The Ministry Team at UUCA
Reverend John T. Crestwell, Jr
Senior Minister/Executive
Email: jcrestwell@uuannapolis.org
Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. is a dynamic leader, minister, author, and advocate who has been a transformative voice in the Unitarian Universalist community for nearly 25 years. As the Senior Minister and Executive at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis (UUCA), John leads with a vision of inclusivity, justice, and spiritual growth. Known for his innovative approach to ministry, John co-founded AWAKE Ministries, which redefined worship by blending contemporary music, life coaching, and service to broaden the emotional, racial, and intercultural competencies of his congregation.
John’s journey into ministry is deeply rooted in his experiences growing up amidst America’s complex social and racial landscape. After earning a BA in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University and a Master’s in Theology from Wesley Theological Seminary, John began his ministry at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Congregation, where he helped transform it into one of the most racially diverse UU congregations in the country. His commitment to breaking down barriers and building bridges among people of all backgrounds has been a hallmark of his ministry.
At UUCA, John’s leadership has brought national attention, particularly during moments of crisis, such as the Capital Gazette shooting in 2018. John organized and officiated a community memorial service honoring Wendi Winters, a beloved church member and hero, highlighting his compassionate leadership in times of grief. In 2012, John delivered a powerful sermon at the UUA General Assembly in Phoenix, speaking before an audience of over 4,000 attendees, where he emphasized the importance of justice, equity, and the interconnectedness of all people. His work extends beyond the church, serving on the Board of Directors of Annapolis Pride, as Lead Chaplain for the Wellness House cancer community, and participating in numerous interfaith and social justice organizations, including the AA County Executive’s Interfaith Advisory Council and Anne Arundel Connecting Together (ACT). He has served on the Board of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Maryland and actively engages in mentoring through the UUA’s Commissioned Lay Ministry program. His service reflects a commitment to creating positive change and uplifting those in need.
A sought-after speaker, John’s sermons offer profound insights into the spiritual and social challenges of our time. His works include Conversations: The Hidden Truth That Keeps The World From Being At Peace (2001), which delves into the unseen barriers of religious dogma, and The Charge of the Chalice (2007) which tells the story of how his first congregation transformed into one of the most racially diverse in the denomination. And, You Were Made for So Much More: Interfaith Lessons to Transform our World (2016), is a guide to finding purpose and meaning through a broad spiritual lens.
John’s newest books released in 2024 include: RUN: Lessons for On and Off the Track and Field of Life, offering powerful reflections on resilience and personal growth for athletes, drawing from his own experiences and broader spiritual insights. And, MY BEST STUFF: 21st Century Sermons for a New Age of Faith, Hope, and Love, which captures his most impactful messages, blending ancient wisdom, science, spirituality, modern psychology, and lived experience to explore topics like race, culture, resilience, love, and the nature of God. Each of these books speaks to John’s dedication to guiding others through the complexities of life with practical wisdom, compassion, and hope.
John is also a dynamic singer, integrating music into his ministry to create worship experiences that are as emotionally engaging as they are intellectually stimulating. His sermons offer a unique blend of spirituality, science, metaphysics, and practical wisdom, providing a holistic approach.
Outside of his professional life, John is devoted to his family. He is married to Joni R. Crestwell, and together they have a blended family of five adult children. His deep personal connections inspire his work, making him not just a leader, but a relatable figure who understands the everyday struggles and triumphs of his community.
Reverend Dr. Fred Muir
Minister Emeritus
Rev. Dr. Fred Muir retired in December 2017 after 34 years at UUCA. He grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary (NY) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (DC). He began his parish ministry over thirty years ago by serving a congregation in a small town in Maine. Since 1984, he served the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis.He is the author of five books: A Reason for Hope: Liberation Theology Confronts a Liberal Faith; Heretics’ Faith: A Vocabulary for Religious Liberals; and Maglipay Universalist: The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines; The Whole World Kin: Darwin and the Spirit of Liberal Religion; and Turning Point: Essays on a New Unitarian Universalism. He is co-editor of and contributing essayist to The Safe Congregation Handbook: Nurturing Healthy Boundaries in Our Faith Communities. He has also contributed essays
In 1989 he published “Annapolis On the Bay: Camelot or Crisis? (Housing and Community by Race and Population, 1950-1988)”. Fred served on the Annapolis Human Relations Commission for four years. He frequently testifies and witnesses in support of anti-racism, an end to discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation, and leads and supports his faith community and others who seek to “affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of all people with justice, equity, and compassion.” Since 2001, Fred has given considerable effort to working for interfaith understanding among Christians, Jews, and Muslims. In 2007 he was honored with the Martin Luther King Peacemaker award “for substantial and sustained leadership in furthering the cause of social justice in our community”.
He has done extensive work for the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) on sexual misconduct and safe congregations. He is a board member of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of MD. He has been a co-facilitator of the Empowerment Workshop for the Department of Faith in Action, UUA. He has served on the UUA’s Joseph Priestley District’s anti-racism team and also the South-East Regional Sub-committee on [Ministerial] Candidacy. Until recently, he was the vice-president of the UU Partner Church Council and now is a member of the UUA International Advisory Committee.
He formerly served on the UU Minister’s Association (UUMA) Executive Committee with the portfolio of Good Offices. In 2012, Fred was chosen to deliver the UUMA Berry Street Lecture at the UUA General Assembly in Phoenix, Arizona. In retirement, he is serving as the Acting Director of the Office of International Relations of the UUA.
Fred is the UUPCC Interim Executive Director until August 1, 2021.
Until her death in August 2023, he was married to Karen Muir who was a retired social studies teacher for AACPS. They had two adult children together, Kristina and Andrew, who attended local Annapolis schools. During his retirement, Rev. Fred continues to enjoy his grandchildren, writing, traveling, and preaching occasionally.
Ryan McCray Ely
Congregational Intern Minister
Email: intern-minister@uuannapolis.org
Ryan McCray Ely is a native of Southeast Michigan and current resident of Northeast Washington, DC. Ryan served in several positions within the federal government before leaving government service to attend seminary at the Iliff School of Theology, Denver, full time. Ryan is a newly minted US Naval officer and chaplain candidate. Ryan and his wife Barbara, share their home with a no-nonsense cat and a very pleasant Doberman.
SarahRuth Davis
Community Intern Minister for ACT
Email: sarahruthwekoyedavis@gmail.com
SarahRuth Wekoye Davis resides in Annapolis, Maryland. She is a seminarian at Meadville Lombard Theological School and Intern Community Minister at UUCA as our ACT representative. (https://www.actaaco.org/). SarahRuth brings her multicultural background to her work, and her ministry is grounded in African, disability, and queer theologies. She holds degrees in communications, psychology, and business administration and she served in the United States Air Force as an Arabic linguist. SarahRuth is a disabled military veteran, the mother to five beautiful children, and enjoys kayaking, cooking, crocheting, drinking tea, and spending time with family and friends.