Donna Zimmerman presents
A sermon written by Rev. Janet Parsons,
Minister, Gloucester UU Church (MA)
“To Finally Stand Still”
Hannalora Chapple, Youth Worship leader
Dr. Gary Smart, Accompanist
Emily Rose Ludwick, Vocals, Special Music
What we do know is that without the effort to be attentive, to listen for silence, we will not be given the opportunities to sense what might lie beneath the surface, the glimpses of oneness and wholeness that mystics of all traditions assure us can be ours…
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
Rev. Janet Parsons was called to the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church in 2015. She has a fundamental belief in the worth and dignity of all people, an unwavering commitment to social justice, and a dedication to seeking common ground to end gun violence. Rev. Parsons has also been an active participant in the groundbreaking Cape Ann Slavery and Abolition Project, which is researching locations on Cape Ann where enslaved people lived and worked and where abolitionist and anti-slavery activity occurred. Her commitment to service has been life-transforming, and she considers justice work and service to be vital ways for Unitarian Universalists to express their values in the world. Rev. Parsons received her bachelor’s degree in political science and her master’s degree in urban policy from Tufts University, and earned her Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School.
About our Vocalist and BBUUC Friend
Emily Rose Ludwick is a 9th-grade public school teacher at Creekside High School who enjoys music, art, and writing. She’s a D&D nerd, obsessed with exploring characters, over-analyzing narrative themes, killing the part of her that cringes, and building community through shared storytelling. She’s been singing as long as she’s been able, but singing with her dad, Michael Ludwick, has always been her favorite. She loves indie folk, syrup-voiced crooners, and the soundtrack of Trolls 3. Her favorite groups to listen to right now are The Crane Wives and Hozier!