UCO Staff
Student's Voice | Testimonies | Staff
Luis Arce
Luis is from Costa Rica (which is not an island!), and has been involved in UCO for almost 10 years. First in Costa Rica, then in Mexico; now in Ann Arbor where he is serving on staff as part of his missionary training with the Servants of the Word. He enjoys mountain biking, running, rock climbing and all types of outdoor adventures
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Claire Cherniawski - Mission Leader
Claire hails from "L-town", (aka Lansing, Michigan), and is continuing with us this year for her second year on staff. She is also helping out with the new UCO chapter in Hillsdale, MI. Claire served for a year with NET Ministries in West St. Paul, Minnesota, and has an Associates Degree from Lansing Community College. She enjoys playing guitar and Mario Kart, the smell of coffee and traveling. 
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory fo the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” -2 Corinthians 3:18
Janice Firn - Women's Senior Staff
Janice was a member of UCO in East Lansing at MSU during her undergrad, and in Ann Arbor while in grad school. She has previously been on UCO staff and is excited to be back. She likes to travel, drink good coffee and tea, and spend time with friends.
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." - Psalm 27:14
Ruth Gryniewicz - Women's Senior Staff
Ruth graduated with her Masters from UM and is a teacher of High School Theology and Philosophy. She is thrilled to be back on staff with UCO after being away for a couple of years. When she isn't teaching you can probably find her training for Triathlons.
"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." - 2 Cor. 12:9
Dr. Dan Keating - Staff Advisor
Dan is a graduate from the University of Michigan, and has done staff work with UCO for many years, both in Ann Arbor and in the United Kingdom. He has a doctorate in theology from Oxford University, and is an Associate Professor of Theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. He is an avid, but amateur, gardener. 
"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well" - Matthew 6:33
Brian Laba - Mission Director
Brian has been involved with UCO since beginning studies at UM in the fall of 97. He graduated near the start of the new millennium with a degree in Ecology and is happy to recommend specific woody plant species good for hugging (rule of thumb: stay away from things covered in thorns or poison ivy). Brian is a member of Servants of the Word and, a missionary group of men living single for the Lord. He serves with the chapter in Ann Arbor as well as our sister chapter in Grand Rapids. 
“..but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” - 1 Peter 3:15
Joseph Mathias
Bred in the unruly back alleys of western Ann Arbor, Joseph graduated from the University of Michigan in 2007. After pushing paperwork in corporate America for a year, he settled into the more exciting role of a UCO Staff Worker. A xenophile by disposition, Joseph enjoys cooking Asian dinners, dancing to Eastern European Folk music, and playing African drums.
"His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." - Psalm 30:5
Lynne May - Mission Leader
Lynne is from Jackson, Michigan and recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English and Medieval & Early Modern Studies. Having participated in UCO Ann Arbor for the past few years, she is excited to continue serving in UCO as a Women's Mission Leader. If you want to talk about Philosophy, Theology or really old English books, let her know!
"Consider the lillies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these...Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's true pleasure to give you the Kingdom." - Luke 12:27, 32
Mary Nitkiewicz - Mission Leader
Mary graduated from Ave Maria College in 2006 majoring in European History. She served in St. Paul, MN for one year and is now on her third year on staff in Ann Arbor. She works part time as a professional instructor for 4 home-school co-ops in the Ann Arbor/Farmington Hills area. Mary loves fencing, literature and really good coffee. 
"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39
Molly Pauze - Mission Senior Staff
Molly, a UM grad, lives in the area with her husband, Mark, and 4 kids. Molly has worked with the UCO Women's Households for the past three years, and this year will be overseeing the women's sharing groups.
"You show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy,
in your right hand are pleasures evermore." - Psa 16:13
Rosemary Thornton - Regional Women's Leader
Rosemary is a wife and mother of four girls. She served in UCO for 5 years after college, and now also works as a Physician's Assistant at a local hospital. 
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil,
to give you a future and a hope." - Jer 29:11
David Williamson - Mission Leader
David claims he's from Ann Arbor, but he really grew up in Dexter, also known as D-Town. After doing his time at UM, he graduated with a double major in Greek and History, and has no plans to pursue either. In his spare time he likes to work with wood, play music, and go on crazy adventures. David Loves Spiderman.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not only on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight." - Proverbs 3:5,6
Student's Voice | Testimonies | Staff
Home
login or register to post comments