Joy Hayes

I am so grateful for that snowy day in December of 2000 when my massage therapist invited me to attend the UU Church of the Palouse in Moscow, Idaho. My world totally changed! Fast forward to a move to Waco, Texas...becoming a school teacher, getting married, having a baby and squeezing in as much church work as possible! ;-)

I served the UU Fellowship of Waco as part-time DRE from 2003-2007. I have been the Worship Team Chair for several years and am currently the President-elect of the board of trustees. Oh, also the chair of the Ministerial Relations Committee. Is that everything? Wait, my favorite church activities are teaching the 3 - 5 year old "Pollywogs" Religious Education class and our women's group, "Sisters on a Journey". Our women's group has enjoyed "Rise Up and Call Her Name" and "Cakes for the Queen of Heaven". It takes a lot of work to keep a women's group going- and I have loved being a part of the circle. We support each other and have such fun!!!

I look forward to the Southwest UU Women's conference each year. This will be my 6th conference and I always feel like I'm in the presence of such wise, sage women.

Please join us as we celebrate our 25 years! And explore our future! Generation Nexxt!

Peace!
Joy

Carol Currie

My mother -- a creative leader -- and her Mother -- a doll maker -- were both instrumental in encouraging me to become a creative and caring person. My family and community are of paramount importance to me, and holding them in my heart is often not enough. I love to speak with them and understand the world from their perspective.

I live in Garland, Texas with my partner, Janell Jenkins. She does lamp-work glass while I enjoy watercolors. Actually, I do a lot of other crafts including make dolls and I garden as well. I have one son Aaron, who lives in San Diego with his wife Tina. Our pets are a constant cause of laughter in our home. We have one herding dog, one hunting dog and a Manx cat with such diverse personalities that watching them play is great fun.

I am a member of Dallas First Unitarian Church. Women’s Conferences have been an important part of my life for 23 years. Having a place to be in worship with a huge group of women is so wonderful; I don’t think I can accurately describe it. It is peaceful and joyous and inclusive and spirit filled all at the same time, plus more…. It is a time to be just me: not Mother, Partner or anything else.

I was on the planning committee of two other SWUUW Conferences, and I have been involved in helping people form relationships all my life. At church, at work and in my personal life, I love to work with women (and men) to help all of us “grow in harmony with the divine.”

Please make plans to join me in March, 2011.

With love,
Carol Currie