Our Staff
Our Staff
Carin Bringelson (she/hers)
Minister
Office Hours: Usually 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Or by appointment.
You can also talk to Rev. Carin on Sundays or send her a message.
About Rev. Carin
Rev. Carin Bringelson began serving Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist Church in August 2023.
A Unitarian Universalist for over 30 years, she earned her Masters of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 2020. Prior to that she earned degrees in Sociology, African American Studies, Educational Policy Studies, and Library & Information Studies—working for most of her previous career as a librarian.
When she’s not reading a good book, Carin enjoys bike-riding, promoting intellectual freedom, cooking, co-creating racial justice, singing, and collaging. She and her wife Bev live in Cedar Rapids.
David Kind (he/him)
Congregational Administrator
Office Hours:
Tuesday, 9:00-3:00
Wednesday, 9:00-4:00
Thursday, 9:00-4:00
You can also email him at office@peoplesuu.org.
About David
David Kind grew up near Seattle where he worked for Starbucks supporting ethical sourcing and accessibility initiatives at their headquarters. He then spent a decade in Vancouver, BC where he earned a bachelor’s degree with honours in psychology at the University of British Columbia. Now in Iowa, in addition to being the Peoples Church Congregational Administrator, he teaches French, Spanish, and Suzuki piano.
Bridget Laflin (she/her)
Interim Director of Faith Formation
Office Hours:
Tuesday, 9:00-2:00
Thursday, 9:00-2:00
And by appointment
You can also email her at faithformation@peoplesuu.org.
About Bridget
Bridget has had the joy of serving in Unitarian Universalist religious education (Faith Formation) for many years, most recently as the Director of Lifespan Religious Education at First UU Church of San Antonio (2022–2024), and previously at Woodinville UU Church in Washington. She recently completed a ministerial internship at the UU Society of Iowa City. Her background includes a Master of Divinity from Seattle University, along with extensive hands-on experience in worship, teaching, multigenerational programming, and supporting families through life’s many transitions. Throughout her work, Bridget has been consistently drawn to spaces where children and youth are encouraged to show up as their full, curious, and creative selves. She believes Faith Formation should be grounded, inclusive, joyful, and rooted in real-life questions—supported by a loving community that helps each person discover their own spiritual path. With over 20 years of experience teaching and performing improv comedy, Bridget also brings a deep appreciation for imagination, collaboration, and joy in UU spaces.
Matthew Wilde
Internet Outreach Technician
About Matthew
Matthew Wilde is a born and raised Cedar Rapidian. He grew up in the Methodist Church as a young person, attending Shueyville United Methodist Church until high school. He has a deep and varied interest and respect for religion and spirituality — and the Community that faiths of all kinds provide. Matt believes that no matter one’s beliefs, we are all part of this great human experiment, and we should try our best to be there for each while we are here.
Matt attended the University of Northern Iowa graduating with a BA in Electronic Media. He has worked many jobs in local news and marketing — and is now working on finding his next career path and is open to where that leads him. Matt is married to his wife Erin and has three kids — Lucy, Molly, and Henry. In his free time, Matt enjoys taking his three dogs on walks, reading, and listening to podcasts.
Judy Mitschelen
Pianist
About Judy
Judy is a former teacher tasked with showing middle schoolers the joys of reading and writing who also juggled adult technology instruction and a variety of musical activities during her 37-year career with the Vinton-Shellsburg schools. Reading, writing, technology, and music are still major components of her retirement years along with adventures with her camera and being open to finding new ways to “be useful.”
Andrew Stoneking (he/his)
Choir Accompanist
About Andrew
A native of Albert Lea, MN, Andrew received a B.A. in music with an emphasis in K-12 vocal music education from Luther College. As a music educator, Andrew directed five curricular ensembles, an annual musical, madrigal, and cabaret events. He was also the founding director of the vocal jazz ensemble, Jazzafrass. Andrew is an active member of the Iowa Choral Directors Association and is a sought-after accompanist, adjudicator, and performer throughout the area. When not working or performing, Andrew enjoys spending time at home with his wife Emily and sons Evan and Blake.