Rev. Dr. Sidney D. Fowler, Hope UCC’s Interim Minister

Rev.“What I want to be about, what I feel called to be about, is to join others in deepening our spiritual, justice, and inclusive heart – to draw close to the heart of God.” — Sid Fowler

With God, Hope UCC and Reverend Dr. Sidney D. Fowler are covenanting together during this interim time for a time of deepening and holy discovery. Sid joined us on our journey in faith as our part-time interim pastor in December 2007. His own journey began where he grew up in Levelland, Texas, yet God has led him to many other places.

Sid received a B.A. from McMurry University and an M.Div from Duke Divinity School, Duke University. He received his doctorate in religion and education from the joint program at Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary.

Ordained in 1975 in the United Methodist Church, Sid received privilege of call in the United Church of Christ in 1995. He has served as pastor of congregations in Silver City and Los Alamos, New Mexico, as well as in Nashville, Tennessee. Sid served both on the national staff of the United Methodist Church as editor for youth resources, and on the UCC national staff for 14 years.

With the UCC offices in Cleveland, Sid served as minister for curriculum development leading to the creation of educational resources including the ecumenical curriculum, Seasons of the Spirit. Later, as minister for worship, liturgy, and spiritual formation, he guided the denomination-wide initiative Worshiping into God’s Future. Sid is also author of What Matters to You? Matters to Us, a book and online resource for seekers interested in the UCC.

Sid moved to Washington, D.C., in spring 2005 with his partner of 12 years, Jeffrey Catts. Recently, Sid served as the developing editor for the Human Rights Campaign’s online Bible resource, Out in Scripture. The site provides LGBT devotional and scholarly perspectives on weekly Bible readings from the lectionary. He has served both on the adjunct faculty for Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and as a reflection group leader for congressional staffers at the Faith and Politics Institute.

Sid especially senses God’s call to share in ministry here at Hope:

“This is a holy time at Hope — a time of careful and joyful listening for what God is doing among all of us. You have blessed me by inviting me to join you. In the past, God has done amazing things through your open arms, faithful prayers, and vital witness. And now, in this time of transition, God will again do something wonderful, something new. We all desire Hope, God’s hope.”

Contact Sid Fowler at pastor@hopeucc.org