BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Evan Griffith President
Evan joined UKCN in 2012 and has since shared his gifts with us through his participation in our Music Ministry, as a sponsor of our teen ministry, and, most recently, as a chaplain. After careful consideration, Evan made the decision to join our Board and believes contribution an important aspect of humanity, and has determined that his spiritual home is the place to make that contribution.
He brings many gifts to our Board, including strong analytical and problem solving skills, as well as extensive leadership and volunteer experience.
He brings many gifts to our Board, including strong analytical and problem solving skills, as well as extensive leadership and volunteer experience.
Ed Rippee Vice President
Ed has been a member of UKCN since 2010, and has served our spiritual community through singing in the choir, being a Y.O.U. facilitator, and teaching a Bible introductory class.
Ed's decision to run for the Board of Trustees stems from “A desire to become more involved in the ministerial life of UKCN in order to share my education, training and spiritual desire for growth, to help teach in order to learn twice over, and to lend any expertise I may have garnered from my years as a lay minister as well as a business owner.”
He feels he can serve the Board through his ability to listen, problem-solve and compromise; and also through a love for humanity that allows him to get along with most people and express thoughts in an authentic way.
Ed has previously held leadership roles in real estate organizations, and has served as Director of Religious Education/Youth Ministry in the Catholic Church before coming into Unity.
Ed's decision to run for the Board of Trustees stems from “A desire to become more involved in the ministerial life of UKCN in order to share my education, training and spiritual desire for growth, to help teach in order to learn twice over, and to lend any expertise I may have garnered from my years as a lay minister as well as a business owner.”
He feels he can serve the Board through his ability to listen, problem-solve and compromise; and also through a love for humanity that allows him to get along with most people and express thoughts in an authentic way.
Ed has previously held leadership roles in real estate organizations, and has served as Director of Religious Education/Youth Ministry in the Catholic Church before coming into Unity.
Jane Ray Secretary
Jane has been a member of Unity of Kansas City North since January, 1989. She has been a chaplain since 2011, and has also served as a member of the We Care Team, and as a Minister's Angel on Sunday mornings.
Jane has been employed by Hallmark Cards for many years, which she states has helped her develop her leadership skills as a facilitator for teaching the computer software system, coordinating outside events and also coordinating meetings and special events internally.
About her decision to run for the UKCN Board, Jane says, "I am motivated to continue learning in new ways. I feel the church needs people who are open to changing and are seeking to bring a higher consciousness into our community and the world in which we live. It will be an experience in which I can learn and grow from other members." Shea adds, "I am good at writing and have strong administrative skills. I am filled with a love of God that is open and receptive to do what is mine to do. I have a desire to serve this community."
Jane has been employed by Hallmark Cards for many years, which she states has helped her develop her leadership skills as a facilitator for teaching the computer software system, coordinating outside events and also coordinating meetings and special events internally.
About her decision to run for the UKCN Board, Jane says, "I am motivated to continue learning in new ways. I feel the church needs people who are open to changing and are seeking to bring a higher consciousness into our community and the world in which we live. It will be an experience in which I can learn and grow from other members." Shea adds, "I am good at writing and have strong administrative skills. I am filled with a love of God that is open and receptive to do what is mine to do. I have a desire to serve this community."
michelle sousley Member-at-large
Michelle and her family began attending UKCN in 2018. They immediately jumped in with both feet and became members in April 2019. To further her connection with this ministry, Michelle began volunteering with our kids on Sunday morning and in the bookstore one Sunday a month. She attends our monthly SpiritCall services and also took the “Braving the Wilderness” class in 2019.
Michelle says, “My desire for nomination and election to the Board of Trustees stems from my desire to serve the UKCN community. My family and I have been welcomed with open arms and hearts this year, and I’m so grateful to have found this spiritual community. I want to continue to grow spiritually, while serving the UKCN community in a greater role.” In discussing her leadership skills, Michelle says, “Much of my job is leadership based, whether actively leading a team of attorneys and legal professionals, or indirectly leading by example for newer attorneys.” She concludes by stating that her skills and experience as both an attorney and an engineer would allow her to bring important abilities in a leadership role at UKCN.
Michelle says, “My desire for nomination and election to the Board of Trustees stems from my desire to serve the UKCN community. My family and I have been welcomed with open arms and hearts this year, and I’m so grateful to have found this spiritual community. I want to continue to grow spiritually, while serving the UKCN community in a greater role.” In discussing her leadership skills, Michelle says, “Much of my job is leadership based, whether actively leading a team of attorneys and legal professionals, or indirectly leading by example for newer attorneys.” She concludes by stating that her skills and experience as both an attorney and an engineer would allow her to bring important abilities in a leadership role at UKCN.
linda anderson Member-at-Large
Linda has been attending Unity of Kansas City North since the summer of 2014. She became a member in April 2015, and has been active in numerous groups and activities ever since. She was heavily involved with the Family Promise Team from the beginning and has also served for several years with our special Events Team. Linda currently also takes care of all the recycling here at UKCN. She has attended various classes over the years and has attended the Women’s Retreat the last three years.
When considering the question of what motivates her to serve on the Board of Trustees, Linda says, “I have been a member here for 4+ years. This family has assisted me in my personal, spiritual and mental growth. It is my turn to give back to a family which has given me a blessed, loved, and amazing life.” She continues to explain, “In my career, I have been involved with building, mentoring and inspiring teams to prosper. I enjoy supplying people with the tools, inspiration and guidance to accomplish a goal. I also love to ‘get in the weeds’ and work with a team.”
When considering the question of what motivates her to serve on the Board of Trustees, Linda says, “I have been a member here for 4+ years. This family has assisted me in my personal, spiritual and mental growth. It is my turn to give back to a family which has given me a blessed, loved, and amazing life.” She continues to explain, “In my career, I have been involved with building, mentoring and inspiring teams to prosper. I enjoy supplying people with the tools, inspiration and guidance to accomplish a goal. I also love to ‘get in the weeds’ and work with a team.”
charity stephens Member-at -Large
Charity has been an active member at Unity of KC North since 2011. She has spent many years volunteering with the Youth Ministry – primarily with the Y.O.U. - where she has served as a sponsor for more than seven years. She has also taken several classes over the years and attended various rallies and retreats with our Y.O.U.ers.
When asked about her motivation to serve on the Board, Charity says, “I seek to collaborate with the Board to ensure the best spiritual interest for all. I am aligned to the mission and core values of UKCN and prepared to make well-informed decisions to positively impact the church. As a third generation Unity person, I am motivated to ensure the spiritual growth and development of our youth.” As a high school teacher, Charity has served in numerous leadership roles throughout her career. She explains, “These positions have taught me the importance of empathy, advocacy and resilience. Furthermore, my educational doctorate in curriculum and instruction supports my motivation to make collaborative and bold decisions for our youth ministry.”
When asked about her motivation to serve on the Board, Charity says, “I seek to collaborate with the Board to ensure the best spiritual interest for all. I am aligned to the mission and core values of UKCN and prepared to make well-informed decisions to positively impact the church. As a third generation Unity person, I am motivated to ensure the spiritual growth and development of our youth.” As a high school teacher, Charity has served in numerous leadership roles throughout her career. She explains, “These positions have taught me the importance of empathy, advocacy and resilience. Furthermore, my educational doctorate in curriculum and instruction supports my motivation to make collaborative and bold decisions for our youth ministry.”
The Board of Trustees holds an open meeting the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM in the Adult Education Classroom. If you have an item you would like to have included on the agenda, please submit it to the Board President or email the church office (Marcia@unitykcnorth.org) no later than the 2nd Tuesday of the month.