Donna Zimmerman presents a sermon by
Rev. Darcey Laine, Minister of the UU Churches of Cortland (NY) and of Ashland (PA)
“Breaking Open”
Claudia Marshall, Worship Leader
Gary Smart, Pianist
Mike Ludwick, Guitar and Vocals
“We are broken not because we are bad or wrong or inadequate, but because humans are breakable. This is important – and a theological point: that the parts of us that feel broken are not left out of what is sacred. Our broken parts have inherent worth and dignity. Our broken parts are holy too…”
About Our Sermon Presenter
Donna Zimmerman is a native Floridian whose family moved here when she was 14. After going back to school “later in life,” she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNF. Donna lived in Dallas for a time and found her spiritual home at First UU Church of Dallas. She built a meaningful career that spanned both social services and HR. Notably, as Executive Director at Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida, she launched the region’s first professional HIV/AIDS service program that is still in operation. Now retired, Donna channels her heart for service into our own community, serving on the Worship Committee and as a lay Chaplain on the Pastoral Care Team. She and her partner of 28 years, Cyndi Daman, love spending time with their big, beautiful family of two daughters, six grandkids, and two great-grands!
About Our Sermon Author
Rev. Darcey Laine is a dedicated Unitarian Universalist minister with a rich background in music and community service. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Indiana University and attended Star King School for the Ministry, where she developed a passion for working with children and youth. Rev. Laine serves congregations in Athens, PA, and Cortland, NY, and has experience consulting and preaching at various small congregations, emphasizing the unique blessings of small-church ministry. Beyond her parish duties, she also provides spiritual direction and facilitates labyrinth activities, expanding her ministry’s outreach and impact.
About Our Member-Musician
Enamored with the music of the 1960’s, “Firepit” Mike Ludwick taught himself to play guitar as a teenager. Making music and singing have been life-affirming spiritual practices for him, which he uses to help bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice, love, and peace.