This community is made up of volunteers offering their expertise and time engaged in both complex and routine activities. Some have gained new knowledge or skills, helping their careers and family. We hope that everyone deepens their faith in all that they hold as precious and most valued.
It has been many years since we have recognized and honored our members for their service to our community. While it takes everyone to make this community whole and holy, there are times when we want to call forth and offer our gratitude to those who have repeatedly gone above and beyond. We want to note that we have excluded from consideration anyone currently serving on this Council and the Board of Trustees.
We begin with:
The Fahs Award: For those who demonstrate their passion for and dedication to teaching and mentoring our younger generations. Sophia Blanche Lyon Fahs (August 2, 1876 – April 14, 1978) was an editor, author, teacher, and religious activist who led a revolution in Unitarian religious education. Fahs’ teaching and writing focused on a method of experiential learning that she hoped would enable children to develop their own ideas about religion and spirituality.
David Hereth was a solid presence in the Religious Education program for many years, overseeing the upbringing of some of today’s parents and teachers, as they bring their own young ones to us. He brought a deep love and knowledge of Unitarian Universalist history and forebears to his teaching and was known for his stories about famous Unitarian Universalists and other prophetic people. He showed deep dedication to the religious education program and was in class every Sunday morning with few exceptions. It is doubtless because of him that our parents, youth, and children have grown up over the years with positive memories of Sunday school.
Love at the Center Award: This person (or people) repeatedly demonstrates their commitment to anti-racism, justice, transformation and countering oppression, including holding us accountable. They strengthen our partnership with community allies. We have two this year! Denise Galpern and Linda Fleming have been co-leading with Jean Schmidt, the Racial Justice Task Force as part of her commitment to racial justice, They have been leaders in guiding the congregation to learn about and vote to add the 8th Principle in 2022; attending and encouraging members to attend Jubilee III training with Paula Cole Jones; inviting Paula Cole Jones to lead a workshop “Building a Culture of Inclusion” with the church in 2022; supporting and building a relationship with Bethel AME Church; engaging in Leading Edge a multi-congregational support group committed to deepening cultural change in congregations. Their consistent and reliable leadership has strengthened our communities’ commitment to being a counter-oppressive religious leader.
The Living Arts Award: For someone who, through their activities with music, visual arts, poetry, horticulture, or gardening has touched our lives and helped us reflect on the beauty created or performed by members of our congregation. Annie Stunden
Annie is an energized force we have all felt in our community, perhaps nowhere more so than in our arts program. She has been helping find local artists, putting them onto the walls of our gallery, and getting them the fame they deserve is a gift for all of us. Annie also coordinates one of her favorite projects making beautiful and colorful pillowcases for Children’s hospital.
Navigator Award: With kindness and patience, Bob Mitchell led us into uncharted territory. With relentless curiosity, he has inspired us to explore new ideas and share experiences so that we may all grow.
While serving on the Board of Trustees Bob helped guide the congregation through the challenges of the pandemic and how to re-open our doors with safety as a priority. Bob worked closely with the small and dedicated team of Sue Oerkvitz and Peggy Parsons in researching and installing new state-of-the-art air filters. Although the filters did not work out (please see the newsletter for an update from the board), Bob’s dedication is celebrated. Bob has also given countless hours to the Environmental Justice Task Force as a leader and guide in building partnerships in Pittsburgh as we add our voice to the pursuit of healthy living for all.
Annie Margaret Barr Award: This person recognizes the power of international relationships and foundation of Unitarian education in lands near and far Karen Litzinger – Our ongoing relationship with the Annie Margaret Barr School in the Khasi Hills, India, is due to successful efforts in coordination, fundraising, and communication. Every year, in conjunction with your generosity, the Khasi Hills team led by Karen Litzinger, secures funding for the teachers. In addition, the team recently supported the building of a rain-capturing system for drinking water, and they hosted Nangroi, the school principal, for his visit to our General Assembly. Karen continues to be an outstanding shepherd for the team as they work together on the steps needed to get tasks accomplished on time. Quiet Leadership Award: This person provides guidance without ever
expecting accolades and is respected by the congregation in quietly moving us all forward.
