OUR SPIRITUAL LEADER

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Reverend Sarah’s passion for ministry started in 1999 when she became a spiritual life coach. She found Unity in 2006 and became a licensed Unity teacher in 2016. Becoming a Unity minister was a natural evolution of her journey. She was ordained in 2020.  She has served as the spiritual leader for the Unity congregations in Frederick, Maryland, and Fredericksburg, Virginia. She holds the office of treasurer on the Board of Trustees of Unity’s Eastern Region.

Her personal practice includes meditation, Tantra, Qi Gong, working out at the gym, and ensuring balance between connecting with others and alone time. Her passion for being a purposeful creator flows in all areas of her life. She creates art, safe space, and, most importantly, her own life experience. Her mission in life and in ministry is to help others create the life they want to live.

During the early days of COVID, I responded to a newsletter plea for volunteers to run the soundboard once a month. I quickly fell in love with the community and became a member of Unity by the Bay in 2020. Currently, I serve on the board of trustees as treasurer where I do my best to safeguard the church’s financial health.

In addition, I contribute my skills on the Tech Team where I have become the authority on the soundboard, projector and camera. I am proud to have introduced to the use of iPads and Google docs. These changes reduce staff support hours, reduce hardware/software maintenance cost, and increase flexibility in updating documents.

Throughout my time at UBB, I have taken classes and volunteered to help with events like My Brothers Pantry, Illuminate Annapolis, and our own Craft & Holistic Fair. I enjoy participating in activities that strengthen our church family and extend our outreach into the community.

I am excited for the opportunity to continue to serve on the church board, bringing my love for our community, my skills in technology, and my commitment to helping others. I look forward to continuing to advance our shared values of community, inclusivity, authenticity, learning, and spiritual growth.

 During my early years at Unity by the Bay, I would have described myself as a “non-joiner.” I attended intermittently beginning around 2015, appreciated the teachings, and stayed largely on the sidelines.

When I returned in 2024, something shifted. The words, the music, Reverend Sarah’s workshops, and—most of all—her full presence with the community changed how I experienced this space. I made a conscious decision to stop hovering at the edges and commit to this spiritual community. I’m very glad I did.

Since returning, I’ve become actively involved in the life of the church. I currently serve on the soundboard and support the technical flow of our services, helping ensure that the experience in the room and online is steady, welcoming, and aligned with our values.

I also co-founded the Unity men’s group, creating a space for honest conversation, accountability, and growth. I’ve been involved in men’s work since 1997 through the ManKind Project (MKP), and I bring decades of experience facilitating and participating in men’s circles. In particular, I’m deeply interested in supporting younger men as they navigate identity, purpose, and relationship in a rapidly changing era.

But more than anything, I’ve made real friends here. I belong here. I trust this community.

Unity by the Bay has become a place where my spiritual practice, service, and values align. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute my presence, experience, and care to a community that prioritizes inclusivity, authenticity, learning, and lived spiritual growth. When we say, your soul is welcome here, we’re not just blowin’ smoke. This place is real. 

Ann knew she had found her spiritual home when she first walked in the doors of Unity by the Bay in 1994. Unity teachings, activities, and opportunities to serve soon became the center of her family’s life. They dove into classes, special services, concerts, and outings and formed close friendships. After many years of ushering, hospitality, website maintenance, and other volunteer efforts, Ann decided to step up to serve on the Board. Her intentions for Board service include contributing her skills to help UBB run smoothly and putting in the work to continue to grow our heart-centered community.

Ann has enjoyed a long career in IT and communication. She also enjoys quiet time; being in nature; spending time with her large family, especially at the beach; and writing about herself in the third person. 

Gerhard came to Unity just 3 years ago when his wife Merrilea returned to the community after many years away. As a 'lapsed Lutheran', he found Unity's message of spiritual growth with minimal rigid doctrine both emotionally helpful and intellectually appealing. He has participated in several of the classes offered at Unity, helps out with Merrilea on the Hospitality Team, and is the (so far, only) male voice in the Spirit Singers at our Sunday services.Gerhard retired 19 years ago after an enjoyable career as a spacecraft mechanical engineer. He hopes his methodical approach to problem-solving may be helpful on the Board and to our church. He and Merrilea have formed many new friendships in the Unity community. They live on the Mayo Peninsula.  

Unity teachings and fellowship have enriched Jim’s life for the past 12 years. Jim has been a member of Unity by the Bay since 2018 and has served as a Greeter, Usher, and Team Leader for both. He has taken 9 classes at UBB as well as serving on the Core Values Team and the Ministerial Search Team that helped bring Rev. Sarah to us. Since retiring from Baltimore County as a high school Guidance Chairman and In-service Instructor, he has enjoyed being a mentor at the Villa Maria Elementary School for boys, an AAC Literacy Council tutor, and a Pets on Wheels volunteer with his sweet Golden Retriever Madeline. He views being a member of UBB’s Board of Trustees as a blessing and an opportunity to help our spiritual community grow and thrive. 

Lisa Sylvester joined Unity by the Bay in July 2020, fulfilling her dream of combining her passion for business administration and accounting with her spiritual practice. At Unity by the Bay, she has found the perfect blend of professional expertise and personal faith, allowing her to serve the community in a meaningful way.  In her spare time, she loves going to the beach and taking care of her family.