Cil Knutsen has been a UU since 1985, when she converted from the Episcopal Church. She has been an active member of Emerson UU Church in Houston and West Shore UU in Rocky River, Ohio. She moved to Montclair in late 2022 to be closer to her family in the area and joined UUCM shortly thereafter. Since joining, she has become involved with the Chalice Choir, Allies for Racial Equity, Undoing Racism, Writing as a Spiritual Practice, New Jersey Together-Essex County, Grief Support Group, Climate Action, and Young Adults and Young at Hearts (YaYahs). In her previous congregations, she has served in numerous roles, including Partner Church liaison with Bagyon, Transylvania (where she has visited annually more than 20 times); Nominating, Aesthetics, and Finance Committees; Board of Trustees (Member and Board President); UUA GA delegate, and RE Teacher. She co-chaired a successful $3MM capital campaign and led the Service Auction Team for three years. Her hobbies include native plant gardening, travel, cooking, theater, and strong coffee.