MADISON — Amy Buckley, a graduate of The Julliard School and winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council regional audition, has been chosen as Director of Faith Formation at Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society (SUUS) in Madison. She made her way from her Carnegie Hall debut in 2010 in New York City to lead the religious education program of Unitarian Universalism, a faith founded during the Protestant Reformation nearly 500 years ago..
Music originally brought her to the Shoreline Unitarian Universalist congregation when she was hired as Music Leader in 2017. Buckley also presents her storied vocal talents by regularly performing a solo repertoire for weekly services and holidays at SUUS. Through planning music for Sunday services for both children and adults, and working with the multi-generational SUUS orchestra, her knowledge of the Unitarian Universalist faith deepened and grew into appointment as Director of Faith Formation last fall.
As Director of Faith Formation, Buckley oversees the religious education program for children and youth. The age-appropriate lessons incorporate knowledge and understanding of all faiths and their honored prophets including Jesus, Abraham, Moses, Mohammed, Buddha, and the history of religious faiths. In grades 4-6, the program uses a curriculum that immerses children in how to make the world a better place through social action.
Prior to closing the church building in mid-March due to the coronavirus, children and youth were participating in the “Our Whole Lives” (OWL) program of lifespan sexuality education with other local churches.. The OWL program for grades four to six includes physical and emotional development. Children also participated in multigenerational worship services and the Children’s Chapel. During recent months, children and their families have contributed to a juice drive for local food banks. Buckley has organized the choir into virtual singers and works directly with Nick Stanford, church pianist, in presenting worship services online via Zoom.
Buckley is known locally as the former musical theater director at Walsh Intermediate School in Branford and as a former member of the Vocal Faculty at Community Music School in Centerbrook. She made her Ivoryton Playhouse debut in 2015 and was last seen there as Mrs. Abromowitz in Coney Island Christmas. To reach the society, call 203-245-8720 or visit www.shorelineunitarian.org. Further information about the international faith is available from the Unitarian Universalist Association at www.uua.org
Ellen Creane, Communications Chair
Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society