Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County

Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County

24 Varsity Street (at Broad Street)
Mail to: PO Box 918
Brevard, NC 28712
828-877-6121

Rev. Ernest L. Mills, Jr.

“Opening the UU hymnal was like opening up a new phase in my life. Its songs and readings provide a roadmap for an adventurous and exciting spiritual journey where the wisdom from all the world's faith traditions is honored. My understanding of our UU faith has deepened as I have prepared sermons, taught lifespan faith development courses, and completed the readings and other tasks required for my interview with the UUA's Ministerial Fellowshipping Committee. I have now served UUTC for five years, first as half time and now as full time minister, and I continue to be challenged and rewarded. I successfully completed my UUA preliminary fellowshipping interview in December 2006, and was ordained to the UU ministry in June 2007.

I attended my first General Assembly in St. Louis in 2006, and came home with a much greater appreciation of the rich diversity in Unitarian Universalism. I was deeply impressed by the worship services at GA and the unique way in which they combined spirituality and social/global issues. We are very fortunate to have Rev. Bill Sinkford as UUA President. I came home from GA feeling renewed and excited.

Even after five years with Unitarian Universalism, the sense of freedom and openness has not faded one iota. I love the Unitarian Universalists that I have met. They are eager to grow and learn, and are always ready for a new experience. We all have worked very hard to get where we are today in our new congregational home. We have exciting prospects for our future, with a growing childrens' program and adult education programs”

Rev. Mills (Ernie) earned a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of North Carolina, Asheville, a Master of Religious Education from Duke Divinity School, Duke University, and a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology, Emory University.

He began his ministry in the United Methodist Church, serving as Director of Education, Assistant Pastor, and Minister. Prior to joining UUTC in June 2002, Ernie was Chaplain and Instructor at Brevard College.

His strong interest in depth psychology and his love of folk guitar and mountain storytelling enhance his theology and bring an added dimension to his ministry. In addition, the Tuesday morning men's group he started three years ago provides a unique opportunity for male bonding!