Meet the Dream Team
Jonathan Blount, Sexton
Jonathan was born in Philadelphia, PA in March 1970. He began to pursue his artistic inclinations during high school. At first he sought to develop his creativity by becoming a pastry chef, but soon realized that he needed to change from cake to canvas. Jonathan's early oils were expressions of his inner voice, translating what he was feeling and hearing internally into paint. As he matured, he realized that he loved painting and drawing the male form. In approaching the artistic rendering of the male form, he starts with shadow and works into the light. Jonathan's works have found their way into several private collections of friends and associates. He has become noted via exposure in the world wide web. In 2006 his works were featured at a Philadelphia LGT/Pan exhibit at the Aphrodite Gallery in Queen Village, Philadelphia, and at the Liberty Bears' LGBT art exhibition. When not painting, you may find him baking cakes - a whole art unto itself, and a big part of Jonathan's family through his mom and grand mom. He has been working with the church for ten years. Orville (Lee) Gumm recommended Jonathan for the position . Lee was the head sexton at the time, and also his partner. Jonathan now lives with his current partner, Braheem.
Erick DuPree, Director of Religious Education
Erick is excited to join the ministry team at First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. His portfolio as Director of Religious Education is dedicated to enriching congregational life through intergenerational religious education programming. Erick previously served Arlington Street Church in Boston, MA, as Lifespan Religious Educator and was recognized by the MassBay District of Unitarian Universalist Churches for his work in religious education. He is recipient of the 2010 Woburn Grant for religious education. Erick is the author of Universally Unique: Homilies, Lessons, and Lore the curriculum Simply Sevens and most recently A Lesson for All Ages. He is endorsed by the Unitarian Universalist Association to teach Our Whole Lives (OWL), a faith based sexuality program and spends his summers teaching youth at the UU camp Ferry Beach. He is currently pursuant of advanced credential in Lifespan Religious Education through the association. Erick received his master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Queen's University in Canada, and has taught collegiate literature in addition to his work in Faith Development. Follow him on his blog www.uufaithexplorer.org. Email Erick or call 215-563-3980 extension 305.
Norman Fouhy, Business Administrator
Since 1989, Norman 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 grown locally and nationally thanks in large part to his work. Norman received his BA in Philosophy from Temple University. Email Norman, 215-563-3980 extension 300.
Rachel Karasick, Communications Director
Rachel joined the 1stU team in January 2011. She has lived in Oregon for the past 3 years, where she has been doing community organizing for non-profits addressing food justice issues. Rachel is excited to be back on the east coast, and to bring her enthusiasm for constructive communication to her role with the First Unitarian Church! Rachel graduated from Oberlin College in 2009 with a degree in environmental studies and English. She was born and raised a Unitarian Universalist, and is excited to learn more about this congregation. When she's not at the church you can find her planning gardens or cooking large pots of soup. Email Rachel or call her at 215-563-3980 ext. 301
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.
Matt Miceli, Building Superintendent
Matt Miceli joined the team in July 2011 and brings expertise in both facilities maintenance and event management. He is a certified Journeyman Electrician with over eight years of experience with Master Electrician Kevin Loftus. He previously served as the head electrical facilities operator at Merion Mercy Convent and most recently as Ground/Facilities Manager at Pickett Properties, where he was responsible for the inspection and maintenance of all major facilities. This included installation and maintenance of electrical systems and controls, overseeing the operations of all boilers/heating systems, a bi-monthly inspection of fire code, and ensuring the overall safety and satisfaction of all tenants. Matt’s experience and skills in facility repairs and property renovation are excellent , including his electrical work with the historic chapel at Merion Mercy Convent. In his spare time, Matt is a founding member of the West Philadelphia rock band, HighKick. This experience has aided his ability to quickly turn over events, to please a crowd, and to collaborate with a diverse group of people. Contact Matt via email (matt@philauu.org) or via phone (215) 563-3980 x 304.
Reverend Nathan C. Walker, Minister & Executive Director
Reverend Nate began his ministry with the First Church family in August of 2007, where he serves as the congregation's Minister 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. Reverend Nate is a doctoral candidate in Law, Education and Religion at Columbia University. He also serves as the Vice President of UUPLAN – the Unitarian Universalist Pennsylvania Legislative Advocacy Network. As a scholar of church-state relations, Reverend Nate is the co-editor “Whose God Rules?” with the foreword by former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair (Palgrave Macmillan 2011). Click here to view Rev. Nate's Schedule, or send him an email or call his cell 215-701-9072.
© 2012 Created by First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia.
