March 8, 2026
David Dean presents
a sermon written by
Rev. Chad Snyder
Affiliated Community Minister, Merging Waters Unitarian Universalist Congregation, New Brighton, MN
“Not My Story”
Claudia Marshall, Worship leader
Gary Smart, Pianist
Gina Romeo, Flutist

On the power and challenges of paying attention to each other’s stories…
“As Brene Brown puts it, “stories are only a form of connection when someone’s listening and hearing us.” And there’s a lot going on that can get in the way of truly listening and hearing. It’s hard to get out of our own narratives long enough to let someone else’s story stand on its own…”

About Our Speaker:

David Dean, a BBUUC member and an integral part of our Worship Team, is an Emmy-nominated editor who works as Senior Editor/Post-Producer for the PBS series “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love.” David is also a presenter, writer, and storyteller who volunteers his time as the editor of our worship videos and contributes his other talents in the worship arts to our ministry.

About our Sermon Author

Rev. Chad Snyder is Affiliated Community Minister at Merging Waters Unitarian Universalist Congregation in New Brighton, MN. A longtime member, he began as a Commissioned Lay Minister. He graduated from United Theological Seminary in 2025 and received the Lydia Myrl Kapp Award for preaching, and served as ministerial intern at Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship in Bloomington before returning there. His ministry emphasizes listening, human dignity, and a theology of interdependence.

About our Member-Musician

BBUUC member Gina Romeo has a Bachelor’s degree in Flute Performance from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Music Therapy from Florida State University. She currently works as a music therapist for a local private practice and uses a variety of instruments including voice, guitar, piano, and ukulele to help her clients meet social, motor, and cognitive goals. Gina and her husband Adam Ray have two daughters, Rosemary and Juniper.