I am so excited to be writing my first MidAmerica Region UUA (MA Region) newsletter article! For those who don’t know me yet, let me introduce myself–I am QuianaDenae Perkins, the MA Region Congregational Life Resident. I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with my teenage children.

The MA Region Residency is a 2-year experience supporting a faith professional already working toward accreditation or UU Fellowship to further their knowledge, experience, and praxis in UU Congregational Life. The frame of the residency (hours, expectations) allows the Resident to complete their other requirements and be successful in all areas.

I come into this role as a third-year Starr King School for the Ministry student pursuing a Master’s in Divinity. I have completed a full-year internship in Southern Oregon, serving three communities. Before hearing my call to ministry, I was a staff member at the First UU Congregation of Ann Arbor and volunteered extensively with Black Lives of UU (BLUU) and the Church of the Larger Fellowship.

In addition to earning my degree from Starr King (projected graduation in Spring 2025), I am also working to meet the Ministerial Formation Committee (MFC) requirements. The MFC is the body that grants admission into UU Ministerial fellowship, a step that proceeds ordination. I would like to meet with the MFC in the Fall of 2025.

In the initial stages of the residency, I will shadow current MA Region staff to learn more about the region and the role of congregational life. Over time I will take on more responsibilities and community engagement.

In these two years, I will learn more about our faith, covenant, and connection by being fully immersed in learning, acting, and supporting our congregations in creating beloved communities.

My primary hours are Monday-Friday; I am in the Eastern time zone; I strive to answer emails (qdperkins@uua.org) + phone messages (617-948-6433) within 24 hours.