Rev. Leslie Becknell Marx
Minister
Rev. Leslie Becknell Marx is our minister at Wy’east. She works with the members of Wy’east in a robust shared ministry. Leslie has served us at the level of quarter-time ministry since December 2022.
From Our Minister
In my ministry, I seek deep truths, pursue genuine justice, listen deeply, provide inspiration, and provoke introspection. We come to Wy’east to become our “deepest and truest selves” while always tenderly loving each other and ourselves exactly as we are.
Being together as Unitarian Universalists, we experience the joy of being in community, support for stretching toward our vision of what is possible, and opportunities to connect and contribute.
My particular joys of ministry include designing and delivering Sunday worship services, writing and telling stories, connecting across religious traditions, and leading interactive classes and workshops. An important part of ministry is advocating for social justice, equity and belonging. Causes that are particularly close to my heart are peaceful resolutions across differences and equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+, disabled people, women and children. Non-violence is my core spiritual practice.
My personal passions include Playback improvisational theater, dancing of all kinds, reading and talking about novels, and the Oregon coast.
Journey in Ministry
Leslie discovered Unitarian Universalism in young adulthood. The spiritual inspiration, intellectual engagement, and supportive community soon became a central part of her life. In the large Atlanta UU congregation, she became a lay minister focused on worship and young adult programming.
Leslie attended Andover Newton Theological School outside Boston, was intern minister at First Parish in Brookline, MA, and was an intern chaplain in a retirement community. Her studies and experiences in seminary (including a course/trip to Nicaragua and El Salvador) kindled her commitment to social justice and non-violence.
With her then-infant son, Aaron and his dad, Adam, Leslie moved across the country to serve as minister in Ashland, OR at the Rogue Valley UU Fellowship. Strengths of ministry were vibrant worship services, engagement with inter-faith clergy, and engaging workshops and events. A particular honor was being named Grand Marshall for Southern Oregon’s Pride Parade.
In 2014, Leslie shifted to a community ministry to support leaders in organizations to lead with integrity, authenticity and connection. This provided more flexibility for parenting her young child and supporting him with his muscular dystrophy chronic condition. Her work includes coaching, role plays, simulation exercises, and facilitating learning conversations.
Leslie has Final Fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association and is a member of the UU Ministers Association (UMMA), regularly attending UU ministry retreats in the Pacific Northwest district and connecting with Portland colleagues.
Heather Donovan
Director of Religious Education
Heather Donovan is delighted to serve as the Director of Religious Education at Wy’east Unitarian Universalist Congregation. She has had the joy of caring for children of all ages, and from many different religious backgrounds for nearly 30 years, with early childhood education being her favorite.
Her background includes Special Education, Religious Education, End of Life Doula, as well as various medical and healthcare experience. She is the mother of an amazing teenager who blesses her with wisdom and insight far beyond his years. It is her belief that all children should feel loved, respected, and safe to express their true, beautiful individuality. She is excited to facilitate a warm and accepting environment for all children to explore their curiosity and to establish a strong sense of connection, compassion, and community.
In her spare time, she enjoys studying languages, skydiving, spending time in nature, and getting lost in a book or an art project. She is also a big fan of traveling, especially road trips! Heather looks forward to getting to know all the lovely kiddos (and grown ups!) of this congregation and inspiring each other to be our best selves, helping to make the world a better place.
Gigi Lascurettes
P/T Office Administrator
Gigi keeps things running smoothly at Wy’east by providing administrative support to the congregation and our volunteer teams. She doesn’t keep regular office hours so the best way to reach her is by email.
Gigi is a lover of nature, both outdoors and with all her plants at home. She paddles and races with outrigger canoes, performs improv, draws, builds and repairs, creates useful products via sewing and recycling fabrics (check out her website for Helmuffs, ear-muffs for your (bicycling) helmet: GigisHandyWork.com. She’s fond of travelling, and loves riding her motorcycle. She especially loves her husband, son, and close family, which includes her two dogs.
Eddie Sawyer
Worship Production Support
Eddie handles all the audio/visual support required for us to offer Multi-Platform worship services on Sunday mornings. He strives to make both our online and in-person spaces welcoming and accessible.
