Church Staff
Rev. Sara Rosenau - Assistant Minister
p: 503.228.7219
e: sara@uccportland.org
Rev. Sara Rosenau’s vision for ministry is to be a facilitator of holy conversations so that the church can continue to listen to the still-speaking God. Sara has a passion for ministries of faith formation and education. She is also interested in how the UCC’s legacy and vision for social justice can contribute to church revitalization. Sara’s ministry is informed by many years of experience in non-profit and educational settings where she has been involved in advocacy with people experiencing homelessness, adults with disabilities, and children in foster care.
Sara holds a B.A. from Earlham College, a M.S.W. from University of Denver, and a M.Div. from Iliff School of Theology. Sara is currently working on a PhD in Theology with Drew University where her dissertation focuses on how the practices of the church can contribute to social justice and political change.
Raised a Quaker, Sara has been a member of the United Church of Christ since 2005. Sara enjoys hiking, yoga, and spending time with her spouse Kat, children Ingrid and Severin, and the family dog, Finn.
Michael Kelly - Music Director
p: 503.228.7219
e: mikelly44@gmail.com
Dr. Kelly has been our Music Director since May 2005. He has many years of experience, not only as a music director, organist, and choirmaster in several large churches, but also as a performer and professor. In addition to serving as our Music Director, Dr. Kelly is the pianist for the Portland Symphonic Choir, and is an active vocal coach and accompanist. Dr. Kelly performed at Lincoln Center in New York City as winner of the 1982 Bach Society Competition. He has taught piano and music theory at the Manhattan School of Music, the Brooklyn College of CUNY, and the University of Puget Sound. He earned a Master’s degree in piano at the Juilliard School and a doctorate in piano at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Thanks in large part to Dr. Kelly, the truly professional quality music we enjoy during services each week adds depth to our worship experience.
Grant Edwards- Organist
p: 503.228.7219
e: uccmusic@comcast.net
Grant Edwards has been organist of First Congregational United Church of Christ since June 1995, on occasion of the 100th anniversary service of the landmark building. He holds a B.A. in Organ from Lewis & Clark College. Grant has also studied at the Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität in Munich and as a Deutsche-UNESCO scholar in Weimar, East Germany. An organ builder as well, he has been a craftsman at Bond Organ Builders since 1993. Grant installed his first self-designed organ at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. In collaboration with Bond, he also constructed the amazing organ in our sanctuary, incorporating mechanical portions of the original 1951 instrument as well as an ornate 1877 organ case. Other pursuits include composition; he is currently completing a large-scale choral work based on the poetry of Emily Dickinson, and has created and performed several original compositions for our worship services. Grant has performed for three National Conventions of the Organ Historical Society. In 2003, he recorded an eclectic album, “A Musical Feast,” (ProOrgano CD 7181) at St. Stephen’s Episcopal, Seattle. Active in the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists, Grant is currently that organization’s Sub-Dean and chair of the Program Committee.
Jonathan Dyer - Office Manager (picture coming soon)
p: 503.228.7219
e: jonathan@uccportland.org
Originally from Tennessee, Jonathan moved to Portland for graduate school, and he completed his Master’s in Public Adminstration from Portland State last year. Jonathan brings years of office and communications experience with him. Previously, he interned with Caldera, a local nonprofit with the mission to be a catalyst for transformation through innovative arts and environmental programs. When not at work, Jonathan enjoyed playing board games, reading comics, and spending time with his fiancée and their two cats, Moon Pie and Sebastian.
Doug Emmons - Facilities Manager
p: 503.228.7219
e: doug@uccportland.org
Doug wears many hats. He has worked with us at First Congregational UCC for over 30 years in building maintenance. In 2010 he became our Facilities Manager, coordinating the schedules of six custodians, as well as overseeing the maintenance of the building as a whole. Doug also has a passion for the arts. Working in drawing including pencil, paint, and oil sticks, he manages the artistic efforts of two groups. One is the art group within NW Pilot Project, an organization serving low income seniors. The other is the Troy Laundry Lifedrawing group. When he has time at home, Doug enjoys working on his own pieces.