Unity Church on The North Shore

Community

Board of Directors

Joe Donley - Board Member
Joe has attended UNS for 20 years, becoming a member 10 years ago. He explains how he and his wife Julie wanted to find a church with “regular spiritual directions for their children,” a place where they were “in agreement with the teachings and principles.” UNS has been a consistent and fulfilling center in their lives. Joe has served on the UNS Youth Program and the Minister Search Committee. He was an entrant in the Chili Cookoff contest and has assisted in a variety of church events. His most rewarding ministry, he says, is the Youth Program. “I love working with youth of all ages,” he explains. “We teach each other, and I enjoy listening to their interpretations and watching them grow in understanding.”
Joe is eager to add his positive energy, communication skills, and creative ideas to the UNS Board. His vision for the church is its connecting with local organizations and businesses, offering classes such as yoga. He sees UNS providing compelling content on its website -- pod-casting, interviews, photos, and videos – and arranging family game nights and fieldtrips. New ideas and activities, he believes, will draw more adults and children into the congregation. “I’d like,” Joe says, “for UNS to continue growing as an enriching, fun, and supportive environment for mind, body, and spirit. I know it can positively impact our community, especially the youth who need to find their way in a quickly changing world.”

Priscilla Florence - Treasurer
With a background in financial planning and as Treasurer for several community organizations, Priscilla joined UCNS in 1998. She has served the church as a Worship Assistant, Chaplain, Usher Chairman, Board Member, and Board Treasurer, and on Youth Education and Welcoming Committees. UCNS, she says, "allows all who come here to feel free to explore and discover the Spirit within."

Rose Johnson - Secretary
Having visited Unity churches in California, Florida, and New Jersey, Rose joined UCNS in 2007. With prior experience on community boards, she brings to her service as Board Secretary – and to her broad participation on church committees – patience, understanding, and a remarkable ability to consider differing points of view. Most rewarding in her UCNS service, Rose says, is working "with an outstanding, dedicated group of people who contribute willingly."

Paul Heiden - Vice President
Finding that UCNS "instantly felt like home," Paul became a member in 1999. A people-oriented person, he has served on the Fillmores, Usher, and Greeter teams, the Search and Decorating Committees, and as Fund Raiser Chair. His 6 years on the USNS Board of Directors, which he enjoys "because of the direct impact of service," include 2 years as Secretary, 2 years as President, 1 year as Treasurer, and 1 year as Vice President.

Candace Lucas – President
Experienced in finance, project management, and fundraising, Candace joined UCNS in 2001. She has served on the Search Committee and numerous other church programs, has been a Youth Program teacher, Board Member, and Board Secretary. One of Candace's most powerful motivations for service is believing every church member/visitor can find in UCNS's focus on principles, prayer, and meditation "new ways to share the Unity story."

David Greenfied – Board Member
Having heard the Daily Word on the radio, David joined UCNS in 2006. He has managed the church sound system, participated on the Fillmores team, and served as a Worship Assistant and Board Member. He brings both creative thinking and problem solving, as well as sound financial judgment, to his church service. "I see a need," he says, "for ordinary people like me to step up and participate in order for us to prosper."

