Longing for Belonging

Rev. Christine Dance
Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix
presents a virtual sermon for BBUUC:
“Longing for Belonging”
Caitlin Regan, Worship Leader
Dr. Gary Smart, Accompanist
Timothy Edwards (Violin), Guest Musician

Brené Brown says that our desire for connection and love runs deep but that “when we ‘fit in’ instead of actually ‘belong,’ we mold ourselves to the situation instead of standing for our authentic self.” We will explore this month’s theme of Belonging and exploring how we both belong AND be authentic.

Don’t forget to bring your loose change (paper bills also accepted) pennies from heavenfor our first-Sunday Pennies from Heaven collection benefitting The Clothes Closet & Food Pantry serving the people of Clay County.

About Our Guest Speaker:

Rev. Christine Dance is the Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, Arizona. She has her Master of Divinity degree from Iliff School of Theology in Denver Colorado. Before coming to Phoenix, Christine spent 20 years in Orlando, Florida and was proud to serve as a lay leader in everything from the Worship Committee to Stewardship to managing a large renovation project to singing in the choir. Rev. Christine was ordained by the First Unitarian Church of Orlando, served a year-long internship at Tri-County UU in Summerfield, FL, and served a chaplaincy internship in the Advent Hospital system in Orlando during the summer of the Pulse massacre. Prior to ministry, Christine was a professional Facilitator, leading innovation, strategy and brainstorming sessions for Fortune 500 companies. She had a 30-year career in marketing, communications, product development and innovation. Her kids think she hit her height of popularity as the Pokémon Brand Manager for Hasbro Toys in the late 90s. Christine and her wife Karen have two grown sons and love spending time with them and their significant others. They keep busy with four cats and two dogs at home, and love camping, hiking, working on their home, entertaining and traveling.

About our Guest Musician:

Timothy Edwards began his violin studies in the public schools of Detroit (MI), enhancing this instruction with privately with Hortense and Mischa Mischakoff (the wife; and the former Concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony). He attended high school at the Interlochen Arts Academy; earned the Bachelor of Music Degree from the Eastman School of Music; and his Master of Music Degree from the University of Michigan.

He has performed extensively, holding permanent and/or substitute positions as section performer, principal and/or concertmaster with such institutions as the Flint Symphony; Toledo Symphony; the Des Moines Metro Opera; the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; and Jacksonville Symphony among others.

Though Mr. Edwards’ talents lay primarily in the classical music realm, for which he has extensive knowledge, he is also well versed in the stylistic genres of Jazz and Pop (Timothy has performed as a member of orchestras collaborating with such notable artists as Sarah Vaughn, Al Jarreau, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey; and most recently, in early 2022, had the honor of joining members of the Jacksonville Symphony as the accompanying orchestra on the tour of the legendary rock band “The Who” when they gave a performance at the Veterans Arena in Jacksonville, FL.

As a means of giving back to his community, Timothy has served as an Adjunct Professor at the Florida State College at Jacksonville (Kent Campus); on faculty at Jacksonville University for their Summer Chamber Music Intensive for young musicians; enjoys a vibrant teaching studio; and appears regularly as soloist and
chamber music collaborator on the staff of three churches in the Jacksonville area.