When Lorelei joined the ministry staff at University in September 2007, it was not her first experience with the congregation – she was a seminary student intern here five years earlier, so she knew she would love working at UPC!  It was a great joy to her to be ordained at this church supported by the love and encouragement of its members, and her sending congregation of Sunnyslope Presbyterian.

Resourcing for Christian Education is a big part of Lorelei’s responsibilities at UPC.  She is blessed to work with the Christian Education Committee, the Parish Associate for Spiritual Formation, and the Youth Director.  She is part of the mid-week ROCK program development team.  She helps teach Sr. High Church School, and coordinates the Confirmation program.  Working with Rev. Bev Phillips, she organizes Adult Education opportunities.  Lorelei is the pastoral resource for UPC’s very active Board of Deacons, and works closely with our excellent Parish Nursing program.  She enjoys participating with Social Justice, Peacemaking & Mission in their social action ministry efforts.  Worship leadership and pastoral care and counseling are also important parts of her ministry role.

Lorelei graduated from William Wood University with a B.A. in English (Creative Writing) in 1980; and completed her Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary (SW) in Phoenix in 2003.  In January, she began working on a Doctor of Ministry with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  Lorelei was born in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia – she has been a world-traveler from an early age, and in the course of her life has lived on three different continents.  She speaks English, tries to speak Dutch, and pretends to speak French.  She has been married to Scott Hillman for 25 years; they have three amazing children – Clint, Vanessa and Eva.  Her favorite things to do include: travel to almost anywhere, reading, gardening, and learning languages (ancient and modern).

Carol grew up in Placentia, California where, as a high school student, she served the Placentia Presbyterian Church as church organist. She has served University Presbyterian Church as Worship Pianist since August of 2006. Carol works with the organist to lead the congregational singing, accompanies the choir and soloists as well as performs other special music.

Mrs. Rickel holds BM and MM Degrees in Piano performance from Arizona State University and the University of Southern California and has completed doctoral studies in piano at Arizona State University.

After receiving her Masters Degree, Carol joined the faculty of Chapman University in Orange California as an instructor in piano. Inbetween her work at Chapman University and her current position at Xavier College Preparatory High School in Phoenix (1995 to present) as Director of Choirs and Chair of the Music Department, Carol had an independent piano studio in her home.

She has served as President of the Arizona State Music Teachers Association and as the North Central Regional Choir Chair for the Arizona Music Educators Association. She performs with the Sonora Desert Chorale. As Director of Choirs at Xavier, Carol’s choirs have sung from coast to coast and won many honors.

Carol has accepted the position of Music Director of the UPC Chancel Choir and Hand Bell Choir upon the completion of the 2008-09 school year at Xavier College Prep.

It is her hope that retirement from Xavier will allow time for her to return to her hobbies of hiking, gardening and traveling.

Dianna joined the UPC staff in June of 2002.  As the administrative assistant, her responsibilities include assisting church members, staff and visitors, maintain the church calendar, provide secretarial support to both pastors, committee chairs, committee members and do whatever it takes to see that the church runs smoothly.

Past work experience for Dianna includes working in a non-profit setting, which included working at the Tucson Botanical Gardens for three years.  In addition, Dianna has experience working in a law office, a brokerage firm and the recycling business. 

Dianna has an Associate of Arts degree in legal assistant studies from Pima Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Arts degree in organizational management also from the University of Phoenix.

As a native Phoenician, Dianna grew up in the area and graduated from McClintock High School (MHS).  At the time she attended MHS, the Dobson Ranch area was a working cattle ranch, Mill Avenue stopped at Southern and you  had to use Kyrene Road to get down to Baseline.  Dianna has a grown son, Justin, who currently attends college and works full time.  In her spare time, Dianna, enjoys the company of her two English bulldogs, Rufus and Max, and will gladly tell you all about them given the chance.