Pastor and Staff

A Note from our Pastor

Greetings Members, Friends and Visitors at Oro Valley United Church of Chirst:

My name is Drew Terry and it is a blessing to let you know a little bit about me.  I was born in Pensacola, Florida, grew up in Atlanta, GA, and attended Oberlin College in Ohio.  I returned to Atlanta when I graduated from college and attended Candler School of Theology at Emory University. 

My professional formation for ministry began in seminary where I served as a chaplain in a geriatric hospital, taught Sunday school for various ages, and led a ministry team for a summer  at Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. These experiences provided me with a foundation for pastoral care, worship, and teaching Christian education.  When I graduated from seminary I continued to answer God’s call while working as a hospital chaplain and volunteering with churches in South Carolina and Georgia. These furthered my pastoral care skills as I learned the healing power of empathy and love.  My church volunteer positions enhanced my ability to lead worship and Christian education.  

I have served as both a settled and a transitional pastor for two different churches in southern Idaho.  These callings have allowed me to apply and continue growing in all my ministerial skills. I have been able to add to the above ministerial tools the empowerment of lay leaders, church stewardship, and creating the proper programs for spiritual nourishment and growth.  A couple of achievements the churches and I have accomplished are: building a community garden; engaging political leaders to do justice for the hungry; becoming an Open and Affirming church; mission and vision work; and sending youth to the Western Regional Youth Event. These ministries called for me to compassionately empower the congregations to faithfully dream, boldly seek Christ’s call, and celebrate God’s gifts.  The accomplishments were shining examples of the Holy Spirit’s power for the churches and myself to discover the Divine, beautiful power of our life together.   

Personally, my greatest calling is my family.  I love spending time and creating new life with my partner Jade and our six year old son, Nolan.  We enjoy playing games, being outside, and discovering new adventures. 

 I have a love for learning and anything involving people.  My hobbies include reading, sports, writing and goofing off with music.  Vinyl records, travelling, and outdoor activities are sources of spiritual refreshment.    

I look forward to meeting you in person at our Worship Service on Sunday at 10:00 AM.

Many Blessings

Rev. Drew Terry

Pastor and Teacher, Oro Valley United Church of Christ

Jose Solorzano, Music Director

Pianist at Oro Valley United Church of Christ since 1992. Jose became the Music Ministry Director in 2004. Jose holds a Masters of Piano Performance from the University of Arizona. He plays with local orchestras and performs solo concerts in the Tucson area. Jose selects and plays instrumental music for Sunday morning worship and for special worship services. He accompanies our choir, soloists and the congregation. Jose works closely with the Pastor, Choir Director and soloist Matt Rinaldi, O.V.U.C.C. Choir, guest musicians and harpist Christine Vivona in the creation of the musical calendar for Oro Valley United Church of Christ.