Article Contributed by
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown
On Sunday, April 2, 2023, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown (UUCJ) looks forward to welcoming its regular first Sunday virtual preacher, Verdis LeVar Robinson, at the 10:30 a.m. hybrid service.
Anyone is welcome to join the service, in-person or virtually, as Robinson ponders the intersectionality of climate justice, drawing inspiration from the African American spiritual “Wade in the Water,” as he’s titled his message. With Earth Day approaching later this month, he will explore how we can realize the interconnections between climate and racial and social justice, and truly begin to create a climate-just world.
The sermon relates to the final of the seven principles that Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm, promote and hold as strong values and moral guides: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
A newly fellowshipped Unitarian Universalist minister, Robinson currently serves as the ministerial coordinator of worship arts production and adult religious education at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, Vermont. For ten years the Rochester, New York, native was a tenured assistant professor of history and African American studies at Monroe Community College. Before joining the First Universalist Church of Rochester in 2008, he was a confirmed local minister in the African American Holiness-Pentecostal tradition.
Robinson holds a B.M. in Voice Performance from Boston University, a B.S. cum laude and M.A. in History from SUNY College at Brockport, and an M.A. in African-American Studies from SUNY University at Buffalo. In May, he will receive his Master of Divinity from Chicago’s Meadville Lombard Theological School.
Congregant Emily Garrick will be the service leader, and Julie Anderson the pianist.
A social time follows the service.
Participation can be either in person at 1255 Prendergast Avenue in Jamestown or online. To join virtually, use the link at UUJamestown.org/calendar.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown is a progressive, liberal religious community serving the southern tier of Western New York and Warren County, Pa. The UUCJ’s mission is to support and celebrate each other, encourage spiritual and individual growth, and serve the wider community.
Learn more about the UUCJ at UUJamestown.org or on their Facebook page facebook.com/JamestownUU.
