Staff Biographies
Interim Pastor
Rev. Dr. Vernon Meyer
 |
SCUCC is searching for a settled pastor at this time, so stay tuned! We currently have an interim “bridge” pastor, Rev. Dr. Vernon Meyer, who we hope will be with us until we find the pastor who will lead us into future ministry. Pastor Vernon Meyer is a passionate and engaging preacher whose messages are grounded in scripture but address modern day issues. Pastor Vernon was first ordained a Roman Catholic priest but left the church after many years over the full inclusion of women in the ministry of the church and LGBTQ people in the life of the church. He became a pastor in the United Church of Christ in 2010 and has since served as both a full time and interim pastor at various churches. |
Christian Education Directors
The Christian Education ministry is led by both Michele Mellott and Faith Mellott
Michele Mellott
 |
Michele is an ardent follower of the UCC’s "God is Still Speaking campaign" and completed the UCC training program for church planters at The Center For Progressive Renewal. She is very committed to experiential worship and evangelism and delights in participating in Godly adventures with the youth and people of all ages at SCUCC. Michele graduated from Claremont School of Theology with a Master of Divinity degree in 2009. She completed one unit of study of Clinical Pastoral Education at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in 2010. Previously, she received her Certificate in Youth and Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary in the spring of 2006 and received a Master of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Photography in 1981. |
Faith Mellott
 |
Faith assists Michele with church youth on a regular basis. |
Music Director
Kay Norton
 |
Kay Norton is a lifelong community musician, having served as collaborative pianist, organist, vocal soloist, choir singer, choir and bells director in Georgia, Colorado, Missouri, Kansas, and Arizona since about 1970. Kay is a fan of all music! At SCUCC, Kay directs the Jubilate Handbell Choir and the Sanctuary (vocal) Choir, frequently serves as service pianist, plans music for worship, and coordinates guest musicians for services. Kay has spent her primary career to date as a university professor of musicology (music history and all questions of what music "means" to people). Her publications mostly focus on sacred music--historic hymnals, hymns, and white and Black gospel. Her secondary research interest is the role music plays in our wellbeing. She has taught the gamut of classical music from Pythagoras to the present, from Europe to the US. Kay will retire as Professor of Musicology from Arizona State University School of Music, Dance, and Theatre in 2026. |
Office Manager
Sarah Meyer
 |
Sarah joined our staff as Office Manager in August 2024. She is an Arizona native with lots of experience as an executive personal assistant and is attending Grand Canyon University part-time to earn her degree in Communications. Aside from work, Sarah is skilled in archery and is the only national referee for a sport called "jugger" (look it up). She's in the church office Tuesday through Thursday, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Stop by and say hello! |
Bookkeeper
John Podwika
 |
John joined the church staff in February of 2025 as our bookkeeper. John grew up in Chicago where he earned his Bachelor of Accountancy and Master of Business Administration degrees. He has worked as both an Accountant and Controller for various corporations. After moving to Arizona, he formed his own consulting business and now is the accountant for several clients - including SCUCC. He works in the church office each Tuesday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. However, since his wife is a teacher, when she can take vacation they escape to exotic places outside of the United States like Cancun Mexico. If you see him in the office, ask about his passion for Corvettes. |
Audio/Visual Technician
Quentin Hill
 |
Quentin is our Audio-Visual Technician. He mostly works in the sanctuary tech room to run the audio/visual and computer equipment during Sunday worship and special services. He is also the sound technician for the Sacred Grounds coffee shop every Thursday. He is a student at the Film School at Scottsdale Community College. |