Who we are
The Tuscaloosa United Church of Christ is a progressive Christian community offering spiritual nourishment and a loving, supportive environment for all who enter our doors. Rooted in Jesus’ teachings about God’s unconditional love, we reject hate in all its forms and welcome individuals of all ages, races, genders, gender identities, cultures, orientations, and nationalities.
Our church is deeply committed to social justice, striving to create a space where everyone—absolutely everyone—is invited to fully participate in the life of our faith community. From the open communion table to opportunities for servant leadership, we celebrate the beautiful diversity of God’s creation with gratitude.
Together, we seek to share God’s boundless love within the greater Tuscaloosa community and beyond.
What We Believe
We approach the Bible with curiosity and openness, seeking to hear God’s voice through its stories and the prophets’ messages. We celebrate that God continues to speak today and equips the church through the people we encounter and the everyday moments of life. While we don’t claim to fully understand God’s message, we strive to listen with sincerity and open hearts.
This is a welcoming space where you can bring your questions, wrestle with doubts, and deepen your relationship with the One who knows and loves you by name.
Leadership
Rev. Daniel Vanek, MDiv.
He/ Him
Founding Pastor
Rev. Daniel Vanek is dedicated to spiritual formation through the proclamation of the word, pastoral care, and community outreach. A native of Mobile, Alabama, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Huntingdon College in Montgomery before pursuing his Master of Divinity at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA.
Before joining Tuscaloosa United Church of Christ, Rev. Daniel was a pastor in Houston, TX. His ministerial journey has also included serving as a pastor, campus minister, and hospital chaplain in various communities throughout South Louisiana.
Rev. Daniel is passionate about building a faith community that reflects the love of Christ through compassionate service and meaningful worship. Outside of his pastoral duties, he enjoys spending time with his spouse, Haley, and their two sons. Daniel is an avid fan of science fiction films, enjoys learning about the latest tech trends, listens to podcasts in his free time, and loves a good cup of coffee.
Rev. Daniel is excited to be in Tuscaloosa and looks forward to building lasting relationships within the church and community. He is thrilled to be in T-town. Roll Tide!
Jackie Brodsky, Ph.D., MLIS,
She/Her
Song Leader
Jackie is a true jackie-of-all-trades with a Ph.D. in Communication and a Masters in Library Information Science from The University of Alabama. She shares her expertise by teaching at multiple colleges, balancing a wide range of responsibilities with ease. Jackie is married to Diane, and they share a deep love for God’s creatures, specifically cats. In addition to her academic pursuits, Jackie has a passion for music, which brings harmony and inspiration to her life.
Don Bell, MLS
He/ Him
Pianist
Don graduated from the University of Alabama, earning a master’s degree in library services. He retired from the Alabama Community College System after a dedicated career in education. Don is married to Linda, and they have two adult children. We are truly blessed to have him as part of our church community. A gifted pianist, he shares his musical talents with us, enriching our worship and fellowship.