Staff
Minister
Rev. Shannon Gorres
RevShannon@uuft.org
(785)272-9233
Rev. Shannon is in the office most Tuesdays and is available via Zoom other days of the week. Please email revshannon@uuft.org to request an appointment.
Twenty years ago, Rev. Shannon started her career as a community action social worker in Ames, Iowa. She was focused on immigrants’ rights and needs, which led her to move to Lawrence in 2006 for a Masters of Latin American Studies at KU. She studied race, gender, politics, and economics in the history of North and Central America, and her master’s thesis used the geography of place and nature as context for human relationships.
After co-founding the Hispanic Ministries program at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence, and working at KU Ecumenical Campus Ministry, she moved to Berkeley, CA where she earned a Masters of Divinity in 2014. She also earned a Certificate in Religion and Sexuality. She was first ordained in the United Church of Christ, and then became ordained in the Sufi Ruhaniat International. She worked as an interfaith chaplain for 9 years, and in 2020 passed the national Board Certification exam, proving 31 competencies in spiritual and emotional care (including therapeutic interventions for traumatic situations and complex organizational analysis).
Shannon has a private practice in spiritual and emotional counseling where she integrates scientific research, ancient and emerging areas of spirituality, and wellness. She is certified in mindfulness and embodiment as a Sivananda yoga teacher, a Dances of Universal Peace leader, and nature and forest therapy guide. As of August 1, 2023, she is brings her gifts of service to UUFT as a part-time minister.
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Office Administrator
office@uuft.org
(785)272-9233
The UUFT does not currently have an Office Administrator. We are seeking the right person for this position. In the meantime, the email and phone number are being monitored, so that concerns can be appropriately addressed.
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Director of Religious Education
Erin Forstein
erin.forstein@uuft.org
Text or call (785)233-3612
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