Home / About URC
People of faith, together since 1942.
The United Religious Community of St. Joseph County is the county's interfaith organization. Our members are congregations and faith-based organizations that believe people of different traditions can accomplish more together than apart.
One community, many traditions
Today URC unites Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Baha'i, Latter-day Saint, Muslim and other communities around shared values and service. Together we welcome refugees, help neighbors in crisis and build friendship across faiths.
URC Mission
Encourage religious cooperation and understanding
Work for constructive social change
Advocate for neighbors seeking to meet life's basic needs
What guides URC work
Connect
Make St. Joseph County more connected and welcoming through understanding, collaboration and friendship between faith communities.
Serve
Put our shared values into action through projects that meet unmet needs.
Witness
Share the common values of our faith communities through media and public events.
Sustain
Secure the leadership and resources that keep URC serving for generations.
Our history
1942
Church Trust founded
A gift from Louis Hammer Schmidt created the St. Joseph County Church Trust.
1972
Re-founded as interfaith
URC opened to all traditions and launched the Advocacy Center.
2016
Welcoming Michiana
URC joined the Welcoming America network.
2020
Pandemic response
More than $1 million in aid delivered remotely.
2021
Resettlement reopens
URC became a Church World Service affiliate, welcoming Afghan families first.
2024
Reception and Placement
URC began resettling refugees through the federal program.
Our Board leadership
URC is governed by a volunteer board that reflects the county's faith communities. Board members serve three-year terms and are elected by member organizations at the Annual Meeting.
-
Mana Derakshani
Chair (2025–2028) · Baha'i Community of South Bend
-
Susan Arner
Vice Chair (2024–2027) · Sunnyside Presbyterian Church
-
Brian Durand
Treasurer (2024–2027) · Clay United Methodist Church
-
Charles (Chuck) Lamphier
Past President · Christ the King Catholic Church
-
Lynn Coleman
Board Member (2025–2028) ·
-
Matt Graybill
Board Member (2025–2028) · South Bend City Church
-
Jenna Hunter-Bowman
Board Member (2025–2028) · Kern Road Mennonite Church; Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
-
Rabbi Shoshana [Kaminsky]
Board Member (2025–2028) · Temple Beth-El
-
James King
Board Member (2023–2026) · St. John's Missionary Baptist Church
-
Rahul Oka
Board Member (2023–2026) · Hindu Community
-
Sr. Eileen Wrobleski, CSC
Board Member (2024–2027) · Sisters of the Holy Cross
-
Kellen Zollinger
Board Member (2025–2028) · Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
-
Aref Dostyar
Board Member (2025-2028) . Islamic Society of Michiana
Our staff
-
John Pinter
Executive Director
-
Jas Brechtl
Administrative Staff
-
Lisa Stockberger
Welcoming Michiana Lead
-
Shelley Walatka
Administrative Staff
-
Haider Al Kilidar
Refugee Programs Consultant
-
Nnanna John
IT and Data Management
Be part of URC
Become a Member
Bring your congregation into a community working across traditions.
Serve on the Board
Help guide URC's work for a three-year term.
Give
Bring your congregation into a community working across traditions.