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 Education.  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.

His wife Stephanie has worked as the State Chronic Disease Prevention Director for Oklahoma, and during the pandemic, she worked 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. She is engaged and plans to be married in June. Their elder son Aidan is a freshman in high school where he competes on the swim team and is on the Academic Quiz Bowl team.  Liam, the youngest child, is in eighth grade and also is a competitive swimmer and sings in the middle school choir.

We look forward to having Daniel and his family joining our Hillyer family and look forward to the years of ministry ahead that we will share with them.  

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, 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.