The UUCM Annual Meeting is coming up May 19 after the service. Please get to know our new nominees for the UUCM Board of Trustees & Nominating Committee!
UUCM Board Nominees
Jessa Bowman—Nominee for the Board of Trustees (3 year term)
Jessa has been a member of UUCM since 2019, and after years of active participation, she is eager to give back to the community that has profoundly shaped her life. For her, UUCM is more than just a church—it is a place of growth, connection, and shared values, where she has chosen to raise her child and where she has formed lifelong friendships.
Jessa has been deeply involved in the church’s Religious Exploration program, particularly in leading the Paganism exploration group. She has also been a familiar face at game nights, movie nights, and parent circle discussions, where she has found opportunities to build relationships and engage in thoughtful conversations. Her professional background is as a financial analyst; she has the ability to navigate complex projects, facilitate collaborative decision-making, and will bring strong financial and organizational skills to the Board.
As a devout Pagan, Jessa’s spiritual practices are an integral part of her identity. She finds spiritual grounding through meditation, working with nature, and acts of community service. Her beliefs shape her approach to leadership, emphasizing inclusivity, deep listening, and respect for different spiritual paths.
Jessa believes that UUCM has a responsibility to hold space for its members, particularly during times of change. She sees the church as a place where people should feel deeply supported in the ways that are most meaningful to them. As a member of the Board, she hopes to help strengthen UUCM’s commitment to radical welcoming, ensuring that every individual feels valued, seen, and embraced in their unique journey.
Stacy Doepner-Hove—Nominee for the Board of Trustees (1 year term)
Stacy has been a dedicated member of UUCM since 2000, and over the years, her service to the church has been both deep and wide-ranging.
She has been the church’s Treasurer for the past five years, led the Children and Youth Religious Exploration (CYRE) program for three to four years, and taught in the program for an incredible twenty years. Now, she is looking forward to completing her term as Treasurer by filling the one-year seat on the Board, ensuring a smooth transition and supporting the next Treasurer as they step into the role.
Beyond UUCM, Stacy has been actively engaged in governance and leadership roles throughout her career and volunteer work. She has served on governance committees and the University Senate at the University of Minnesota for nearly two decades, including five years as a committee chair. Additionally, she was on the Board of the Minnesota League of Women Voters for nearly fifteen years, serving as President for four of those years. She was also a founding member of the Westonka Community Theatre Board, where she served as Treasurer for six years. Her extensive leadership experience in both financial oversight and organizational governance makes her uniquely qualified to continue contributing to the Board’s work.
For Stacy and her family, UUCM has been a foundational part of their lives. Their children grew up in the church, and their own spiritual journeys have been shaped by the community’s support and engagement. She takes pride in being part of a church that encourages deep questioning, exploration, and personal growth.
Nature plays a vital role in Stacy’s spiritual life. Whether she is outside with her dog or simply near a window, she finds peace and connection in the natural world. She also believes that UUCM’s role in the wider world is essential—serving as a welcoming community and a place where people can find the strength to speak up and take action when the world is in need of kindness and justice.
Mike Wheeler—Nominee for the Board of Trustees (3 year term)
Mike has been a member of UUCM since 2020 and sees serving on the Board of Trustees as a meaningful way to deepen his connection to the church, contribute to its future, and build relationships with fellow members.
He is eager to gain a better under standing of the inner workings of UUCM—how it operates day-to-day and the broader strategies that sustain its mission. More than anything, he looks forward to working alongside others who share a commitment to fostering a strong, welcoming and engaged community.
Mike has been actively involved in UUCM’s Tech Committee, ensuring that both in-person and online services run smoothly. His creative side has also found an outlet within the church—he assisted in filming and editing “shorts” for the church play and has lent his photography skills to capture moments from events such as the Easter egg hunt. Photography and videography are more than just hobbies for Mike; they are a way of giving back. He has served as an event photographer for Ultra Trail races, providing his work free of charge and encouraging people to “pay it forward” in their own volunteer efforts. His images have been widely published, even earning a magazine cover.
Professionally, Mike is the Manager of Network and Telecom for the eighth-largest accounting firm in the U.S., leading a team of eight engineers. He brings a wealth of experience in managing complex projects, problem-solving, and fostering collaboration—skills that he believes will serve him well in a leadership role at UUCM. He also has a strong history of volunteerism, beginning with Rotary International, where he mentored exchange students, a cause close to his heart as a former Rotary exchange student himself.