Staff
Katie Rains, Director of Operations Katie joins UCNS after living and working in a Multi-faith community in New York State. She has also spent time volunteering in Peru as a Young Adult Volunteer where she designed products with fair trade artisans. She is passionate about creating through various mediums including yarn, fabric, wood, photography, music and words. “I am very excited to be joining the Unity community.”
Rev. Kurt Condra, Senior Minister With an early career in publishing -- both in electronic media and as Managing Editor of five trade publications -- Kurt embraced Unity principles in 1994. He became Board President of Unity Community Church in Laguna Hills, California, and was ordained in 2004 by the Association of Unity Churches. He served 6 years as Associate Minister at Unity Church in Dallas, and was appointed Minister at UCNS in 2010. Unity, Kurt says, "offers a sanctuary and freedom where the Divinity within each member can be nurtured and will shine."
Nancy Pagan, Bookkeeper Nancy joined the UCNS Team in June of 2009, serving as the Bookkeeper. Nancy has over 11 years experience in back office bookkeeping management including accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank reconciliations, collections, payroll, purchase orders, inventory, new employee set up & various administrative functions. She reports directly to our Senior Minister and says, “I enjoy coming in to work – Everyone here is always so welcoming and friendly!”
Jeremy Ramey, Director of Music Jeremy has served as the Music Director for Unity on the North Shore since January 2003. In addition to his work at UNS, he is a concert pianist, conductor and Jeff-nominated music director who has worked for Broadway in Chicago and several regional theaters. Jeremy received his training in piano performance at Rhodes College, Northwestern University and The Juilliard School of Music. He has also taught at Northwestern University, Columbia College, Loyola University and the University of Memphis. Jeremy is grateful for his continuing experience at UNS and blessed by both the message of our church and the outstanding relationships he has developed with its staff and congregation.
Jasmine Sassack, Director of Youth Ministry Having been raised in Unity, Jasmine has a strong grounding in Unity's principle beliefs. She began her ministry as a volunteer Sunday School teacher at Unity Northwest in Des Plaines, IL. As the program there grew she was eventually made the head of the department. In 2002 Jasmine became Director of Youth and Family Ministry at Unity on the North Shore. A mother of two, Jasmine's passion is for reminding children and teens of their inherent divine nature and teaching them the power of conscious choice.

Staff

Katie Rains, Director of Operations

Katie joins UCNS after living and working in a Multi-faith community in New York State. She has also spent time volunteering in Peru as a Young Adult Volunteer where she designed products with fair trade artisans. She is passionate about creating through various mediums including yarn, fabric, wood, photography, music and words. “I am very excited to be joining the Unity community.”

Rev. Kurt Condra, Senior Minister

With an early career in publishing -- both in electronic media and as Managing Editor of five trade publications -- Kurt embraced Unity principles in 1994. He became Board President of Unity Community Church in Laguna Hills, California, and was ordained in 2004 by the Association of Unity Churches. He served 6 years as Associate Minister at Unity Church in Dallas, and was appointed Minister at UCNS in 2010. Unity, Kurt says, "offers a sanctuary and freedom where the Divinity within each member can be nurtured and will shine."

Nancy Pagan, Bookkeeper

Nancy joined the UCNS Team in June of 2009, serving as the Bookkeeper. Nancy has over 11 years experience in back office bookkeeping management including accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank reconciliations, collections, payroll, purchase orders, inventory, new employee set up & various administrative functions. She reports directly to our Senior Minister and says, “I enjoy coming in to work – Everyone here is always so welcoming and friendly!”

Jeremy Ramey, Director of Music

Jeremy has served as the Music Director for Unity on the North Shore since January 2003. In addition to his work at UNS, he is a concert pianist, conductor and Jeff-nominated music director who has worked for Broadway in Chicago and several regional theaters. Jeremy received his training in piano performance at Rhodes College, Northwestern University and The Juilliard School of Music. He has also taught at Northwestern University, Columbia College, Loyola University and the University of Memphis. Jeremy is grateful for his continuing experience at UNS and blessed by both the message of our church and the outstanding relationships he has developed with its staff and congregation.

Jasmine Sassack, Director of Youth Ministry

Having been raised in Unity, Jasmine has a strong grounding in Unity's principle beliefs. She began her ministry as a volunteer Sunday School teacher at Unity Northwest in Des Plaines, IL. As the program there grew she was eventually made the head of the department. In 2002 Jasmine became Director of Youth and Family Ministry at Unity on the North Shore. A mother of two, Jasmine's passion is for reminding children and teens of their inherent divine nature and teaching them the power of conscious choice.

Listen to Rev Kurt!

Listen to
Rev Kurt!