Our Minister and Staff
OUR MINISTER: Rev. Leslie Runnels
Leslie Runnels is from New Orleans, Louisiana who became a Unitarian Universalist in 2005, right before Hurricane Katrina and the Federal Floods devastated New Orleans and the southern coast. She became involved in recovery and relief efforts and supported housing and orientation of over 100,000 volunteers who came to help with recovery. Some of that work included understanding how racism showed up before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina. This led her to become an organizer and trainer with the People’s Institute for Survival & Beyond – a 45 year old organization founded by two black men – who do 2-day Undoing Racism workshops across the country.
It was while doing anti-racism work, that she started to see how connected her spirituality was to liberation work …. and the seed was planted for ministry. She graduated from Meadville Lombard Theological School with a Masters of Divinity in 2022. Her family and network of support have accompanied her all the way through this process, which has led her to the eastern shore of North Carolina, to serve the Unitarian Coastal Fellowship in Morehead City.
OUR CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES ADMINISTRATOR: Sarah Grenier
Sarah Joan Grenier attended Appalachian State University earning a degree in dietetics. She joined the Army and attended Baylor University for a master’s in nutrition. After serving six years in the military as a dietitian, she wanted to focus on her two kids and moved home to Carteret County. She is a member at the Unitarian Coastal Fellowship and is Cubmaster for Pack 446. Sarah is also a local artist and teaches preschool at the Camp Albemarle Nature School.
OUR CHOIR DIRECTOR: POSITION OPEN
OUR ACCOMPANIST: Meganne Smith
Meganne teaches English from middle school through college levels and has been a piano/music teacher, church pianist, and on-call musician for weddings and other events for about fifteen years. She was also an All-State clarinetist in her youth and played the clarinet in the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) Concert Band while attending there. Another talent she has shared with our congregation is writing poetry. She brings a contemporary ear to finding music for UCF’s services.
OUR OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR: Maria Jacob
CONTACT OUR STAFF: Maria has worked as an Administrator for other churches and says that of all the jobs she’s had, being part of a church community is her favorite. She finds that watching members of a congregation support each other is humbling and inspiring. Maria loves the beach, decorating, cooking, and sharing moments with her family. She says that her heart is with her family, friends, and home.
Minister
Leslie Runnels
Children and Family Ministries Administrator
Sarah Grenier
Choir Director
Position open
Accompanist
Meganne Smith
Office Administrator
Maria Jacob