March 22, 2026
Rev. Carmen Emerson presents
“Six Needs of Mourning #6:
Ongoing Support from Others”
Mary Avery, Worship Leader
Gary Smart, Pianist (Accompanist and Special Music)
The Six Needs of Mourning – a sermon series offered by our affiliated community minister, Rev. Carmen Emerson
An encouraging and uplifting exploration of the needs and meaning of mourning, moving beyond the myth of linear, staged grieving and the cultural platitudes we learn early in life to deflect grief. The series concludes with an opportunity to consider advanced care planning as a gift of love to your families. This Sunday’s service covers receiving ongoing support from others.
About Our Speaker
Rev. Carmen Emerson, MDiv, is the Affiliated Community Minister for BBUUC. She earned a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School and a graduate certificate in conflict resolution from Lipscomb University’s Institute for Conflict Management. Rev. Carmen is in good standing with the UU Ministers Association and in full fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association. She is a Board-Certified Chaplain and the Spiritual Support Services Coordinator for Baptist Health System in NE Florida. Rev. Emerson’s experience as a parish minister includes ten years of full-time service to our UU congregations in Albuquerque, NM (contract); Meadville, PA (called); and Nashville, TN (called).
About our Member Musician
Dr. Gary Smart is a Presidential Professor of Music at the University of North Florida. His career has encompassed a wide range of activities as composer, classical and jazz pianist, and teacher. He composes and improvises music that reflects an abiding interest in Americana, jazz, world music, and Western classical tradition. He has performed in major venues in the United States, Europe, and Asia. His “Concordia” for orchestra won the Concordia Jazz Competition Award and premiered at Lincoln Center, New York. Dr. Smart has spent two residencies in Japan, teaching programs at Osaka University and Kobe College. He has also taught in Indonesia as a “Distinguished Lecturer” for the Fulbright program.