The Reverend Philip Douglas is our minister. He joined us in July 2008 and was formally installed in a special service on March 29, 2009.

Here is Phil’s answer to the request, “Describe the new ministry you hope for:”

“I hope to be called to serve as a parish minister in a church that wants to grow in its membership, its presence in its community, and its embodiment of our Unitarian Universalist faith. I envision myself as a minister of a church with a small staff and a wealth of enthusiastic volunteers, a church in which intergenerational worship is central to the life of the congregation, a church in which the religious educators teach the center of our faith and help to guide the congregation from membership to shared ministry, a church in which music is played and sung to express the depth and breadth of human emotion. I envision a church that knows its mission and its history and embodies Unitarian Universalist values to make a statement to its community and a difference in the world.”

Reverend Douglas prepared for UU ministry while maintaining his career as systems auditor and financial analyst of a public utility holding company, where he led large interdisciplinary teams and helped manage its portfolio. He graduated with honors from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. At our church he has begun the calling for which he’s worked and planned for fifteen years!

When they moved here in 2008, Phil’s wife, Susan, retired from a career in computer programming. Family VIP and Corgi, Buddy, accompanied the couple. Phil’s and Susan’s two adult children live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Phil adds:

To this biographical sketch, I would add just a couple of items. My mentor and friend, the Reverend Craig Roshaven, told me that there are two things that people should know about me: one, that I am unusually attuned to my emotions, especially for a man; and two, that I have a wicked sense of humor. If you get to know me at all, you will find that Craig’s insight is true. The connection to my emotions comes from my experience of being a chaplain at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. The sense of humor is from a lifelong study of the human condition.

Also: At the end of every service, I remember to tell the congregation that I love them and that being their minister is a great privilege that only a handful of people get to do.

Peace and Love and Swell Thoughts!