Some Selected Quotes
Gretchen understands the power of simple ministerial presence. Whether sitting at the bedside of a dying church member, sweltering on the steps of the Supreme Court in support of marriage equality, or driving deep into the exurbs of Virginia advocating for justice in the foreclosure crisis, time and again, she made her commitment and her concern known by showing up and representing our faith.
Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
Congregational Life Staff
UUA Southern Region
Gretchen is energetic, approachable, intelligent, curious, devoted to our faith, and eager to be the best minister she can be. She is flexible. She has a core of equilibrium borne of life experience, which serves her well. I saw her, as needed, re-orient her perspective so that she could serve her congregation and learn what she could in the process. This quality will serve her well in our ministry.
Rev. Dr. Laurel Hallman
Retired, Minister Emerita
First Unitarian Church of Dallas, TX
Gretchen is a warm, loving person with a tireless work ethic and a positive attitude that is infectious to everyone who meets her. I believe she will be a tremendous asset to the church and will be a blessing to everyone who comes in contact with her ministry.
Beverly Freeman
Former Boss
Houston, TX
As a ministerial intern minister with a wealth of life experience, you have been my rock this past year as Board Chair, teaching me what it really means to be a lay religious leader. You had the backs of our professional ministers throughout this very active interim period. They have expressed their full confidence in your abilities by treating you as one of them and by naming you our summer minister. With a professional eye and compassionate heart, you have been alert to who is in need. You have been quick to respond, whether to take a person to hospital, sit with someone in crisis, speak comforting words at times of loss, inspire wisdom and courage from the pulpit, greet with a warm smile and attentive memory, or simply share a cup of coffee. Thank you, Gretchen. You will be missed here, and wherever you go may "all things flourish," because you are there.
John Bohman
Chair, Board of Trustees
UU Church of Arlington, VA
Complete letters of recommendation from these and other sources are available upon request at [email protected]
Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
Congregational Life Staff
UUA Southern Region
Gretchen is energetic, approachable, intelligent, curious, devoted to our faith, and eager to be the best minister she can be. She is flexible. She has a core of equilibrium borne of life experience, which serves her well. I saw her, as needed, re-orient her perspective so that she could serve her congregation and learn what she could in the process. This quality will serve her well in our ministry.
Rev. Dr. Laurel Hallman
Retired, Minister Emerita
First Unitarian Church of Dallas, TX
Gretchen is a warm, loving person with a tireless work ethic and a positive attitude that is infectious to everyone who meets her. I believe she will be a tremendous asset to the church and will be a blessing to everyone who comes in contact with her ministry.
Beverly Freeman
Former Boss
Houston, TX
As a ministerial intern minister with a wealth of life experience, you have been my rock this past year as Board Chair, teaching me what it really means to be a lay religious leader. You had the backs of our professional ministers throughout this very active interim period. They have expressed their full confidence in your abilities by treating you as one of them and by naming you our summer minister. With a professional eye and compassionate heart, you have been alert to who is in need. You have been quick to respond, whether to take a person to hospital, sit with someone in crisis, speak comforting words at times of loss, inspire wisdom and courage from the pulpit, greet with a warm smile and attentive memory, or simply share a cup of coffee. Thank you, Gretchen. You will be missed here, and wherever you go may "all things flourish," because you are there.
John Bohman
Chair, Board of Trustees
UU Church of Arlington, VA
Complete letters of recommendation from these and other sources are available upon request at [email protected]
