Children’s Religious Exploration Director Selected
Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist is pleased to announce that Dr. Mary Lamb Shelden will begin serving as our Director of Religious Exploration on June 1.
Mary returns to CCUU with both professional depth and a familiar presence, having previously served within our community. Her approach to spiritual formation is rooted in attentive listening, relationship-building, and a deep respect for the unique journeys of children, youth, and adults alike. In this position, Mary’s work will be focused on Religious Exploration for children and youth. This clarity of role also means that her responsibilities will be intentionally bounded, supporting a sustainable and healthy program.
At CCUU, Religious Exploration is a place where curiosity meets community—where our youngest members and lifelong learners explore Unitarian Universalist values, ask big questions, and practice living into love and justice. We are excited for the ways Dr. Mary will help shape and support this work in the years ahead. We look forward to welcoming her and her commitment to building a program where curiosity, belonging, and growth can flourish.
If you have questions about the search process or about Dr. Mary’s engagement in this role, please reach out to any member of the search team or the Religious Exploration Council.
Note: This hiring comes as Rev. Karen retires from her Religious Exploration leadership. We will be celebrating both Rev Pam’s and Rev Karen’s ministry with us in June.
Submitted by
Gary LaBedz, Board President
Children’s RE Director Search Team (Linda Berry, duRee Bryant, Natalie Krastev)
A Word from Mary:
I am delighted to be returning to service as your Director of Religious Exploration for young people. For those who don’t know me, I previously served as Countryside’s Director of Lifespan RE, 2019-2023. Since we were last together, I have been in formation as a spiritual director through the formation program at Meadville Lombard and, having been credentialed and commissioned in May of last year, launched my private practice back in September. I have been a guest in the pulpit at many UU congregations in Chicagoland and beyond. I have also been teaching first-year writing at Aurora University with some very earnest and dedicated students. I want you to know that I have never stopped loving this congregation, and that I have always been rooting for you. I am excited to connect again with those of you I know, and to get to know those of you I don’t. I look forward to working with Revs. Pam and Karen as they prepare to depart, with Rev. Emma as they come on board, with other dear staff colleagues, and with all of you!