The Rev. Dena McPhetres

Dena was born into a Unitarian Universalist family in a small town in central Minnesota and raised in the spiritual communities of Unity Church Unitarian in St. Paul and Camp UniStar, a summer UU family camp in Cass Lake. She heard the call to ministry while a sophomore in college, but hesitated to pursue that path immediately, due to lack of female role models in the ministry.

Dena earned a Bachelor of Arts in women’s studies and religious studies at the University of Minnesota, and a Master of Divinity degree as a Dayton scholar at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, graduating with honors. She was ordained by White Bear UU Church in Mahtomedi, Minnesota in 1997, after serving a full-time internship and summer ministry at First Unitarian Church of Portland, Oregon. Rev. Dena served the UU Society of Laconia, New Hampshire as their solo minister for ten years. She was delighted to return to the midwest in 2009, becoming historic as First Church’s very first called female minister!

Over the years at First Church, Rev. Dena expanded our pastoral care ministries, guided a variety of small groups, supported the Social Justice Council and its teams, initiated and coordinated our Theme Circle program, deepened our Adult Spiritual Development opportunities, provided inspiring and creative worship services, mentored members presenting summer services, and supported many individuals and families grieving the loss of a loved one. Dena was our “rock” during the Senior Minister transition between Drew and Jennifer’s ministries. Serving in a robust team ministry at this vibrant large congregation was a highlight of her career. Her love for First Church endures with deep gratitude and joy.

Dena lives in Shorewood, where during retirement she is most often found working in her garden, learning how to make art, reading or walking in nature.