How does Sunday service feel?
Sunday mornings are where music and spirit, meditation and tradition meet joy and relevance. No two services are exactly the same, but every week our ministers and guest preachers speak on timeless themes and current events.
Rev. Kristin Schmidt, Senior Minister
Rev. Kristin is passionate about the role liberal faith communities can play in strengthening democracy and building a world where all people can flourish.
Rev. Kristin Schmidt (she/her) was born and raised in Wheaton, MD. After graduating from McDaniel College with a BA in music, she moved to England where she attended a Unitarian church and felt the call to ministry. After graduating from Wesley Theological Seminary she was ordained in 2011 and served congregations in California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Texas before beginning her ministry with UUCSS in 2020. Outside of ministry, Rev. Kristin enjoys baking, cooking, hiking, and all things Star Trek. She lives in Olney with her spouse and their three children, cat, dog, and turtle.
Jen Hayman, Music Director
Jen Hayman is an accomplished Asian American choral conductor, educator, singer, and pianist who believes in the power of music to change lives and culture. Jen led a successful flash mob for voting rights on the steps of the Supreme Court, created a spontaneous 700-voice choir for a Solidarity Sing on the evening of the Women’s March in 2017, and continues to create beauty in unexpected places. Her work has been featured on the Huffington Post, Upworthy.com, the Rachel Maddow Show and National Public Radio. She has performed for two Supreme Court justices and alongside countless civil rights and social justice leaders.
Jen has been a music leader in Unitarian Universalism for nearly 20 years, serving congregations in Philadelphia (PA), Washington (DC), Arlington (VA), and Cambridge (MA). She is currently the President of the Association for UU Music Ministries (AUUMM). She is also director of women’s vocal group, bēheld, and the newly formed Sound and Vision Youth Chorus: a social justice youth choir based in Montgomery County.
In her spare time, Jen can be found thrift shopping for retro home goods, trying to coordinate red, orange, and turquoise in the same outfit, and having dance parties with her husband, Rob, and son, Simon.
Meaningful, Joyful, Creative Services
Ceremonies that Connect
Sunday services, weddings, memorial services, and social events where you can share fellowship and values.
Listening Together
Rev. Kristin and Jen Hayman collaborate with volunteers, staff, and others to create Sundays that make you think, and sometimes laugh.
Music and Creativity Abound
UUCSS is a vital home to musicians, artists, and other creators.