UUABQ Voice

Kelsey D. Atherton’s Universalist grandfather defined his faith as “life on earth is hell enough,” a phrase that unlocked a central contradiction of Kelsey’s own Universalist faith journey: how can he reconcile a belief in universal salvation without believing in any hell worse than what is experienced on earth? His answer is in the world as we live it, one whose horrors need no exaggeration, and one where the holy work of care and repair is in the hands of everyone. What we do here matters, and the existence of suffering on earth is sufficient reason to work to alleviate it. Kelsey D. Atherton has been attending First Unitarian since his preschool days, and is a member of the interim transition team. He met his lovely spouse Alymay in a class talking about Our Whole Lives, and together they’re raising two fifth-generation Universalists, or at least will be once the toddlers can master sharing. He worked for a decade as a military technology journalist, before moving to work advocating for a kinder, more diplomatic, softer world. Music: Lydia Clark.

It is tempting to believe that somewhere out there is the minister who will heal our wounds, solve our challenges, and secure our future. Yet thriving congregations are not built by exceptional ministers alone. They are built by ordinary people who take shared responsibility for the life they want to create together. The search ahead matters. But perhaps the most important work is already underway. Rev. Jake Morrill, a UU minister from East Tennessee, has consulted with this congregation throughout this year, supporting its resilience in a transitional time. A longtime UU minister, a former Chaplain in the US Army Reserve, and a licensed marital and family therapist, Jake is on the Faculty of the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family and is a consultant with the Family Business Consulting Group, through whom he helps family enterprises navigate challenging transitions. Jake and his wife, Molly, are the proud parents of two young adult children. Music: Lydia Clark.

Where in the City of Albuquerque do you encounter the divine search for truth and meaning? While many members of our congregation are returning to school in this new academic year, all of us can find new rituals for learning and spaces for connecting with our spirituality. For Alymay, one of the most holy spaces they experience outside of church is on the bus. They will share about how the bus became one of their most beloved spiritual places and how they bring Unitarian Universalist values on board with them and in the community as a bus rider advocate. This service will also include a Backpack Blessing for anyone interested. Bring your backpack, messenger bag, laptop sleeve (whatever represents your learning or work!) to receive a blessing. Althea “Alymay” Atherton (they/them) is a community-based homemaker, toddler parent, and current chair of the City of Albuquerque’s Transit Advisory Board. They signed their first congregational book at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon, Massachusetts as a teenage convert. Alymay has been a member of First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque since 2016, where they teach the faith-based sexuality curriculum Our Whole Lives (OWL) and serve on the UUABQ Religious Education Council. They also ride the bus. Music: Lydia Clark.

“You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” (Perkei Avot 2:21) Quotes like this are often shared with well-meaning “get out there and change the world” memes on social media. Many of us are not able to join large gatherings, or we have personalities and/or disabilities that make loud, public acts of social justice harmful to ourselves. How can we engage in bending the arc of the moral universe toward justice effectively while playing to our strengths? Inspired by the book Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Rev. Erica Lea-Simka [LEE Sim-kuh]. Rev. Erica (she/they) is a pastor, peacebuilder, parent, partner, perseverer, pilgrim, and plant-based nut. Pastor Erica has served Baptist and Mennonite congregations, most recently as Pastor of Albuquerque Mennonite Church from 2017 to 2025. They are currently The Journey Project (Thriving Churches Initiative) Grant Director for the New Mexico Conference of Churches and Southwest Representative for Mennonite Women USA. Music: Lydia Clark

Martin Buber said: “The human being…is the promise-making, promise-keeping, promise-breaking, promise-renewing creature.” Rev. Emily, our Board President Bill Miller, and members Judy Goering and Jan Lee will reflect on the transformative power of staying engaged in community despite disappointment and through conflict. Music: Sue Young, Rusty Nelson, and Vance Bass.

