Please welcome Rev. Janice Steele and Rev. Leslie Etheredge to our staff as our Bridge ACMs!
Rev. Janice Steele – Bridge ACM for Search, Call, and Transitions
Email: ACM-SCT@uccswc.org
Rev. Janice Steele brings a rich background in music and the performing arts to her ministry, including performances with renowned gospel groups and on Broadway. With a B.A. in Theatre Arts from San Jose State University, she has also worked as a playwright and consultant in health systems design. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, with an affiliation with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM). She received her Master of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion and has served in various leadership roles within the church. Rev. Steele has served as a pastor in California and Minnesota, engaging in community initiatives and consultancy work. Currently, she serves as the Intentional Interim at College Avenue UCC, embodying radical hospitality and spreading the inclusive love of Christ.
She has served as Moderator for various UCC bodies and on the boards of organizations like the California Council of Churches. Janice's community contributions have been honored, particularly for her work with the LGBTQ+ community. Also, she is certified in mental health response for congregations.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Rev. Steele finds joy and fulfillment in her personal life. Alongside her spouse, Dr. Patrisha Gill, she resides in the California Central Valley, where they continue to cultivate a life rooted in the values of radical hospitality and inclusive love. Their partnership serves as a cornerstone for their shared commitment to spreading compassion and acceptance. In their downtime, they find solace in music, fostering a harmonious environment reflective of their deep connection to the arts.
Rev. Leslie Etheredge –Bridge ACM for Authorization, Accountability, and Discernment
Email: ACM-COCAM@uccswc.org
Rev. Leslie Etheredge is a teacher, counselor, chaplain, pastor, mom and Grammie (to 7 grandchildren). She lives in Birmingham, AL and has pastored in several UCC Conferences. Most recently she worked in the FL Conference as an Associate Conference Minister where she gained valuable experience and knowledge in working with Committees on Ministry and Members in Discernment. She also developed and facilitated Communities of Practice and worked with churches in all aspects of congregational life. She also works for the Pension Boards as an Annuitant Dean and is the transitional pastor for a new church start. It's quite obvious to this newly retired pastor that God has even more in store for her. Leslie is most grateful for the opportunity to serve the Southwest Conference "for such a time as this."
For fun, Leslie loves singing, the beach, all Auburn sports, her little dog Lucy and is just absolutely crazy about those 7 grandchildren (with #8 on the way!!)