Our People
Richenda Fairhurst
Steward of Climate
Organizing Steward
Richenda Fairhurst: In 2015, Rev. Richenda Fairhurst stepped into the world of climate organizing when she joined the grassroots efforts of organizations such as Columbia Riverkeeper, Sierra Club, and Earth Ministries in the effort to keep massive fossil fuel infrastructure out of Washington State. She supported local efforts, and then attended, organized, and/or served as a mentor for multiple trainings through The Center for Earth Ethics at Union Seminary, the Climate Speakers Network, and The Climate Reality Project. Ordained in the United Methodist tradition, Rev. Fairhurst pastored churches in Washington and Oregon, served as a protest chaplain at the Occupy Wall Street encampment in NYC, went to Standing Rock, gratefully received training as Keeper in the Tagish T’lingit Peacemaking Circle tradition, and currently serves on the Creation Justice Committee for Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and is a Co-Founder and served as Chair of the Southwestern Oregon Chapter of The Climate Reality Project. Climate is about much more than greenhouse gasses, it is about how we choose to treat our neighbors and God’s creation. At Circle Faith Future, Rev. Fairhurst acts in the role of Organizing Director and Steward of Creation. To see more about her, go to her LinkedIn Page.
Organizing Steward
Richenda Fairhurst: In 2015, Rev. Richenda Fairhurst stepped into the world of climate organizing when she joined the grassroots efforts of organizations such as Columbia Riverkeeper, Sierra Club, and Earth Ministries in the effort to keep massive fossil fuel infrastructure out of Washington State. She supported local efforts, and then attended, organized, and/or served as a mentor for multiple trainings through The Center for Earth Ethics at Union Seminary, the Climate Speakers Network, and The Climate Reality Project. Ordained in the United Methodist tradition, Rev. Fairhurst pastored churches in Washington and Oregon, served as a protest chaplain at the Occupy Wall Street encampment in NYC, went to Standing Rock, gratefully received training as Keeper in the Tagish T’lingit Peacemaking Circle tradition, and currently serves on the Creation Justice Committee for Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and is a Co-Founder and served as Chair of the Southwestern Oregon Chapter of The Climate Reality Project. Climate is about much more than greenhouse gasses, it is about how we choose to treat our neighbors and God’s creation. At Circle Faith Future, Rev. Fairhurst acts in the role of Organizing Director and Steward of Creation. To see more about her, go to her LinkedIn Page.
Terri Jane Stewart
Steward of Connection
Financial Steward
Rev. Terri Stewart, an American Baptist Minister, is the Steward of Connection at Circle Faith Future and acts in the role of Treasurer and Director of the Youth Chaplaincy Coalition.
Rev. Stewart received an undergraduate in Criminal Justice Administration at the University of Phoenix, a Master’s of Divinity at Seattle University, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Spiritual Direction and in Pastoral Leadership, also at Seattle University. Rev. Steart is currently working towards a PhD at Gonzaga University in Leadership Studies—choosing to look at the intersection of trauma, leadership, and incarcerated youth.
Rev. Stewart was awarded the Eva Lassman Research Award in Hate Studies to examine the intersection of pastoral leadership, faith development, and marginalization of others. Additionally, they have been a lecturer at Seattle University (Matteo Ricci College), University of North Georgia, Gonzaga University, and at the University of Puget Sound. Additional certifications include: Facilitator of Peacemaking Circles in the Tagish and Tlingit tradition, Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory, and a Trainer for Risking Connection, a Trauma Sensitive Approach to Co nnecting. Rev. Stewart believes that we are called to love God and to love all of our neighbors, but most especially, our neighbors who are hurting.
To see more about Rev. Stewart, go to their LinkedIn page.
Financial Steward
Rev. Terri Stewart, an American Baptist Minister, is the Steward of Connection at Circle Faith Future and acts in the role of Treasurer and Director of the Youth Chaplaincy Coalition.
Rev. Stewart received an undergraduate in Criminal Justice Administration at the University of Phoenix, a Master’s of Divinity at Seattle University, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Spiritual Direction and in Pastoral Leadership, also at Seattle University. Rev. Steart is currently working towards a PhD at Gonzaga University in Leadership Studies—choosing to look at the intersection of trauma, leadership, and incarcerated youth.
Rev. Stewart was awarded the Eva Lassman Research Award in Hate Studies to examine the intersection of pastoral leadership, faith development, and marginalization of others. Additionally, they have been a lecturer at Seattle University (Matteo Ricci College), University of North Georgia, Gonzaga University, and at the University of Puget Sound. Additional certifications include: Facilitator of Peacemaking Circles in the Tagish and Tlingit tradition, Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory, and a Trainer for Risking Connection, a Trauma Sensitive Approach to Co nnecting. Rev. Stewart believes that we are called to love God and to love all of our neighbors, but most especially, our neighbors who are hurting.
To see more about Rev. Stewart, go to their LinkedIn page.
Board Members
Lyda BarrLyda has lived in WA since birth and has grown up in The United Methodist Church. She loves anything involving leadership development. Lyda is passionate about sharing God’s love especially with youth and people affected by incarceration. She currently serves on the Camping Board of Stewards with the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church. |
Gary CarterGary Carter has been at the helm of metro newspapers, magazines, and television news programs as well as a radio host and marketing manager. He has led communications, programming, outreach, and facilities management for several large companies and public institutions, including large churches and a private university.
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He specializes in creative writing, design, and hands-on daily assistance to those in need in the community and those who wish to help those in need. And Gary continues to work with others to hone their message, whether that be in marketing or journalistic endeavors. He is a writer/editor/photographer/designer by trade, with more than 30 years experience in the publishing and marketing field. He enjoys working to build something great, whether that be fighting climate change, a novel project, a start-up, an organization, a fresh-face to the journalistic world, or even something as simple as a short story. He is a native Texan and a Pacific Northwest convert, proud to call the Portland area home. |
Drew FrisbieRev. Drew Frisbie understands the complexity present for people of faith today, and believes in meeting that complexity with love of God, of neighbor, and care for the creation. Rev. Frisbie and his family are nature enthusiasts who live, work and play outdoors, as well as encourage church outside. They converted the front and back yard of their home into a small suburban farm and shared the largess with their neighbors. Rev. Drew and his family also play music together at local events. Rev. Frisbie graduated from Drew Theological School in New Jersey, and serves United Methodist Churches in Bay View and Sedro Wooley in Washington state. |
William MorrisWilliam Morris (he/him) is a 25-Year-old climate activist located in Torrance, CA. He holds his degree in environmental science with an emphasis on ecological restoration from Humboldt State University. William works with Young Evangelicals for Climate Action (YECA) serving first as a field organizer and is now on their steering committee. He volunteers with The Climate Reality Project and is chair of the Los Angeles chapter’s Faith-based Communities Committee and is also involved with Extinction Rebellion Los Angeles. William spends his time engaging with faith communities, schools, universities, and organizations around the topics of faith-based climate justice and education. |
Nate WilsonBio coming soon! |
Our Non-Negotiables
Our non-negotiables are:
- A non-hierarchical leadership structure that values a ‘common circle’ and the voice of all leadership team members equally.
- Committed to investing our efforts toward a world of justice and sustainability.
- Fully inclusive of all persons regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, or economic situation.
- Founded as an expression of these values of faith: To love and serve the well-being of our neighbor; to prioritize grace over law; to praise and sustainably keep the Earth and all creation; to set aside war; to recognize that food, shelter, and human connection are vital to both individual and community well-being.
- Regardless of our religion or identity, we serve because of who we are, not because of who others are or in order to make others like ‘us.’
