I am a life-long Unitarian Universalist, raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia.  I attended Main Line Unitarian Church as a child and still have family and friends there.  In my free time, I enjoy many forms of exercise, doing home repairs, spending time with my family, reading science fiction and historical fiction, discussing ethics, camping, hiking and playing cooperative board games.  I live in Newark, DE (pronounced new-Ark, not New-erk) with my wife, Isabella, and two children, Micah and Grace.  Because of the distance, my family seldom attend service, but occasionally they will come to social gatherings.

I came to Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship after a conversation following a guest preaching “gig” for Easter, 2002 – and I was hired later that year as part-time minister.  My ministry at Thomas Paine is twofold: pastoral care and preaching.  For the most part you will see me in the sanctuary about twice a month in the pulpit, in the office once a week and in personal meetings.  If you ever feel the need to chat – about personal concerns, theological questions, hard times, good times, celebrations, pretty much anything – please reach out!

Theologically, my view of the Divine is both large and small.  I believe in an essence which encompasses All.  One could say I am an “Infinitarian” (the official theological term is panentheism).  God is an all encompassing feeling of life and love, and this collective Deity is realized and witnessed to through relationships.  Through meeting, working with, teaching, learning from and loving others we create and sustain God.  My professional calling is to empower others to reach their full potential, and create space for transformation, self discovery and new energy.

Fun Facts About Rev. Andrew:

• I am a morning person.
• I like spicy, vegan food.
• I have a twin sister and an older sister.
• I speak Hungarian conversationally.
• I am an Eagle Scout and volunteer as a Cub Scout Den Leader.
• I was in a social fraternity in college (ΣΦΕ) and my fraternity brothers are some of my closest friends.
• I worked part-time jobs at an Indian lunch truck and an indoor rock climbing gym.
• I attended Carnegie Mellon for Architecture, Mathematics and Engineering.
• I have a degree is Social Work.
• I prefer using the term “Unitarian Universalist” to “UU”.
• I write a blog titled “How to Drive Like a Minister” about applied faith (drivelikeaminister.tumblr.com).
• I find the Enneagram a useful tool for understanding myself.  I identify as Type 9 (enneagram.com).
• To date I have completed 19 marathons, 4 ultra marathons and 4 “Olympic” distance triathlons.
• I coach fitness classes at the University of Delaware.

In general I am around Thomas Paine on Sundays after I preach and during the day on Thursdays.  My schedule tends to be flexible, so please reach out before stopping by to make sure I am around or to set up another time to talk – via e-mail: minister@tpuuf.org or cell: 412-327-3731 (texting is usually best for me).  I would love to get to know you (yes, you!) over coffee/tea, lunch or chatting about favorite books.