Leadership

In the early days of Sojourners (long before that name was adopted) members and friends took turns providing the music, scripture readings, prayers and activities for the children. This precedent lead to an ongoing tradition of active participation on the part of the congregation in the development and leadership of our common worship life. There are no strictly rhetorical questions from the pulpit at Sojourners because many members of the congregation are very comfortable answering them out loud (it's encouraged!). So, "leadership" comes from all levels of the Sojourners Community. But here are the more-or-less official ones:

Patricia Barth - Interim pastor

Patricia Barth came to Sojourners February 1, 2010 to help them in their transition between called pastors. She is a professional interim minister and has worked in thirteen different churches or ministry settings since she began ministry in 1997. She believes God has called her to this “peculiar” ministry of change management, since she is one of the few people who loves change and new challenges.

In addition to interim work, she is passionate about children's ministries, having started her ministerial career as a volunteer Sunday School teacher and then Director of Christian Education. Growing up an Episcopalian, she appreciates good liturgy and likes to offer Communion whenever she can, but also appreciates the freedom and extravagant welcome of the UCC.

She graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary with an M.Div, and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Washington Theological Union. Before entering seminary, she worked as a librarian, and before that, an attorney. She met her husband, Ed Scorza, in court! Unlike her, he has continued to be an attorney and works at GEICO Insurance.

They have two grown children, Nick and Andrew Scorza, who live in New York and Washington, D.C. respectively. Ed lives in Takoma Park, MD during the week (in Patricia's childhood home) and in Charlottesville on the weekend when he can.

They enjoy hiking together, traveling, eating out, yoga and reading fantasy and detective novels.

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Becky Garrity - Co-moderator

Becky has lived in New York, Ohio, France, Japan and mostly Virginia. Her work life revolves around art: as potter, pottery instructor and graphic designer. She strongly advocates community building. She came to Sojourners in 1992 seeking an inclusive church: open and affirming, multiracial, multicultural, non-gender biased, nonjudgemental and proactive. Becky finds Sojourners to be a nourishing place to "leave from and return to," as every good home should be.

Mike Glaeser - Co-moderator

Mike was born and raised in Madison, WI .  He attended St Dennis Catholic school and Church during his youth.  After attending college at UW Stout, he starting his teaching career in Wisconsin .  He then worked for two of the big three automakers.  He taught technicians for many years and then was promoted to a position in the Detroit area.  In Michigan Mike looked for a church that was more to his liking and attended the Episcopal Church.

After moving to Virginia because of the schools and warmer weather, Mike continued working in the automotive field as a sales rep. In Virginia he looked for a church that made sense.   He tried various churches and was invited to Sojourners where he liked the atmosphere and inclusive nature of the church.

Rev. Jim Bundy - Retired Minister