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Our minister and our staff
The Board of Trustees is the elected body charged with oversight of the church.
The congregational meeting is the final authority in our church.
Brenda Andre, Sunday Kitchen Supervisor
Randy Fayan, Music Director
Linda Fredette, Church Administrator
Anthony Gonzalves, Sexton
Arthur Green, Sunday Sexton
E.B. Baptista, Director of Religious Education
Vikki McMaster, Bookkeeper
Dr. Robert Ross, Minister
Sunday staff
Dr. Robert Ross, Minister
The Rev. Dr. Robert R.N. Ross, Interim Minister at First Unitarian in New Bedford, is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister who works specifically with congregations in transition. He also has been adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and Starr King School for the Ministry/Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, where he teaches courses n Philosophy and the Study of Religion. Dr. Ross has been Teaching Fellow at Harvard University, a Philosophy professor at Skidmore College, a Consulting Engineer at Digital Equipment Corporation, where he holds patents in the design of complex, heterogeneous computer networks, and a Senior Consultant at the National Academy of Public Administration, where he has worked with large-scale organizations and agencies in transition. His most recent book, Walking to New Orleans. Ethics and the Concept of Participatory Design in Post-Disaster Reconstruction was published last fall. Robert is an active surfer, kayaker, and leads the Cajun-Zydeco band les cigognes.
Click here for more detailed Biography
E.B. Baptista,Director of Religious Education
Hello, my name is Erinbridget Baptista, and I go by E.B. I am the new Director of Religious Education for the First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Bedford. I have been a nurse since 1997, and for the past three years have stayed home full-time with my two children. In my own experience as a mom, it is important to me that my children receive a comprehensive religious education. I am excited to be able to help the parents of the First UU take an active role in their own children's religious upbringing.
In addition to being the new Director of Religious Education, I am an active volunteer in my daughter's PTO and have participated in the New Bedford Half Marathon for the past two years, and will begin training for the 2009 Half Marathon this October
I'm a lifelong resident of New Bedford and currently live in the South End with my husband, Paulo and our two children; Gwendolyn who is 6 and Rowan who is 3, and our two dachsunds, Murphy and Bailey.
I am looking forward to geetting to know all of the families of the First UU and am anticipating a fun productive year of church school.
Randy M. Fayan, Music Director
Randy Fayan, a graduate of Brown University, is our amazingly versatile, irrepressible, enthusiastic organist-pianist. He studied classical piano under Linda Jorle and Diana Smirnov. His keyboard work is bright and spirited, and wonderfully varied from classical to jazz, to folk, to modern. He has a background in choral accompaniment, and is also an accomplished performer on the accordion.
Randy has a small Web site with recordings of some of his performances:
Link
Arthur Green, Sunday Sexton
Arthur Green is our friendly Sunday Sexton. With a background as a maintenance mechanic, he's the one who's responsible for opening up the building and making sure everything is ready for the weekly worship services. He also serves as sexton for occasional special events.
Brenda Andre, Sunday Kitchen Supervisor
When you come to Social Hour, the busy woman you see working in the kitchen is likely to be Brenda. She oversees the kitchen on Sunday, and is available to help our Child Care Provider if needed.
Weekday staff
Linda Fredette, Church Administrator
Linda Fredette, Church Administrator: Linda is a busy mom who does a lot of volunteer work in her community. Besides her role as church administrator here at First Unitarian, Linda also works at King Richard’s Faire every Autumn and is the Co-PTO President for Hastings Middle School in Fairhaven. Linda is always willing to help in any way, so feel free to call the office and let her know what she can do to help!
Anthony Gonzalves, Sexton
With a background in electrical and HVAC work, Tony Gonsalves works part-time as our sexton, overseeing the maintenance of our historic building. He also has a background in other building trades, computers, and industrial processes. His vast store of knowledge and abilities help keep the building and grounds in top operating condition.
Vikki McMaster, Bookeeper
Vikki came on in January 2009 as our new bookkeeper and really hit the ground running. Vikki is making many improvements to our bookkeeping system and stream-lining all our accounting procedures. Vikki has two children that always keep her on the go. She is the treasurer for the PTA at Brooks School. She is a delightful addition to the office staff and we are glad to have her. Feel free to call Vikki with any questions.