Our Minister
The Reverend Mark Hayes joined us in September, 2000 as our new Settled Minister. Mark grew up in northern Michigan, but resided in Maryland for fifteen years before moving to State College. He has been a math teacher, an experimental psychologist, and spent twelve years programming computers for a NASA contractor. Mark discovered Unitarian Universalism at Paint Branch UU Church in Adelphi, Maryland in 1988, and answered the call to ministry in 1995. He attended Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, where he received the Master of Divinity degree in 1999. Before joining our Fellowship, Mark served as Ministerial Intern at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria, Virginia, as Summer Minister at the UU Congregation of Fairfax in Oakton, Virginia, and as Interim Minister at the Accotink UU Church in Burke, Virginia. Mark resides in the State College area with his spouse, Cathy Vandenberg, and their two sons, Andy and Ben .
Mark
writes:
I feel honored to serve
Unitarian Universalism and the UU Fellowship of Centre County as a parish
minister. I believe our free church and our liberal faith have much
to offer a confusing and hurting world. All who come with an open
mind and an affectionate heart are welcome to join us in our quest for
meaning and purpose, and for a life grounded in love, compassion, mutual
respect and service. If you and your family are seeking a religious
home where your spiritual journey will be encouraged,
respected and supported, please check us out. Join us in worship
and explore our programs. We look forward to meeting you and discovering
the gifts that your presence would bring to our community. Finally,
if you have questions or want to learn more about us, please give me a
call, and let’s talk.
(814) 237-7605
minister@uufcc.com