Elizabeth DeCoux presents
a sermon written by
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Minister, UU Fellowship of Santa Cruz County (CA)
“Judgement-Free Zone”
Kris Kines, Worship Leader
Dr. Gary Smart, Accompanist
Timothy Edwards, Violin, Guest Musician
So that’s the first practice. You don’t know the whole story. Get curious. Once you know more, chances are, you will find so much compassion in yourself that you can’t help but start the process of repair . . .
Don’t forget to bring your loose change (paper bills also accepted) for our first Sunday Pennies from Heaven collection benefiting The Clothes Closet & Food Pantry, whose mission is “To nourish and clothe those in need so that no one goes to bed hungry and where all people of our community can feel hope, value, and empowerment toward a better future.”
About our Speaker
Elizabeth DeCoux spent her career practicing law and then teaching law. She is BBUUC’s Animal Chaplain, available to help members and their companion animals with any spiritual and pastoral needs related to
animals. Elizabeth was selected as the recipient of the Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry’s Albert Schweitzer Sermon Award for the best sermon regarding our responsibilities to animals. She is active in the UUAM, serves as a Board Trustee, and is also on BBUUC’s Worship Team.
About the Sermon Author
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig discovered Unitarian Universalism in her late 20s, when she took a job as a paid singer in a UU church choir. Having grown up in a secular family, she was shocked to find herself weeping during the hymns and riveted to the sermons, with their powerful messages that everyone is loved, and everyone’s actions matter. Soon after that, she took the plunge and entered seminary.
She currently serves as the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Santa Cruz County in Aptos, CA, after nearly 20 years of serving congregations from Illinois to California to Virginia. As a religious leader, Rev. Laura is passionate about supporting congregations and individuals on their path toward greater wholeness, resilience, and joy. She particularly loves leading worship, teaching spiritual practices, and geeking out over UU history and theology. In addition to her ministry, Laura also has a private practice as a spiritual director, coach, and shamanic practitioner.
About our Guest Musician
Timothy Edwards began his violin studies in the public schools of Detroit before studying at the Interlochen Arts Academy. He holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and the University of Michigan (MM). He has performed extensively, holding positions as section performer, principal, and concertmaster at the Des Moines Metro Opera, Flint Symphony, and Toledo Symphony, with substitute positions with the Detroit Symphony and Jacksonville Symphony. Timothy enjoys a vibrant teaching studio and has served as a Humanities Adjunct Professor at the Florida State College of Jacksonville.