Pastor - Michele Townsend Grove
Michele Townsend Grove, our half-time minister, is a Unitarian Universalist religious educator who has expanded her portfolio to include worship and congregational leadership. Michele moved to Galena in 2021 with her family and found the Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton through the reference of a dear friend. Michele has worked in United Methodist and Unitarian Universalist churches for more than 30 years including congregations in Delaware, Washington, Maryland, West Virginia, New Jersey and Illinois.
Michele is married to Andy Townsend, a retired dentist who is currently working to restore several properties in Illinois and West Virginia. Michele and Andy have a daughter who is a sophomore at Galena High School.
When Michele is not working with the UU Stockton congregation she is consulting with other Unitarian Universalist congregations, teaching courses in transitional leadership, gardening and playing games with her family. Michele also admits to being a big fan of Marvel movies and Star Trek.
If you would like to reach out to Michele, please email [email protected]. Michele looks forward to getting to know you!
January 9, 2026
Pastor's Perspective
Last Sunday, I told you about psychotherapist Satya Doyle Byock and her list of 20 resistance archetypes. As we learn what it means to practice resistance, we have the opportunity to explore where our talents and passions intersect with the needs of a hurting world. Resistance is more than protests and organized boycotts. Resistance may be best when we use what we have to better the world. Which of the following makes your heart sing?
Writing
Art
Cooking
Music
Being a good neighbor
Healing
Teaching
Keeping and Tending Seeds
Organizing
This is only a partial list. And yet each of these (and others in which you create) are valuable resources in our work to create good in a world that is struggling. Take a look at Byock’s blog and reflect on the archetypes that speak to your heart and mind.
https://satyadoylebyock.substack.com/p/archetypes-of-resistance
In the weeks to come, I hope you will reflect on how your passions can be an avenue to making positive community and global changes.
We have the gifts! Now, all we need to do is figure out how to use them!
Blessed Be,
Michele
Michele is married to Andy Townsend, a retired dentist who is currently working to restore several properties in Illinois and West Virginia. Michele and Andy have a daughter who is a sophomore at Galena High School.
When Michele is not working with the UU Stockton congregation she is consulting with other Unitarian Universalist congregations, teaching courses in transitional leadership, gardening and playing games with her family. Michele also admits to being a big fan of Marvel movies and Star Trek.
If you would like to reach out to Michele, please email [email protected]. Michele looks forward to getting to know you!
January 9, 2026
Pastor's Perspective
Last Sunday, I told you about psychotherapist Satya Doyle Byock and her list of 20 resistance archetypes. As we learn what it means to practice resistance, we have the opportunity to explore where our talents and passions intersect with the needs of a hurting world. Resistance is more than protests and organized boycotts. Resistance may be best when we use what we have to better the world. Which of the following makes your heart sing?
Writing
Art
Cooking
Music
Being a good neighbor
Healing
Teaching
Keeping and Tending Seeds
Organizing
This is only a partial list. And yet each of these (and others in which you create) are valuable resources in our work to create good in a world that is struggling. Take a look at Byock’s blog and reflect on the archetypes that speak to your heart and mind.
https://satyadoylebyock.substack.com/p/archetypes-of-resistance
In the weeks to come, I hope you will reflect on how your passions can be an avenue to making positive community and global changes.
We have the gifts! Now, all we need to do is figure out how to use them!
Blessed Be,
Michele