​Jamestown, N.Y. – 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.

Jamestown, N.Y. – In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown’s (UUCJ) guest speaker on March 26, 2023, will be Jamestown Community College professor Traci Langworthy.

Langworthy will address “Voices of Conscience” at the 10:30 a.m. hybrid service.

The talk will highlight some lesser known pioneers of the American women's movement whose women's rights activism grew from deep moral convictions about other causes of their day. In advocating for abolition, temperance, and women's health, they found themselves in the unwitting position of having to defend their right to speak in the first place. Langworthy will explore how these women rose to the challenge and the lessons we can learn from their moral courage.

The message particularly relates to the first of the seven Principles that all Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm, promote, and hold as strong values and moral guides: The inherent worth and dignity of every person.

Langworthy has been teaching history at JCC since 2004. Nineteenth-century women's history is a particular passion of hers, along with the broader history of American social reform. Her B.A. History is from Oberlin College. She has an M.A. History from the University of Delaware and A.B.D. American Studies from Penn State Harrisburg.

Alyssa Raimondo-Swanson is service leader. A social time follows.

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 church’s mission is to support and celebrate each other, encourage spiritual and individual growth, and serve the wider community.

Jamestown, N.Y. – Retired Presbyterian minister Angus Watkins delivers the message at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown’s (UUCJ) 10:30 a.m. hybrid service on March 19.  

Checking in on the role of reading for us today, Watkins asks “What Book Are You Living With of Late?” The service will be in praise of literature and life, 

The message focuses on the fourth of the seven Principles that all Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm, promote, and hold as strong values and moral guides: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;.

Watkins graduated from Ohio's Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and earned his master’s of divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He lived outside Ashville, N.Y., in North Harmony Township for over 25 years with his wife, Anne. Now residing in their native Buffalo area, both will be at the service. 

Julie Anderson is pianist. 

A potluck luncheon follows.

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.

Jamestown, N.Y. – Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown (UUCJ) former Board of Trustees President Emily Garrick will explain the proposed changes to the UU principles and sources at the Sunday, March 12, 10:30 a.m. service.

Her message is “Roots Hold Me Close, Wings Set Me Free.”

“Big changes are in the wind in Unitarian Universalism,” Garrick says. She will examine the  past and future, taking a deep dive into Unitarian Universalist principles, sources, and values. “This sermon will help to ground us as we look ahead to General Assembly 2023 and the possible changes that have been proposed to our UU Principles and Purposes.”

The service will include the seven Principles that all Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm, promote, and hold as strong values and moral guides:

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

A graduate of Jamestown High School and Wells College, Garrick received her MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Rochester. She teaches English as  a new language at Jamestown’s Washington Middle School.

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.

​Jamestown, N.Y. – Verdis LeVar Robinson delivers the sermon to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown (UUCJ) on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

The Rochester, New York, native will present “We Deserve to Grow Old” at the 10:30 a.m. hybrid service.

The UUCJ’s regular first Sunday preacher is a newly fellowshipped Unitarian Universalist minister. He will speak virtually from Vermont, where he serves the Unitarian Church of Montpelier as ministerial coordinator of worship arts production and adult religious education. 

A slogan has started to trend on social media that “Black Men Deserve to Grow Old.” Robinson will reflect on this trend in the midst of another Black life tragically lost.

The sermon relates to the first and seventh of the seven principles that Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm, promote and hold as strong values and moral guides: The inherent worth and dignity of every person and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. It also relates to the eighth principle, adopted by nearly 150 UU congregations, that will be acted on at the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in Pittsburgh in June: Journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

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.

​Jamestown, N.Y. – The COVID pandemic is much more than a terrible physical virus. It has changed, perhaps permanently, how society goes about its business and how we all relate to each other and ourselves. 

Jamestown Community College Professor Frank Corapi will discuss “The Social and Emotional Consequences of the COVID Pandemic” at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown’s (UUCJ) 10:30 a.m. Sunday service on February 26, 2023. (This service was originally planned for December.)

Fear of infection, avoiding social contact, wearing masks, using distance formats to engage in important activities, vaccinations, and the politicization of vaccines, have all been significant forces in the lives of everyone. 

Corapi’s talk will address the social and emotional implications of these changes, as well as what they likely mean for our future and what can be done to restore our social and emotional health.

Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which are held as strong values and moral guides. This message reflects the fourth Principle:  A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

Corapi is Professor of Psychology, Director of Social Sciences and Coordinator of Professional Development at Jamestown Community College. Prior to joining JCC’s faculty in 2002, he was an instructor in psychology at Edinboro University in Edinboro, Pa. He has also worked as a clinical program director with a variety of behavioral health treatment programs for Stairways Behavioral Health in Erie, Pa., and was in private practice for 10 years. 

Dr. Jeffrey Victor is the service leader and cellist Mandy Andrews the guest musician. 

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.

​Jamestown, N.Y. – The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown welcomes Tamu Graham-Reinhardt as the speaker at their 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, February 19.

Reinhardt is the Coordinator of Student Support Services in the Jamestown Public Schools (JPS). 

A graduate of Jamestown High School, Reinhardt received her Masters of Arts in Public Relations from Ball State University and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from State University at Buffalo. She holds a New York State School District Administration Certification, NYS Permanent Teacher Certification and Cornell University Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion. She is also a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory.

