Rev. Alison Wohler at Unitarian Church Sunday, October 15, 2023

Rev. Alison Wohler

​Jamestown, N.Y. – Rev. Alison Wohler will speak at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown’s 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, October 15, 2023.

Her sermon topic is “Syncretism and Cultural Evolution.”

Wohler says, “Human culture—which includes religious thinking—has picked up bits and pieces from other places and from new discoveries and thoughts as it changed throughout history. Syncretism is the name of that ubiquitous process that has always, and still, moves us forward.” 

The Story for All Ages is What Was I Scared Of? by Dr. Seuss.

In 2016, Wohler retired as Minister Emerita from the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst, Massachusetts, and moved to Columbus, Ohio, to be near her daughter and parents. She is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Chautauqua, where she is a summer resident as well as a lifelong, fifth-generation Chautauquan. 

Before becoming a Unitarian minister, Wohler was a working scientist and spent 19 years as an art gallery owner. 

Wohler’s background includes a BS in Biology from Allegheny College. Her scientific background has been a significant influence not only on her theology, but also on her philosophy of ministry, and what it means to be in religious community. She identifies as a Religious Naturalist and often brings science into her services. 

While many of the seven Principles that Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote are related to this service, Rev. Wohler believes the seventh, which she finds incorporates all the others, most fits: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Bruce Anderson is service leader, and pianist Julie Anderson is musician. A potluck follows.

Participation can be 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.

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