Minister & Staff
Dr. Alexander Riegel (he/him)
Minister
The Rev. Dr. Alexander Riegel came to Birmingham Unitarian Church in August 2026 to serve as our Contract Minster. His passion for Unitarian Universalist ministry is rooted in the UU affirmation that truth and wisdom are to be found in all of the world’s religions and philosophies, and in the commitment to social justice that such truth and wisdom entails. Specifically, Dr. Riegel grounds his ministry in an inter-spiritual vision, which holds that every wisdom tradition has virtues to offer us as we walk our spiritual paths, e.g. the unconditional love inherent in Christianity, the compassion inherent in Buddhism, the realization of our Divinity inherent in the teachings of the Vedas. Beyond what these traditions offer us personally is a universal call to make these virtues a reality in the world. Through social justice efforts grounded in these virtues, we help create the conditions of radical inclusivity, through which the inherent worth and dignity of all people is recognized. Our world, he suggests, most closely approximates the Divine intention when we come to value the unity in our diversity.
Preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and administration are the strengths of Dr. Riegel’s ministry. He is empowered by the UU “free pulpit” tradition, which means that those invited to speak from our pulpits may do so according to conscience and without fear of censorship. He carries on the centuries-long UU tradition of lifelong religious education, which encourages “cradle to grave” spiritual study and practice. He finds deep meaning and humility in being allowed to minister to people during those pastoral moments that mark life’s struggles and rights of passages. And he takes a vested interest in organizational dynamics, the structuring and functioning of church life behind the scenes that are required for a congregation effectively to live out its vision.
Dr. Riegel has 35 years’ experience and served six congregations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, southeast Michigan, and Ohio before to coming to BUC. He holds a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, as well as Doctorate of Ministry from Andover-Newton Theological School. Dr. Riegel is also certified in the Enneagram, Conflict Resolution, and Mediation. In addition to these skills, Dr. Riegel conducts workshops and retreats, and performs readings of the mystic poets set to music.
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 previously worked in editorial production and product management for an educational publishing company and has experience in a public radio newsroom and a college library.
Sara has been a member of BUC since 2008 and joined the staff in 2018. As Director of Congregational Life, she keeps our Beloved Community connected through thoughtful and effective communications and works closely with the minister, staff, and congregation to nurture a culture of welcome, engagement, and connection. Sara is an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Membership Professionals (UUAMP) and previously served on UUAMP’s board. In her spare time, she enjoys exercise and time outdoors, in the community garden, and with family and friends.
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 & 3:30-9:00
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.
Dr. Eric Jenkins (he/him)
Pianist
New to the Detroit area, Eric previously served as Staff Accompanist and Collaborative Piano Area Coordinator at Kennesaw State University and on the faculty at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he was coach-pianist for the nationally award-winning Bravo Opera Company. He also held appointments at Emory University and with the Georgia State University Opera Theater. Eric has collaborated with distinguished artists throughout the United States and internationally, with performances in Canada and Europe. He has performed with the Atlanta and Detroit Symphony Orchestras and holds Doctor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Collaborative Piano from Florida State University.
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.