In her 25 years of professional experience, Reinhardt has been a staff development specialist with Erie 2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, Spanish teacher at Falconer Central Schools, school and district improvement facilitator for WestED, adjunct instructor at Jamestown Community College, curriculum and Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for JPS, and senior consultant with Battle and Banner Consulting as a qualified administrator and trainer in Intercultural Development Inventory.

Reinhardt has served her community as a member of and leader in numerous boards and organizations. These include the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, Jamestown City Council, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Advocacy Committee and Board Of Directors, New York State School Administrators Association, Jamestown Juneteenth Committee, Jamestown Refugee Resettlement Coalition, and the Love Mercy Do Justice Interfaith Coalition. She is also a volunteer track coach for the Jamestown Public Schools.

Reinhardt’s message will include perspectives from What Every Church Member Should Know About Poverty, the book by Ruby K. Payne and Bill Ehlig.

Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which are held as strong values and moral guides. The message is anticipated to reflect the first and second Principles: The inherent worth and dignity of every person, and justice, equity and compassion in human relations.

Linnea Haskin will be the service leader and Julie Anderson, the pianist. A social time follows.

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.

​Jamestown, N.Y. – Members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown (UUCJ) are excited to welcome Verdis LeVar Robinson as their in-person preacher on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

A newly fellowshipped Unitarian Universalist minister, Robinson is UUCJ’s regular first Sunday preacher, normally addressing them from Vermont, where he serves the Unitarian Church of Montpelier as ministerial coordinator of worship arts production and adult religious education. 

Robinson, who hails from Rochester, New York, will discuss “Frederick Douglass’s Dreams” at the 10:30 a.m. hybrid service.

Douglass also called Rochester home. His dreams of freedom and liberty brought him there in 1847, where he lived till 1872, longer than anywhere else in his life. Robinson asks, “Why were his dreams deferred in Rochester rather than realized? As we honor Black History Month and seek to build a Beloved Community, what wisdom can we glean from Douglass’ dreams?”

The sermon primarily relates to the second of the seven principles that Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm, promote and hold as strong values and moral guides: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.

In May, Robinson will receive his Master of Divinity from Chicago’s Meadville Lombard Theological School. He also 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. 

For ten years Robinson was a tenured assistant professor of history and African American studies at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York. Before joining the First Universalist Church of Rochester in 2008, he was a confirmed local minister in the African American Holiness-Pentecostal tradition. He is currently an associate of the Kettering Foundation, specializing in deliberative democracy in community colleges and interfaith institutions. 

Congregant Emily Garrick is the service leader, and Janine Chimera will provide the music from her personal studio.

A potluck 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.

​Jamestown, N.Y. – “My soul needs fed every week. It is impossible to keep going without spiritual nourishment,” says Ruby Wiles, founder of Warren, Pennsylvania’s Free Books for Kids Town.

The former Lutheran pastor will speak on “Nourishment for the Soul” at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown’s (UUCJ) 10:30 a.m. hybrid service on Sunday, February 5.

Wiles explains that, “Feeding the soul is crucial to keep one moving forward to a more just world. I will offer what I have found to be nourishment for my soul and hopefully for you, too.” 

Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which are held as strong values and moral guides. This message reflects the fourth and sixth Principles: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning and the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.

Wiles served as a pastor in North Dakota, New York City and Kane, Pennsylvania.

In 2017, she received the UUCJ’s Richard T. Parker Award for Social Justice. She inspired the church’s Social Justice Committee to promote reading by giving books to students in Jamestown’s Washington Middle School English as a New Language program and to Fletcher Elementary School kindergarteners, having a free children’s book box in front of the church, and holding a Halloween Book Giveaway during Jamestown’s Trick or Treat hours. 

Pat Brininger will be the service leader and Julie Anderson, the pianist. A social time follows.

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.

​Jamestown, N.Y. – This past year Lakewood, N.Y., native and resident Sally Naetzker Baer has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Ukraine. 

In 2022 she spearheaded the raising of more than $670,000 in aid and support and made frequent visits to the country. She has driven a van from Poland into Ukraine with supplies and returned with refugees.

Naetzker Baer will tell of her experiences at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown’s (UUCJ) 10:30 a.m. Sunday service on January 29, 2023. 

Her inspiration is her faith and knowledge that The Light always overcomes the darkness. She will share about the light and hope of the money raised from 700 donors and volunteers during this difficult time for Ukraine and the world. 

With her husband, Tom, Naetzker Baer and their three youngest children moved to Ethiopia in 2009 and spent most of their time there until 2016. They taught English in Kazakhstan and Nepal and volunteered throughout the United States. When their plans to move to Kazakhstan were disrupted by the pandemic, they returned to Lakewood, where they reopened and redesigned their gift shop into an old-fashioned toy and candy store. 

To learn more, friend Sally Naetzker Baer on Facebook. Donations to support her work can be made at 6 Baers Toy & Gift Shoppe, 50 Chautauqua Ave., Lakewood, N.Y., or at her website BaerEssentials.org. 

Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which are held as strong values and moral guides. Her message reflects the Principles of: (1) the inherent worth and dignity of every person; (2) justice, equity and compassion in human relations; and (6) the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.

Bryan Heath is the service leader. A social time follows.

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.