Mike and his wife, Brook, spent years searching for a spiritual home where they both felt truly aligned.That search ended when they attended UUCM via Zoom during the pandemic and immediately knew they had found their place. He treasures the sense of belonging and shared purpose he has discovered here. His spirituality is deeply rooted in nature—he finds peace in quiet conversations with the wind and woods, grounding himself in the rhythm of the natural world. While some may smile at the term “tree hugger,” Mike embraces it fully, finding comfort and connection in those simple, meaningful acts. Music is another central part of his spiritual life. Raised in a household filled with instruments, he grew up surrounded by the sounds of pianos, guitars, saxophones, and mandolins. His father was a member of the Men’s Apollo Club of Minneapolis, and his mother a concert pianist, making music not just a pastime, but a deeply ingrained part of his being.
Looking ahead, Mike envisions UUCM continuing to be a sanctuary for personal and spiritual growth, a space where people feel truly seen and supported. He also sees the church as a catalyst for social change—engaging in local issues, building partnerships, and taking a stand for justice and inclusivity. He is honored by the opportunity to serve and is eager to bring his energy, ideas, and commitment to the Board of Trustees.
Adam Elg—Nominee for the Board of Trustees (2 year term)
Adam is an unwavering advocate for advancing liberal religion, particularly within the Unitarian Universalist tradition. He is dedicated to fostering inclusive spaces where individuals can explore their beliefs and actively work towards social justice.
In 1992, Adam and his partner Roger became members of the UU Fellowship of Northfield. His involvement there, both as the chair of the board and a board member, spanned a transformative period, in which the congregation transitioned from informal Sunday discussions to structured services. In that time, the fellowship experienced growth, hired a part-time minister and religious education leader, and set the fellowship on a path to eventually acquire a permanent building.
Adam’s commitment to service extends to his leadership on numerous boards, including the Northfield Environmental Quality Commission, the Northfield Chamber of Commerce Retail board, and the Northfield Enterprise Center. Currently, Adam contributes his expertise as a board member on the Wayzata Planning Commission.
Adam envisions the UUCM as a beacon of inclusivity and activism. Adam and Roger have found not only a spiritual home in UUCM, but also a community dedicated to fighting against injustice in all its forms.
Adam is serving as the Vice President of the UUCM Board of Trustees this church year (2024-2025) and would serve 2 years to complete a full term as trustee under the revised model.
UUCM Nominating Committee Nominees
Kate Flom—Nominee for the UUCM Nominating Committee (1 year term)
Kate has been a member of UUCM since 1990 and has long enjoyed helping others connect with the community. She finds it fulfilling to engage with people and introduce them to the ways they can get involved at UUCM. With previous experience on both the Board and the Nominating Committee, Kate is familiar with the roles and processes that contribute to the growth of the church.
Kate’s leadership experience includes serving two terms on the Board (1997-1999 and 2013-2017, where she was Vice President in 2014/15 and President in 2015/16). She also has a history with the Nominating Committee, including several terms in the early 2000s and another year while serving on the Board. In addition, Kate facilitated or co-facilitated the Racial Justice Team from 2021-2024, and she has co-taught the women’s theology class Cakes for the Queen of Heaven in the late 1990s. She is also involved in the community through coffee service, Zoom hosting, choir, and co-facilitating the current community book read of ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’.
Janet Avery—Nominee for the UUCM Nominating Committee (2 year term)
Janet has been a member of UUCM from 1998 to 2004 and again since 2022. She views serving on the Nominating Committee as a meaningful way to contribute to the church, bringing her past experience in similar roles. Janet has chaired and served on nominating committees at both First Universalist and other organizations, and she believes her background will be a valuable asset in this role.
Janet’s involvement with UUCM includes helping organize UU Women West (UUWW) around 1999, which was part of the UU Women’s Federation (UUWF). She has also taught Religious Education for two terms in the early 2000s, has been an active member of the UUCM choir for nearly three years, and participates in UUCM Women Who Read.
Brian Zais—Nominee for the UUCM Nominating Committee (2 year term)
Brian has been a member of UUCM since 2013. He has previously served on the Nominating Committee and feels confident in his ability to organize the committee and encourage others to take on leadership roles within the church.
Brian’s leadership experience includes serving on the Board of Trustees from 2021 to 2024, as well as his continued involvement with the Nominating Committee. As a musician, he contributes to many aspects of music in the church as well as being a tech volunteer. Brian is known for his handiwork, assisting with minor church maintenance and as a leader for the Appalachia Service Project (ASP). He has also served as a teacher for Religious Education and Our Whole Lives (OWL).
UUCM Happenings 