The Rev. Helen “Christine” Brownlie died on September 15, 2022, at the age of 75.
Chris was born on August 24, 1947, in Dearborn MI to Robert Lesman and Helen Chervinsky. She attended Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches during childhood and early adolescence. Church had always been an important influence and source of solace in her life. Over time, Chris felt uncomfortable with many of the doctrines and creeds. Once she attended college, she discovered a Unitarian Church. This discovery was a wonderful relief for her as she found a place where she could feel both comfortable and challenged by the teachings, she encountered each week.
Chris received her Bachelor of Arts in 1970 from the New School for Social Research, NY. Thereafter, she worked full-time as a medical social worker and part-time as a Director of Religious Education (DRE) at the First Jefferson Church, Fort Worth TX (1984–1997). While a DRE, she led a process resulting in the adoption of a congregational policy for staff and volunteers who worked with youth. In 1997, she graduated from Brite Divinity School, TX with her Master of Divinity.
Rev. Brownlie was ordained on October 25, 1998, by the First Jefferson Church in Fort Worth. From 1998 to 1999, she served the UU Fellowship of Montgomery AL as an interim minister. The fellowship was in the early stages of the canvass and Rev. Brownlie took an active part in the planning process with the Finance Committee. She worked closely with the Ministerial Search Committee and prepared the fellowship to welcome a full-time minister. Furthermore, she encouraged children’s participation in worship services and was very effective in counseling those in distress, ill, and the aged.
In 1999, Rev. Brownlie accepted a call from the UU Congregation, Blacksburg VA where she served until 2011. She guided and supported the work of the board and committees and helped the congregation develop a sense of vision and purpose. The congregation showed great improvement under her leadership, particularly in the areas of welcoming, sense of community, and integrating new members. Under her leadership, the RE program grew tremendously; she was very dedicated to the children and presented meaningful adult RE offerings. In 2011, the congregation honored her as minister emerita.
Rev. Brownlie’s denominational work included serving as a chaplain for the Southwest District YRUU camp (1996). She facilitated numerous workshops for the Southwest District R.E conference and the RE development program at the district Summer Institute. Moreover, she was a member of the Southwest District RE Committee (1990–1995), UUMA, and LREDA.
Through her sermons, Rev. Brownlie encouraged, challenged, and guided both the congregation and individuals to be active seekers of truth, goodness, and understanding. She was a friend to the congregants, whatever their age and circumstance; she stood with them in times of grief, celebrated in times of joy; and provided a steady source of care and encouragement throughout. She knew the congregation well and addressed people with relevance to their lives, was very attentive to being available, and created a welcoming environment.
Additionally, Chris’ involvement in the community and her leadership in addressing social justice concerns were remarkable. She served on the advisory council of Planned Parenthood of Blue Ridge VA, sat on the board of Court Appointed Special Advocated (CASA), and was active with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She volunteered for Hospice West and delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, both in Tuscaloosa AL (1997–1998). In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing, walking, music, and various crafts.
Her son Colin shared, “I remember in high school, when my mom was driving my friends and me somewhere, listening to the radio when a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song came on the radio. My mom and I sang along together, not caring that anyone else was listening to us.”
Her son Matthew noted, “Some parents make unconditional love look easy. My mom did. Her love for her two sons was as predictable and consistent as air or sky. What I really learned from my mom is that this steadfast, predictable, unconditional love is not to be reserved for your children, or your family, or friends, or immediate community. This kind of love becomes a practice, and this practice can and should be applied to everything. Whatever you encounter: you don’t have to like it, but you can try to love it.”
Her sister Diane shared, “Chris was the first of four daughters, and we would all agree that even as a young child she was serious, an avid reader, and purpose-driven; as her sisters, we didn’t understand that part until we were older. When she announced her decision to become a member of the clergy, this seemed a fit. Attending her ordination was a moment in time when she was truly joyous.”
Christine is survived by husband Russell Flack of Radford VA; sons Matthew Brownlie of Houston TX and Colin Brownlie of Hanoi, Vietnam; and sisters Diane Lesman of Rougemont NC, Claudia Boysen of Eden Prairie MN, and Vicki Estrem of Edina MN.
A memorial service was held on October 8, 2022, at the UU Congregation, Blacksburg VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of one’s own choosing. Notes of condolences can be written to Russell Flack at 1307 Tyler Avenue, Radford VA 24141.