Staff
Learn about our minister
Marlene Metz Hartzler, Music Director

Marlene’s deep passion and commitment to music inspire the NUUC Adult Choir every Sunday with their electric performances. She strives to create a meaningful atmosphere for worship with outstanding and exciting music.
Marlene is also the mother to two beautiful children, Prescott and Rosemary. She and her husband Bryan live in Galena and enjoy hobbies including pottery, organic gardening, telemark skiing, and cooking with tofu.
Morgan Patten, Director of Religious Exploration morgan@nuuc.org
Morgan Patten combines her passions for Unitarian Universalism and learning as the Director of Religious Education. Morgan holds a Master’s in Education and has worked in instructional design in the public and private sectors for more than a decade. As a former treatment foster parent, she has experience collaborating with youth and families from a range of backgrounds. She also serves as a Commissioned Lay Minister.
Morgan lives with her partner, Cara and their five kids, dog, and cat. When she isn’t at church or at work, she enjoys running long distances, baking ridiculously complex birthday cakes for her family, and playing board games.