Donna Zimmerman presents
“Opening to Joy“
a sermon by
Rev. Nica Eaton,
Chalice Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Conejo Valley (CA)
Elizabeth DeCoux, Worship Leader
Gary Smart, Accompanist
Michael Bernos, Special Music, Guitar and Voice
Focusing on joy, turning our attention to how joy manifests in our lives, experiencing joy in our cells, seems to spread joy to others. Now that’s worth cultivating, isn’t it? Just as unhappiness can spread, so can joy. Let’s create a contagion of joy…
About Our Speaker
Donna Zimmerman is a long-time resident of Jacksonville who had a “timeout” for a mere 18 years in Dallas, where she found the UU church there. Her background is in social services, and she was the Executive Director of Lutheran Social Services of NE Florida, where she started several programs, including the first HIV/AIDS services in the region provided by a professional organization. She is retired and spends her time on the Worship Committee and as a Chaplain on the Pastoral Care Team.
About the Sermon Author
Expanding minds, softening hearts, and transforming lives is Reverend Nica Eaton’s calling as a Unitarian Universalist Minister. She is passionate about Unitarian Universalism and its capacity to offer hope, meaning, and purpose, embedded in loving community. Despite growing up in an atheist household in Germany and England, Nica became a lifetime seeker always wanting to live a more connected, sacred life. Leaving Europe to attend Princeton University, she was interested in philosophy, psychology, religion, sociology, languages and the arts. She pursued careers as an actor and singer; a manager of classical musicians; a creative arts therapist; a life coach; a hospice chaplain and an entrepreneur. Her varied professional experience provided the foundation for a deep and expansive ministry. She values authenticity and collaboration, based in integrity and love. Reverend Nica is also a Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher trained by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. She believes that mindfulness is key to growing awareness, presence and peace in life. Reverend Nica is deeply grateful every day to be doing this varied and profound work of ministry, bringing more love, more justice, more healing and transformation to the world.
Special Music by BBUUC Member Mike Bernos
Mike is an accomplished businessman, musician, producer, and writer. A singer/songwriter of many genres, he is the founder and plays with Spice & the Po Boys and AmpleAngst. Mike is a member of BBUUC, the husband of Annabelle Gallois-Bernos, and the father of Joachin.