Margaret Laskey: Perhaps you have seen Margaret before the Sunday service, opening the garden door and greeting people as they enter the church? Did you know that she also quietly checks the materials and tidies up the pews? If some of the materials are missing, Margaret very kindly lets people know, so the situation can be corrected the following week. She also waters the plants in the Garden Lobby. Margaret was one of the first people in the sanctuary when we reopened after the pandemic and she simply began each week to quietly ensure things were in order and everyone was welcomed. Wizard of the Galaxy Award: Ever ready, this person springs into action when problems are suspected within the church’s technical or physical operations Will Snavely Will Snavely is a Software Engineer and Computer Security Researcher. He is a writer, a musician, an improv performer and coach, a producer, and a juggler. Most Sundays and for many many many activities and events at First Church, you will find Will in the back working his magic so that we have sound. It is because of Will’s dedication that we have a weekly livestream, allowing people to engage virtually. Will sets up microphones and cameras, performs sound checks, and runs the live sound and video. This work is not easy and our system needs upgrades (plug for the capital campaign)—Will has had to figuratively duct tape everything together at times to make it work. No one in the audience or watching on youtube would ever know. He truly is a Wizard.
Ring Master Award: Organized social activities of the church by coordinating people and assigning tasks that fulfilled a special objective. Although it feels as though one is trying to coordinate big cats, the final outcome is far better than any circus.
Tracy Morris and JoAnn Flanagan Tracy Morris moved to Pittsburgh from California with her husband, Chris and teenager, Reilly, just about two years ago. Tracy is a health care communication consultant by day. Since moving to Pittsburgh, Tracy jumped right into the community, she is active not only with First Church but also with the Friendship Circle.
JoAnn Flanagan and her husband, Paul, moved from northern Virginia in 2024 where they were involved in the Accotink UU Church (and had previously known Rev. Kate), in order to be closer to family. You may see them with their granddaughter Rosalee, who has been joined by baby brother John Wolfe, born three days ago.
Together, Tracey and JoAnn re-started the Social Events Committee, which had gone defunct due to Covid. They coordinated and hosted the Thanksgiving dinner, a chili cookoff, an Equinox brunch, the end of year picnic, a game night—-and a family movie night is currently in the works. It is no easy task to put together a social event but they make it look easy with their dedicated attention to every detail, and participation has been incredible. Tracy and JoAnn have been ringmasters to this UU circus and brought the fun to every event!
Lifetime Achievement Award: For those who have been a part of the church for many years and in many ways, through love and commitment they have helped sustain the community. MR Kelsey and Ward Kelsey
When I first came to our church, I believe MR and Ward Kelsey were two of the first people I met. I know that is the same for many of us. They are the first to greet new people, give a hug, and connect new faces to others. Even if you have never met MR and Ward Kelsey though, you have heard their voices. They both sing in choir and have for many years. They have both been a part of the folk orchestra and family choir as well. Ward is in the new acoustic gatherings, so there is no quiet time for them or us.
Coming up with a list of things MR and Ward have done with and for the church proved difficult. It would be easier to list what they haven’t done but we tried to make a list anyway even though I’m sure that we missed a few. They have been involved in the Christian group and the Recovery group. They have both served on the board of trustees, letting their voices be heard through solid governance. And both have been active in the UU’s of Greater Pittsburgh and the Ohio-Meadville District before it changed to the Central East Region. They have both been long-time supporters and attendees of Summer Institute, no matter where it is being held.
They are of course individuals; Ward was our long-time treasurer and still serves on the Stewardship Committee. Ward is also on the Worship Committee often serving as a liturgist.
MR has faithfully supported the Giant Eagle cards; you’ll often find her selling them during social hour. MR was known for her organizing skills as the social events planner, with a constant eye for gluten-free baked goods. Rev. Kate will never forget MR baking cranberry muffins during Candidating week in 2021, having learned how much Rev. Kate loves cranberries. MR is also a long-time member and leader in the Women’s Alliance.