Rod Thompson, Interim Minister

In August 2008 UUCSH welcomed Rev. Rodney E. Thompson as interim minister. Rodney is no stranger. From 1998–2005, he served the Ohio–Meadville District — the group of 46 area UU congregations to which UUCSH belongs — as a resource and consultant. As such he already has working relationships with many Sunnyhillers, and we probably won’t even have to show him where the coffeepots are.

Rodney has been specializing in interim ministry since 2005, and he comes to Sunnyhill from the First Unitarian Church in Toledo. A native of Canton, Ohio, Rodney holds degrees from Hiram College (1963), Ohio, and the Lexington Theological Seminary (1968), Kentucky.

Although Rodney’s face may be familiar, he offers many interesting facets to discover. Rodney once served a church in the Panama Canal Zone. He has worked in sales, sports broadcasting, public education, and mental health. His permanent home is in Ravenna, Ohio.

Interim ministers are specially trained to nurture congregations in periods between “settled” ministers. As Rodney helps ensure the smooth functioning of UUCSH programs and services, the Ministerial Search Committee will be looking for the man or woman with the qualifications that Sunnyhillers will define as most important to the congregation.

Cheryl Kelley, Director of Religious Education

We are delighted to announce that Cheryl Kelley will be joining Sunnyhill's staff as our new permanent DRE.

Cheryl has been active with UUCSH since 2004 and a member since February of 2005. She became DRE as of August 1, 2008 and has been working with the acting DRE, Sunnyhill staff and board members since accepting the position in June 2008. She is also Sunnyhill's representative to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) and a member of LREDA, the Liberal Religious Educators Association.

Cheryl has a varied background in education, working in non-profit organizations, love of children and youth, and a strong commitment to Unitarian Universalism.

She earned her BA with a dual major of Art/Art Education from Carlow College in 1997 and has Pennsylvania teaching certification for grades K-12. She has served as president and board member of the South Hills Art League, and Director of Education for South Arts. Cheryl is also a certified Yoga instructor and has taught all ages at various studios in the South Hills.

Cheryl has two grown children and three young grandchildren and -- if you catch her in the office during the week -- it’s likely that one or more of the grandchildren will be playing outside the office or reading in the DRE library.