About UUCA > Ministers & Staff >
UUCA'S LAY MINISTERS
- Terry Davis
- Michael Halpern
- Dr. Sandra Hoffman
- Ines Hoster
- Dr. Tony Stringer
- Duncan Teague
- Larry Tracy
TERRY DAVIS 
Terry Davis joined UUCA in 1993 and views her opportunity to serve as a pastoral care lay minister as the next right step to connect on a more personal basis with fellow UUs. For over 20 years, Terry has been a member of a 12-step recovery group and works closely with other recovering members. Terry currently owns and manages a graphic communications firm and will be entering her final year at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in the fall of 2007. MICHAEL HALPERN 
Michael first came to UUCA in the late '70s and attended, on and off, for many years. Last spring he and his wife Julie decided the time was right to formally join the congregation. Michael is a graduate of M.I.T. and has been a homebuilder and designer in Atlanta since 1962. For five years he was a volunteer “hand holder” in the Surgical Emergency Clinic of Grady Memorial Hospital. He was a founder and first (volunteer) Executive Director of a long-term mentoring program for “at-risk” youth called YES!Atlanta, and still serves on its Board. As a Lay Pastoral Counselor his intention is to contribute what he can to the well being of the UUCA community.
There is a part of me that has always wanted to be a minister. I participated in leadership roles in the Methodist Church as a youth and as an adult, until our children left for college. At that time I decided to return for graduate work to become a psychologist. Following my Ph.D., I practiced for 22 years, both in community and private practice settings. I also served on numerous professional boards at the local, state and national levels. I loved my work and felt extremely privileged to work so intimately with people. The work felt sacred to me. When I retired last year I knew I was open to a new "call". During an all-day orientation I attended for new members, Dr. Frost introduced our group to the Lay Ministry program. The Lay Ministry training was designed for those interested in pastoral care. It was a perfect fit. I am excited about getting to know and serve the people in this congregation. Other interests include activities with family and friends, travel, the International Club of Atlanta, social justice, political action, reading, and my own spiritual growth and development.
Since 1997 Ines Hoster has served UUCA as layminister with her interests in health ministry (remember the immunizations, health screenings, health related speakers/workshops and energy healing sesssions), worship services and pastoral care, drawing on her experiences as a Carter Center trained congregational health promoter, energy therapist and international trainer. If you have an interest in health/wellness related topics, please call her. If you need a caring, listening ear or a good hug - she is there for you.
DR. TONY STRINGER, LEAD LAY MINISTER
Tony's background is in both science and religion. He is a neuropsychologist and is Professor and Director of Neuropsychology and Behavioral Health in the Emory Department of Rehabilitation Medicine where he provides care to persons with brain dysfunction and does research on the brain and behavior. Tony is chair of the Board of Trustees of the Mountain Retreat and Learning Centers, our UU camp and conference center in Highlands, NC. He is also a lay minister and co-director of the Adult Religious Education Council for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta. Previously, Tony was lay minister for the Thurman Hamer Ellington UU Church and co-founded the Thurman Hamer Ellington Percussion Choir. Tony's calling is to a ministry of diversity. He likes to work in the space where people of differing cultures, perspectives, and orientations meet and is interested in the intersection of science and religion.
Duncan E. Teague started attending UUCA in 2003; shortly thereafter he became a member of the Lay Ministers' group. He has been a member of UUCA since 2004, ushering and assisting in the annual auction. Duncan is a regular guest speaker at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marietta. He is also a regular facilitator of the "Spirituality and HIV" workshop of AIDS 101, hosted by AID Atlanta. He was a longtime member and vocalist at the First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta. After the retirement of Rev. Lanier Clance, the founding minister, Duncan served as a member of the Interim Ministerial Team for almost two years. He was also on the Mid-South District's Hallelujah Team. Duncan has a "day job" at the AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta. He is the Recruitment Coordinator for the tenofovir study. As a performing artist, Duncan is also the senior of member of the ADODI Muse: A Gay Negro Ensemble. They were featured performers at the 2004 Pride service at UUCA and this year are celebrating ten years of performing nationally and regionally.
Duncan is married to his long-time companion, David Thurman, a neuro-epidemiologist at CDC's Center for Chronic Diseases and a member of the Atlanta Meeting of the Society of Friends (Quakers). They were very proud to have had their Quaker styled wedding under the care of the Atlanta Meeting in the sanctuary of UUCA in October 2003.
Larry Tracy has been a member at UUCA since 2002. After experiencing serious health problems, he found a nurturing, supportive environment at UUCA in his return from disability status and is now trying to give back in return. He spent several years studying Earth-based faith traditions while being mentored by Ellen Cannon Reed, and has since done several ministerial-level intensive trainings with Rev. Selena Fox. He has also been involved in a 12-Step program since 1994, and is in his sixth year as an adult Scout leader with his son David's (age 12) troop. Larry is currently working in the nonprofit field and is a graduate student at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies specializing in nonprofit management, and was a volunteer caseworker for the America Red Cross during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He entered the nonprofit field after a post-illness career change from technical management and system design work in the high-end audio and audio/visual fields. His former clients include the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, and Sir Elton John.
See Also
- Lay Ministry Program
- Counseling and Referral Services