Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael

Senior Co-Minister

Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael in a headshot wearing a black button up shirt. His straight brown hair falls just past his shoulders.

Rev. Scott takes time for photo booth fun between services.

Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael was borrn in Jacksonville, Florida, and grew up in Baltimore, MD. There, in 1983, Scott co-founded the Maryland chapter of the Nuclear Freeze Campaign. In 1994 Rev Scott helped organize the Southwest Baltimore “Tree-Mendous Maryland” initiative, bringing fresh, live plants and playgrounds to vacant city lots. He also worked as a labor organizer for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 24.

Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UMBC and a Masters in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College, Annapolis; he is also a licensed electrician and building inspector. Reverend Scott prepared for the ministry at Meadville Lombard Theological School. At Meadville, Rev. Scott received the Jenkin Lloyd Jones Scholarship, the Atherton Scholarship, and the Von Ogden Vogt Scholarship for liturgical studies. It was also at Meadville that he met his partner in life and ministry, Rev Anya. 

In 2007 Scott founded TUUL-Belt Ministries, a practical ministry training people with construction experience to respond to natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina. In 2011 Scott recipient of the Outstanding Contribution by a Minister Award from the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice. Scott served as a leader of Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement. V.O.I.C.E. is a congregation based community organization promoting immigration reform and economic justice for Northern Virginia’s middle and low income families. 

Rev Scott and his wife Rev Anya Sammler-Michael have served as Senior Co-Ministers of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair since August 1, 2017. Besides participating in various Justice and Arts initiatives in and around Montclair, Reverend Scott thrives outside the congregation as a musician and music producer, currently working on the second release of his Celtic Rock Fusion band, Dragons Head.

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one.

Commander Spock, The Wrath of Khan

The glorification of one race and the debasement of others always is and always will be a recipe for murder. There is no way around this.

James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time

Sermons

Thrown Out with the Snakes

Thrown Out with the Snakes

March 17, 2024

"Thrown Out With The Snakes" — led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. St Patrick was canonized, reportedly for throwing the snakes out of Ireland. Snakes are a metaphor for the pagan people and practices native to Ireland. Yet - when Patrick first came to Ireland, there were no snakes. So - what gives? Join us as we examine this troubling history.

Champions of Justice and Equity: UUCM Founders Sunday

Champions of Justice and Equity: UUCM Founders Sunday

February 18, 2024

Our congregation has a history rich with people and programs that have made a real difference in the life of Montclair and the surrounding communities. As UUCM was first chartered on Feb 19, 1897, we will examine some of the leading lights from UUCM's past.

And a Child Shall Lead Them

And a Child Shall Lead Them

February 4, 2024

Working with our youth, we discern sustainability for our congregation at the intersection of scarcity and abundance and we celebrate the incredible blessing of coming together across diversity, to build something that surpasses each of our wants and needs.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Where Do We Go From Here?

January 14, 2024

"Where Do We Go From Here?" — led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. Join us for MLK Sunday, where Rev Scott will share from Dr King's text Where Do We Go From Here? and move to ask us, considering all the struggle and strife in our world, Where do We go from Here?

Courting the Mystery

Courting the Mystery

December 17, 2023

"Courting the Mystery" — led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. During the ancient holiday of Yule, join us as we explore how a robust embrace of mystery can bring us humility and enlightenment.

All That We Do Not Know

All That We Do Not Know

December 3, 2023

"All That We Do Not Know" — led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister and the Rev. Charles Loflin, affiliated community minister. "Will all-that-we-do-not-know be a weight - or a means to liberation?"

The Use and Abuse of Heritage

The Use and Abuse of Heritage

October 1, 2023

History is fluid, and how we tell our stories matters. The stories of who we are and what matters, often referred to as our 'Heritage,' can provide solace and emotional strength when composed with a view towards the higher good. Join us as we explore how to tell our stories so they bring pride, truth, comfort, and reform.

How Many Shapes of Water Are There?

How Many Shapes of Water Are There?

September 24, 2023

"How Many Shapes of Water Are There?" — led by the Revs. Anya and Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-ministers. There are as many shapes of water as there are experiences of ultimate truth. As the poet Rumi shares, "there are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground." In this service we celebrate this diversity. The first of our Series on the Six Sources.

From the Future Comes a Cry

From the Future Comes a Cry

September 10, 2023

"From The Future Comes A Cry"— led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. Our annual ingathering & water ceremony service. Join us to reimagine and enliven the welcome we offer one another and those who will join us.

The Inherent Worth and Dignity of All Souls: Universalism in Trying Times

The Inherent Worth and Dignity of All Souls: Universalism in Trying Times

August 20, 2023

"The Inherent Worth and Dignity of All Souls: Universalism in Trying Times"— led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. Our forebears proclaimed that God's love knows no limits. Universalism is built upon affirming the inherent worth and dignity of all souls. Yet with so many actively undermining love's promise - some even calling for insurrection or the denial of liberty to entire classes of people - how do we affirm the call to honor the dignity of everyone?

Questions for the Ministers

Questions for the Ministers

August 13, 2023

A Question Box service where participants are invited to ask the ministers their most pressing questions of faith, theology, ethics, and more.

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