Minister, Rev. Ellen Davis
Rev. Ellen Davis discovered Unity while attending college in 1969. She helped her late husband, Rev. Dean Davis, start churches in many places and was the spiritual leader from 1996-1998 at Unity of Ft. Smith, AR and for 6 months at Unity by the Sea in Corpus Christi. She was the first spiritual leader at Unity of Denton (March 1986-1989) and returned in 1999.
Board of Trustees
Dale Yeatts, President
For a man whose favorite song is “It’s Such a Good Feeling to Know You’re Alive” by Fred Rogers, UNT Professor of Sociology Dale Yeatts, PhD is a very interesting man. He was born in Hampton, Virginia, attended college at Old Dominion University, earned his Master of Arts at William & Mary and his PhD at the University of Virginia. Dale said that he enjoyed studying drawing and painting in school because it gave him a chance to express himself, but he was especially interested in psychology since the teacher was interesting (and she was cute).
Dale and wife Linda, who is a medical doctor, have two almost grown sons, Paul and Peter.
While in college Dale danced ballet and considered going professional. He says of this experience, “At my best, I danced the Cavalier in the Nutcracker Suite.”
When asked about his dream vacation, Dale had very definite ideas. His vacation is with his family on a white sandy beach where the weather is not too hot and the water is not too cold and the waves are perfect for body surfing. There is a big beach umbrella, enjoyable novels to read (preferably by Louis L’Amour) and a big, roomy, fully furnished beach cottage with a well-stocked refrigerator. I guess that refrigerator is stocked with his favorite foods: chocolate, creamy rich ice cream and steak. And I suppose his favorite kind of music (Christmas music) is playing in the background. Eat your heart out, Jimmy Buffet.
Dale and Linda found Unity of Denton after attending a Sunday school class at First United Methodist Church in Denton for many years. The primary focus of the study in this class is the book Course in Miracles and the life perspective and spirituality presented in this book mirror Unity principles. Fellow usher Dan Fette also attended this SS class and told Dale and Linda about Unity of Denton. They visited and found that the Unity principles and messages closely reflected their own thinking. They still attend the Sunday school class but have become very active members at Unity. They have hosted home study groups for the 7-week programs and Dale is a member of the Board of Trustees. Linda and Dale volunteer in many other capacities here at church.
Vice President, Lance Oliver
Lance and his wife Mary have been very active at our church for many years. They are the facilitators for Spirit Quest which meets at our church plus Mary is a Sunday School teacher.
Secretary, Kay Lamb
I was raised in the United Methodist Church, even before it became united, by parents who were loving, non-judgmental and moderate, so I didn’t have any heinous religious issues to overcome. I raised my three children in that denomination, where, over the years I led the children’s choir, sang in the choir, served on the board, chaired Vacation Bible School, and duly brought dishes to the covered dish dinners. However, over the years I felt a gentle calling to read and think outside the box in which I dwelled spiritually. everything put in my path which eventually led me to Unity was a series of gentle “aha” moments and small upheavals.
When I first came to Unity I sat in the back and reveled in the food for thought and spiritual growth which I found here. I had been so involved in my previous church experience that I wanted a quiet time of rest and nurturing. I suppose that my call to get more involved is God’s way of letting me know that when you are part of a family you must give back.
I began my greater involvement with Unity by singing and doing the Sunday music when Kathryn was out of town. This was great, as my secret wish was to be a lounge singer. I also attended most of the Sunday discussion groups which were offered and participated in the fall programs. After I retired from teaching first grade I offered to do volunteer work in the office as needed and soon found myself doing the deposits and the bulletin and platform script. (So now you know who messes things up.) I co-chaired the administration of this year’s fall program.
I feel strongly that if one is a part of an organization and receives benefits from it, that one must step up when asked to serve however needed.
Treasurer, Colleen Pierce
Lane and I became members of Unity in late 2006. From the first Sunday I attended Unity I knew I had found a spiritual home. Moreover Lane and I both found a warm place where we feel free to share and learn from others beliefs, learnings, and values. Early 2007 Lane and I both became Prayer Chaplains. For me this has been a most gratifying experience as our training in prayer continues. Somewhere late in 2006 I also joined the Usher team and enjoy those Sunday’s very much. I have worked in an Administrative Assistant position while Reverend Ellen took her sabbatical in 2008. That’s where I really learned how much energy it takes to keep a church running and how blessed we are that we have that energy in this church. My desire is to assist in focusing that energy into growth and abundance at Unity of New Hope.
Member, Joe Bigley
Member, Jim Dietrich
Lin Weinberg, Licensed Unity Teacher
Lin Weinberg is our Licensed Unity Teach. She also started the Prayer Chaplain program and has been co-cordinator of the Sunday School.
Colleen Pierce is not only a Prayer Chaplain but in charge of our bookstore and newsletter and is on the Board of Trustees.
Volunteer Coordinator
Pamela Sybert has been in charge of our Volunteer program for years. She also is working on her Licensed Unity Teacher credentials.
Sunday School and Youth Program
Nancy Kremer
Mary Oliver
Audra Litchfield
Volunteer
Pam Livingston
Pam is in a classification all of her own as she does so much outside of our normal committees. She puts together our yearly telephone directory, is a key person in the Fall Program (this year she wrote the program plus designed our poster), is on the music committee (drummer), arranged our Women’s Retreat, is our disc jockey for the Fall Party and other special events and does countless other things.