Samantha McCune

Religious Educator & Professional

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About

Throughout my theological studies and work experience, one subject that has truly gripped my interest is: spiritual formation. I believe it is important to make space that is safe and welcoming for people of all ages to explore what spirituality and the sacred mean to them. This can be brought about by engaging in community with their peers, diving into artistic means of expression, familiarizing oneself with nature, scripture, rest, stillness, etc. Spiritual formation is an ongoing journey and I aim to create a space that allows people to grow, explore and reflect on what brings them meaning in the current moment. Through dialogue and sharing our sacred stories, I truly believe that the power of narrative and storytelling can make a difference in the world. By helping to bring forth more opportunities to raise voices, tell stories and learn more about the many lived experiences of others, I believe change can begin to be made.

Experience

  • Follen Church (5 mos)
    • Ministerial Intern
      Sep 2026 - Present · 3 mos

    • Sep 2026 - Present · 3 mos
      Present

    • Youth Program Coordinator
      Jul 2026 - Present · 5 mos

    • Jul 2026 - Present · 5 mos
      Present

  • Religious Education Coordinator at First Universalist Church of Auburn, Unitarian Universalist
    May 2024 - Apr 2026 · 2 yrs

    •Rebuilt the Religious Exploration (RE) program for children and youth after years of hiatus from the pandemic •Coordinates and performs stories for Time For All Ages each Sunday and collaborates to make worship more multigenerational •Recruits, manages and trains volunteers •Designs and executes one-off events such as RE Family Game Night and representing the church in a local Trunk or Treat event •Reviews and selects curriculum and topics for RE classes •Trained as a facilitator for Our Whole Lives for grades 7-9 and 10-12

  • Program Coordinator for Multifaith Chaplaincy at Bates College
    Aug 2021 - Jan 2026 · 4 yrs 6 mos

    •Collaborating closely with the multifaith chaplains, spiritual advisors, student employees and religious student groups to plan and execute events on campus such as: Study Retreat, Pause, Hearth, Candles & Carols, Multifaith Banquet, Monday Meditation, etc. •Creating welcoming and inclusive community spaces for all in collaboration with multifaith chaplains, student employees and other offices such as the Student Center for Belonging and Community, the Center for Global Education, and Dining Conferences & Campus Events. Organizing and coordinating logistics for special guests & speakers (Annual MLK Interfaith/Spoken Word Service, Jewish High Holy Days, Zerby Lecture, etc.) •Coordinating and managing logistics for Annual Baccalaureate Ceremony •Managing budget and tracking on associated spreadsheets •Approving timesheets for student employees •Monitoring social media and email accounts •Oversees and approves Gomes Chapel calendar •Orders and maintains office supplies

  • Director of Religious Exploration at Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church
    Jul 2020 - Jun 2022 · 2 yrs

    •Led a year-long Coming of Age program for the older youth in our congregation •Designed and led worship services via Zoom based on the theme of RE •Found appropriate stories for Time For All Ages that matched the themes of worship services •Created space for youth to openly explore spiritual and religious concepts in community •Coordinated volunteer experiences for the youth such as raking leaves on church grounds and organizing Christmas gift drives for local refugee families •Attended Worship Service Planning Committee meetings and coordinated collaborative events with the Social Action Committee, Green Sanctuary Committee, Music Director, etc. •Researching and selecting curriculum for RE programs/activities for all ages such as Soul Matters, Tapestry of Faith, etc. •Community outreach to different Unitarian Universalist congregations •Drafted and communicated Monthly and Annual RE Reports to the Minister & Board

  • Intern at Rolling Ridge Conference and Retreat Center
    May 2019 - Dec 2019 · 8 mos

    •Held various roles (familiarizing with finances and budget, food preparation, serving as host, participating in workshops, etc.) to gain a full spectrum of perspectives on what it takes to run all facets of a retreat center •Meetings with the director of the center to theologically process and reflect on my internship experience & contributions •Worked as a videographer to create content for the center of the well known author Matthew Fox •Interviewed stakeholders in order to memorialize their stories of personal/spiritual connections to the center