Hillyer Memorial Christian Church

Staff

At a congregational meeting on November 12th, HMCC voted unanimously to issue a call to Rev. Daniel U’Ren to become our next Senior Minister.  We are grateful to God that Rev. U’Ren has accepted that call and soon will be coming to Raleigh to lead us into our next journey of ministry and service.  Daniel is now concluding his ministry with the Western Oaks Christian Church in Oklahoma City, and he plans to begin his ministry at Hillyer in mid-January.

A native of Michigan, Daniel served in the United States Army as a medical specialist before graduating from Emporia State University with a degree in Elementary Special Education.  He began ministry in 1999 at First Christian Church (DoC) in Emporia, KS where he served as a youth and campus minister. He then earned his MDiv at Phillips Theological Seminary and was ordained in 2005.  His background has given him a deep passion for health ministries, and throughout his time in ministry, he has displayed a commitment to share in ecumenical and interfaith work and collaborations. He completed a Doctorate of Ministry in 2023 which focused on public health and the creation of a Health Ministry Academy in Oklahoma City.

His wife Stephanie has a B.S. in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling and has worked as a Senior Manager for the State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and then became the Director of State Chronic Disease Prevention for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, then during the pandemic, she was recruited to work for the CDC.  Now she works for a private firm providing support and design consultation to various state health departments. 

The U’Ren’s daughter Kiersten currently practices law for the Department of Agriculture in the State of Oklahoma. Their elder son Aidan is a sophomore in high school where he competes on the swim team and is on the Academic Quiz Bowl team.  Liam, the youngest child, is a freshman in high school and also is a competitive swimmer, and sings in the high school choir.

Courtney Cartwright, a North Carolina native and lifelong Disciple, has dedicated her career to nurturing spiritual growth among children and youth. Born in Bath, NC, and raised in the Bath Christian Church (DOC), she brings extensive experience from various ministry roles across North Carolina and beyond. Most recently, Courtney served as the Regional Youth Director for the Christian Church in North Carolina under the guidance of Regional Minister Bishop Melvin. Her prior roles include seven years as Youth Director at Hooker Memorial Christian Church in Greenville, NC, a year as the Associate Minister for Youth at First Christian Church in Winston-Salem, NC, and two years as Youth Minister at First Christian Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mount Olive and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Brevard College. She has also made significant contributions within the church community, serving as Vice Moderator for the North Carolina Regional Board and taking on various leadership roles in youth ministry programs, including chairing the Chi-Rho Committee and advising for RCYW. A dedicated camp counselor and director, Courtney has been actively involved with Camp Caroline, where she shares her passion for fostering faith and fellowship among young people.

A native North Carolinian, Randy grew up in Thomasville as the son of a United Church of Christ minister. His journey has taken him from the mountains of Boone, where he earned a degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University to the heart of Nashville, where he completed a Master of Divinity at Vanderbilt University with a focus on Theology and Pastoral Care. His early career was rooted in the world of mental health, but a deep call to ministry—especially with those in seasons of transition—led him to serve for 13 years as a part-time Associate Minister for Children & Youth at Covenant Christian Church in Cary, NC.

Randy currently works full-time as an Associate Professor of Religion/Humanities at Wake Technical Community College, where he’s been since 2011. After taking time to rest and re-center following his long tenure at Covenant, Randy felt the Spirit pulling him back to young adult and college ministry—spaces where big questions are asked, identities are explored, and faith is formed in community. In March 2025, that calling found a home at Hillyer. He’s excited to build a vibrant campus ministry presence through Disciples Student Fellowship, connecting with students from Meredith, NCSU, Peace, St. Augustine's, and Shaw.  He’s also ready to help the current young adult membership at Hillyer find a space to feel at home and build community.

Randy and his wife, Laura—a dedicated ESL teacher in the Wake County Public School System—have made their home in the Raleigh/Fuquay-Varina area since 2002. Together they’re raising three amazing kids: Tate (a student at Davidson College), Avery (at Willow Spring High School), and Addie (at Moore Square Magnet Middle School). Their household also includes two lively dogs and four beloved cats. Whether traveling, trying new foods, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, Randy and his family live with open hearts and an abiding love for family & community.