Staff
PASTOR
Rev. Sam Holland
Pastor Sam comes to Cedar Hills UCC most recently from Boston, Massachusetts. They were previously serving as Assistant Minister at King's Chapel (Christian Unitarian) in downtown Boston. Sam was ordained in 2019 after receiving their Master of Divinity from Boston University and their B.A. in Art History from the University of North Carolina Asheville. As a 'PK' (preacher's kid), Sam has extensive experience leading churches, especially in service beyond the church walls.
Prior to working in downtown Boston, they served a rural community, Plymouth Congregational UCC in Plymouth, New Hampshire and also a suburban community on Boston's south shore. Spiritually, Sam is passionate about prayer, social justice, and finding God through interpersonal connections, the outdoors, and play. Sam's goals at Cedar Hills UCC align with the lay leadership - to bring a gospel proclaiming love for all beyond the church building and to invite people into Christian community even if folks are not yet ready to be members.
Sam played Division 1 soccer in undergrad and is now an avid backpacker, snowboarder and CrossFit enthusiast. Sam's faith leadership is influenced by their experiences coaching sports as well as their having led people on zipline courses in the mountains of North Carolina years ago.
Sam dabbles in writing about intersections between Christian spirituality and personal finance as well as their outdoor adventures, particularly as an LGBTQ+ person. Most commonly when Sam is 'off the clock,' they are at the gym, getting lost outside, or with their family which includes their wife Libby, as well as two kitties: a handsome tuxedo cat named Benjamin and a gorgeous dilute tortoiseshell cat named Lucille (after Lucille Ball).
DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION
Amy Norden
Amy was raised in Boulder, Montana. As an undergraduate, she attended Montana State University-Bozeman and pursued a double major in Sculpture and Applied Psychology, with an emphasis on Creative Expressive Therapy for High-Risk Adolescents. After graduation, she continued her education and received a Masters of Illustration from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco.
In addition to being a certified as an instructor for Our Whole Lives, and Godly Play storyteller, Amy a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor for Adults, Teens and Youth, and has completed Art of Hosting training.
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Stephen Galván
For over 45 years, Steve has directed both church and community choirs, and has served as the Artistic Director and Conductor of ISing Choir since its formation in 2005. He also has extensive experience with community arts organizations, including roles as Vice Chair of the Beaverton Arts Commission, Executive Director for Choral Cross-Ties, and Trustee for the Beaverton Arts Foundation.
Steve is a graduate of Point Loma University in San Diego and earned his Masters of Music from the University of Portland. In addition to his many musical talents, Steve is passionate about promoting musical opportunities for others.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Allison Neal
Allison has been our Office Administrator since Fall 2018, providing invaluable information and support to the congregation and staff around nearly every aspect of our community life.
A member of CHUCC since 2005, Allison and her family have deep roots in our church, and her long-standing membership gives her a profound understanding of our community.
Often the first point of contact for members and visitors alike, her genuine commitment to service, caring nature and steady presence are a constant source of calm and positivity for all of us, even during the most challenging times.
