduce our new interim Director of Religious Education, Joanna Mongelli! Joanna has worked providing childcare during church services and events for several years now, and brings fresh, new energy to our program. Hailing from Pittsburgh, Joanna graduated from the University of the Arts in 2003 and has remained active in Philadelphia’s theater community. She boasts an apprenticeship at the Arden Theater and has served as the volunteer coordinator for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Joanna encourages you to get in touch with her with your questions and comments as we prepare to kick off another church year. On behalf of Joanna and the entire First Church community, we especially encourage visitors and new families with children who are interested or curious about our religious education program to get in touch.  Contact her at joanna[at]philauu.org, 215-563-3980 extension 305.

Reverend Nate began his ministry with the First Church family in August of 2007, where he serves as the congregation's Spiritual Leader and Executive Director.  He previously served for eight years in congregations in New York and in Boston and received two masters degrees from Columbia University and a master of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary.  Rev. Nate was previously known as an educator, having worked at Columbia and New York Universities and teaching community college for five years.  He was also known as an performance artist - award winning actor and playwright.  Currently, he loves spending time with his partner and their kitty and he also enjoys tennis, ice skating and attending the theatre.  He's a big fan of traveling - having visited over 16 countries - and feels right at home in Philadelphia.  He loves its symbols, history, people, diversity and its potential.  Rev. Nate's core spiritual disciplines include practicing Mindful Consumption as well as Deep Listening and Loving Speech. Contact him at revnate[at]philauu.org, cell 215-701-9072.