Minister & Staff
Rev. Connie Grant (she/her)
Minister
Rev. Constance Grant, usually called Connie, has served nine congregations in various roles, including nine years as Religious Educator at Countryside Church UU in Palatine, IL, and nine years as called Minister for Congregational Life at the Unitarian Church of Evanston, IL, as well as short-term positions in Shaker Heights, OH; Sacramento, CA; Midland, MI; Pittsburgh, PA; Naperville, IL; and Bloomington, IN. She received a Master of Divinity degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 2000 and was ordained in 2003. Her Bachelor’s degree is from Northwestern University. Continuing education has focused on family systems theory, grief and end-of-life issues, and transitional ministry.
Connie’s non-professional interests include making jewelry, collecting family stories, and talking with her offspring: two sons who are in their early forties and a daughter in her late thirties, and grandsons ages seven and eight. She enjoys visiting her grandsons in Phoenix and vacationing on Washington Island, WI with her family. Her two other favorite places in the world are London and Machu Picchu. Connie’s spouse of 47 years, John Grant, maintains the family homestead in suburban Chicago.
Theologically, she describes herself as a “metaphorical theist (with humanist tendencies),” and (sometimes) uses the word “god” to describe the creating, sustaining, and transforming power in and of the universe.
Connie brings a passion for Unitarian Universalism, for congregational health, and for helping people live lives of meaning and wholeness.
Sara Constantakis (she/her)
Director of Congregational Life
Working hours:
Tuesday through Friday
3 Sundays/month
Unavailable Mondays & Saturdays
Sara Constantakis holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. She worked in editorial production and product management for an educational publishing company (along with some experience in a public radio newsroom and a college library) before joining the BUC staff. Sara is passionate about equitable housing, climate justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, and reproductive freedom and enjoys exercise and time outdoors, in the community garden, and with family and friends.
Sara has been a member of BUC since 2008 and has served as a Worship Associate, South Oakland Shelter volunteer leader, and on the social justice and plate collection committees. A staff member since 2018, she previously served as the Communications Coordinator. As Director of Congregational Life, she keeps our Beloved Community informed and engaged by managing our communications program and works with other staff and lay leaders to create and implement programs that are fun, meaningful, and build relationships.
Jim Dean (he/him)
Maintenance Technician
Jim Dean has been part of the team at BUC for over 12 years. During his time as maintenance technician, he has brought an incredible amount of knowledge and experience. Jim’s focus is on building repair and maintenance, including but certainly not limited to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Recognized as a top-notch problem solver, he is the first to be contacted to troubleshoot or repair issues as they arise in our building or on our grounds.
Abha Dearing (she/her)
Co-Director of Music Ministry
Working hours:
Monday: 7-8pm
Tuesday: 7-8pm
Wednesday: 6-9pm
Saturday: 10am-12noon
Sunday: 9am-12noon
Abha Dearing has been serving Birmingham Unitarian Church since 2001. She has a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Education and a Masters in Voice Performance. Through numerous national workshops, clinics, and conferences, she has honed her skills as a song leader and choral conductor.
As Co-Director of Music Ministry with her husband Steven Dearing, Abha helps design worship with the Minister and lay leaders, ensuring that BUC is a singing congregation. Abha sings lead with The Sound Messengers house band, conducts the BUC Chalice Choir for weekly Wednesday evening sanctuary rehearsals, and leads their presentations within the service. She trains and encourages song leaders in the choir and congregation to help foster even more group singing.
Abha coaches youth musicians who express interest. On occasion, the One-Hour Choir or No-Fault Choir can be a great way to see if Choir is for you.
Additionally, Abha has performed as a vocalist and flute player around the world as half of The Dearing Concert Duo, won numerous awards for her performances and recordings, is trained in diverse music styles, and has been teaching school vocal and instrumental music for thirty years, currently at Mercy High School.
Steven Dearing (he/him)
Co-Director of Music Ministry
Working hours:
Tuesday: 10:15-2:15
Wednesday: 9:30-11:30 & 5-9
Friday: 10:30-3:30
Sunday: 9am-12noon
Steven joined the BUC staff in 2011 as Co-Director of Music Ministry. He holds a Master of Music degree in Guitar Performance and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He has recorded four albums of music for guitar and flute, guitar and voice, and solo guitar that can be heard on international radio. Steven has performed extensively as part of the Dearing Concert Duo, including concerts at dozens of UU churches in the US, Canada, and the UK. He has performed as a guest soloist with orchestras in both the US and Canada. Steven programs the music for worship services, arranges for the Sound Messengers house band, performs as both band leader and solo guitarist, sings, and composes music. In his spare time you can find him gardening, golfing, or working on his MGB.
Valerie Phillips (she/her)
Director of Administration and Facilities
Working hours:
Monday through Friday
Unavailable Saturdays & Sundays
Valerie Phillips moved to metro Detroit in 2004 from her hometown of Waukesha, Wisconsin. She has been a member of BUC since 2018, and started on staff as Administrator in November 2019. She has an educational and working background in customer service, medical records, computer technology, information systems, and data analysis. Valerie brings to her job careful consideration, attention to detail, kindness, and a desire to find a balanced solution for all. Outside of BUC, Valerie enjoys spending time with her two children. She also enjoys listening to a variety of genres of music, playing board or card games, or finding a quiet connection with nature.
Shannon Snideman (she/they)
Director of Religious Education
Working hours:
Tuesday through Friday
3 Sundays/month
Unavailable Mondays & Saturdays
Shannon Snideman grew up attending the Universalist Unitarian Church of Farmington and was a member of the District Youth Steering Community. Their passion for youth empowerment and leadership development led them to serve with a number of youth programs, including City Year (AmeriCorps) and Mystic Lake YMCA Camp. Equally passionate about science education, Shannon earned a degree in Integrated Science for Secondary Education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and focused her work on informal education and museum studies. Her interests and expertise include astronomy, forensic science, and environmental science.
Shannon currently serves as the Director of Religious Education where they oversee the development of faith formation programming for children and youth. Shannon recognizes the power of uplifting youth voices to create positive change, and proudly serves as an adult advisor on the Heartland Area Youth Council, which evolved from the District Youth Steering Committee that she served on as a youth.
Kirk Tucker (he/him)
Janitor
Kirk Tucker started at BUC in August 2019. He is responsible for daily janitorial tasks and grounds work and does a great job making sure that rooms are set up and ready for BUC services and events, as well as rentals. Kirk brings with him additional skills in minor building repair and maintenance. He is hard working, focused, and always eager to help.
Mira Walker (she/her)
Pianist
Pianist Mira Walker was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. She began piano study with her mother, Susan Walker, and continued early study with Mrs. Tatiana Kasman and Dr. Yakov Kasman. Mira completed her BA in Music with Dr. Kasman at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her Master of Music with Prof. Norman Krieger at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. She is currently pursuing her DMA at the University of Michigan under the instruction of Dr. Logan Skelton. Mira is a prizewinner in dozens of competitions and has performed internationally in solo and chamber programs and with orchestras such as the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the National Ukrainian Symphony. Mira is committed to performing works by underrepresented composers, spreading her love of music through teaching students of all ages, and performing for diverse audiences.