Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing profiles of members who have joined within the past year or so. If you haven’t gotten a chance to meet them in person yet, please keep an eye out for them and say hello!
by Judy Stack
In Spring of 2025, Nanette Stearns felt she wanted a more traditional Christian Easter celebration than she had been experiencing in the 30 years she had been attending Unitarian Universalist services. “So I returned to my Episcopal roots after 45 years away,” she says. “I found the services very moving, the sermons compelling and surprising, and the community welcoming.” Nanette was welcomed as a member the following fall.
Nanette grew up in St. Paul, the oldest of four girls, and has lived in the Twin Cities her whole life. She and her partner, Marie, live in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood with their dog Finn, and two cats, Rotsy and Juju. She has worked for Llewellyn Publications in Woodbury for 27 years–a company her mother also worked for when Nanette was young–and she currently serves as their Editorial Director.
But Nanette’s great passion is theater! “Anyone who knows me knows that I can expound on local theater and other performances without much provocation,” says Nanette. “Friends know that if there is a question about a play being produced, I have seen it, will be seeing it, or can explain why I’m not seeing it.” She serves on the board of directors for the annual Minnesota Fringe Festival. She’s also a fan of the Minnesota Frost Pro Women’s Hockey team.
At St John’s, Nanette attended the Women’s Retreat last September and plans to continue with the Women’s Group, and has also been participating in the Spiritual Practices for Discernment classes this summer. She also loves the Compline Service: “I join whenever I can.” Regarding the future Nanette says, “I hope to connect with people who share my interests in how our lives intersect and connect with the divine. I want to learn more about my faith and challenge myself to grow spiritually. I’m still finding my way through the variety of opportunities this community presents.”
Welcome, Nanette!