Unitarian Universalists Of Clearwater Welcomes New Minister

CLEARWATER, FL - The Rev. Amy Kindred has begun serving Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater (UUC) as Developmental Minister.

Kindred is entering her 14th year of ministry, having previously served Unitarian Universalist congregations in Rockledge, Florida; Port Charlotte, Florida; Savannah, Georgia; and Terre Haute, Indiana.. She holds a Master of Theological Studies degree (MTS) with research in Religion and the Arts, and a Master of Divinity Degree (MDIV). Before entering the ministry, Rev. Kindred was an art teacher, led a state-wide arts organization in Indiana and worked for Scholastic Publishing Co. While studying for her degrees, she was director of the Munce Art Center (since renamed the SullivanMunce Cultural Center) in Zionsville, Indiana.

“Unitarian Universalism has been my spiritual home for 34 years now. Just shy of 20 years ago, I enrolled in seminary because I wanted to use the majority of my working hours to promote healing for all who have become rattled by an insensitive world, to seek more justice for oppressed individuals, and to promote the dignity and worth of every person. Essentially, I wanted to make the world a better place,” Kindred said.

Kindred chose to serve UUC for several reasons.

“After learning about the goals and interests of the friends and members of the congregation, viewing the lovely grounds and regarding the beautiful spacious building with room for many joyful spiritually uplifting gatherings, I decided I wanted to partner with UUC to see what we
could accomplish together in the future. Ours is a shared approach to authentic Unitarian Universalist ministry,” she said.

As Developmental Minister, Kindred will guide UUC members in working towards a specific set of targeted goals designed to strengthen the congregation. Kindred will lead Sunday worship services and provide oversight of the congregation’s programs and business operations, in collaborative partnership with lay leaders and staff.

“UUC members look forward to Rev. Kindred’s guidance as we work on building trust, engaging in healthy and productive ways of respecting all viewpoints, and moving towards Beloved Community,” said Margie Manning, President of the Board of Trustees at UUC. “We are creating a congregation of encompassing hospitality that will allow us to grow as a center for liberal religion.”