New Board Members Elected
At our Annual Membership Meeting in October 2024, Rev. Brenda Peters and Rev. James Gaither were elected by membership to the board of trustees. Please join us in welcoming them to the board, and learn more about them below.
Rev. Brenda Peters
What inspires you to serve on the USCR board?
My foremost passion lies with Unity and its mission. I am eager to contribute in any way that supports the growth and progress of our movement. Additionally, I am committed to raising awareness about the valuable services we offer, as I believe we are doing exceptional work that deserves greater visibility.
I also recognize the strength of the many wonderful ministries in our region, and I feel it is essential for us to come together as a more cohesive community, working in unity to amplify our collective impact.
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Rev. Brenda brings a deep passion for transforming lives, serving others, and lifelong learning. She shares her inspiring message not only at Unity churches but also at various other organizations. With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, focusing on photography and broadcasting, along with a minor in English, Rev. Brenda’s diverse background reflects her commitment to communication and service.
After more than 20 years of working in administrative and support roles, Rev. Brenda felt a profound calling to inspire others to embrace their true selves while deepening her own spiritual awareness. This calling led her on a quest to find a faith community that aligned with her values, eventually bringing her to Unity, where she found a sense of alignment with its teachings.
Following her membership at Unity of Omaha, Rev. Brenda pursued her ministerial calling, and on June 15, 2020, she was ordained as a Unity minister. As a speaker, she connects with audiences through heartfelt storytelling, drawing on her personal experiences to offer fresh perspectives on life. Her approach encourages individuals to integrate these insights into their own lives, empowering them to pursue their dreams.
Rev. Brenda Peters
Rev. James Gaither
What inspires you to serve on the USCR board?
Because I want to serve Unity in whatever way I fit and because I believe I could make a positive contribution to the work of USCR, I decided to apply. I have been involved in Unity for 50 years as a minister, teacher, and administrator. More importantly, Unity is my spiritual path. The blessings I’ve received on this path move me to serve in Unity in whatever way I believe I can be an asset and whenever I feel called to serve.
I know from experience that regional leadership can have beneficial effects on the ministries and people within the region and beyond. USCR offers some of the most important services, including Board & Leadership Training, Transitional Services, Peace-making skills training, financial support, and Youth and Family support. The regional board makes an important and necessary contribution to keeping the Unity spiritual path open for all those who find it. Perhaps the region can do even more to help people find and follow this beautiful spiritual path.
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Rev. James Gaither, Th.D., was ordained a Unity Minister in 1979, has earned a M.A. in Philosophy and a Doctorate in Theology. He has taught in Unity Ministerial and Spiritual Education for over 30 years and has been Minister in Unity churches for over 12 years. His first ministry was in Collinsville, IL. His second ministry was in New York City where he served as Eric Butterworth’s successor. The New York ministry named him “Pastor Emeritus.”
James has also served as President of Holos University Graduate Seminary and Director of Academic and Student Affairs for Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute. He has been a regular contributor to Unity Magazine for over 35 years. He has published two books: The Essential Charles Fillmore and The Hidden Realm of God: the Historical Jesus & His Healing Philosophy. In addition, James was co-host of one of Unity.fm’s first weekly internet radio programs. He is a recipient of the “Charles Fillmore Award for Visionary Leadership” from Unity Worldwide Ministries.
As UWSI Director of Academic and Student Affairs, James helped set up the Unity education program after it was transferred to Unity Worldwide Ministries from Unity World Headquarters. James retired from full-time ministry in 2018 but continues to teach as an adjunct professor for both UWSI and Unity Urban Ministerial School. He also teaches philosophy and religion courses for Holos Graduate Seminary, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, affiliated with the University of Kansas, and regularly serves as a guest speaker in Unity ministries.
Rev. James Gaither
Visit the Board & Staff page to read more about current members.