How do we remember our growing up years, in our families of origin? And how do we experience those families now? Do we find blessing in our memories, and in current family experience? Or do we wish things were different? In her many years of ordained ministry, Rev. Sue has found the Family Systems Theory of Murray Bowen to be a powerful lens through which to view our families. She’ll share with us some key aspects of the theory, giving examples from her own life. This service will also include a ceremony to honor outgoing Board members and welcome new ones.Rev. Sue has been a UU minister since 1985. She has divinity degrees from Harvard and Episcopal Divinity School, and has served congregations in both settled and transitional capacities. She moved to Albuquerque in 2012 to marry her late beloved, Chuck Campbell, a member of First Unitarian for almost 40 years. She still lives in the house they shared. Music: Lydia Clark

Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber speaks of a “load‑bearing structure”—the steady, grounding force that holds us when life feels unstable. For her, that structure is God and the salvation she found in Jesus: “For me, Unitarian Universalist principles and values have long served as one of those stabilizing structures. Over time, I’ve come to understand that such support can take many forms, so long as they help us remain upright through trauma and change. The Karpman framework of the Drama Triangle and the Empowerment Triangle has become one of those supports in my own ministry. I have seen how often groups, including congregations, become caught in the cycle of victim, persecutor, and rescuer, and how transformative it can be to shift into the roles of creator, challenger, and coach. This framework can be grounding, helping us to remain compassionate, clear, and centered during trauma‑impacted work.” Rev. Dr. Jane Davis grew up in a Southern Baptist family and first discovered Unitarian Universalism more than forty years ago. After a 25‑plus‑year career as an engineer in the nuclear power industry, she answered the call to ministry in 2015 and enrolled at Meadville Lombard Theological School. She completed her ministerial internship at First U in 2020, and was ordained by this congregation in 2021. She went on to serve as a community minister in a Program Manager position with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Project ECHO. She was granted Full Fellowship in February 2026, and completed her Doctor of Ministry in May 2026. Music: Lydia Clark

Unitarian Universalism has sometimes been accused of failing to provide sufficient comfort & guidance during the crises of life. This sermon series will refute that view, providing both theists and atheists with a (not the!) Unitarian Universalist approach to these common human struggles. We will draw from the ways “process theology” aligns with UU principles of relationship, interconnectedness, love, and ongoing revelation/evolution. This week we’ll consider the questions “Why are we here?” & “How then shall we live?” Music: Lydia Clark

Flower Communion is a specific tradition rooted in our UU faith during WWII. Rev. Stacey will share the values deep within our faith that contributed to Flower Communion—honoring the beauty in every person. Bring a Flower to exchange with others (if you can’t or forget, there will be flowers at the service for all). The RE team will be offering a “Bridging Ceremony” to honor graduating kids this year. Music: Robin Korevaar, Max Reilly, and Vance Bass

Unitarian Universalism has sometimes been accused of failing to provide sufficient comfort & guidance during the crises of life. This sermon series will refute that view, providing both theists and atheists with a (not the!) Unitarian Universalist approach to these common human struggles. We will draw from the ways “process theology” aligns with UU principles of relationship, interconnectedness, love, and ongoing revelation/evolution. This week we will touch on concepts of pain, suffering, evil, and freedom. Music: Lydia Clark.

Music: Lydia Clark

The mural of spiritual symbols which forms the backdrop of our worship has formed and informed this congregation for 62 years. Christine will tell us about some of its history, its many meanings, and how it can remind us of who we are as Unitarian Universalists. The Puppets will also have some opinions to share. Music: Tom Godfrey, jazz guitarist. Christine was the minister of First Unitarian from 1988-2017. She still helps out around the place when asked, but mostly enjoys participating as a member of the congregation.

Susan Peck celebrates her retirement after 10 years as Director of Music at First Unitarian, in a musical service featuring Chalice Choir, Cantabilis, Spare Parts, and plenty of congregational singing.

A few years back, Bryan began directing his prayers to the Great Mother, having spent most of his life in Patriarchal religion with prayers directed to ‘Our Father’. Bryan keeps an eye out for synchronicities (in a pagan sense) and will share a story or two. His best practice is to just go out for a few hours of silence to hear what the trees are saying! Music: Susan Peck and Jess Martin, with a Sol Singers sound bath in the foyer before worship. Bryan Hackett is First Unitarian’s Director of Finance & Operations, first joining the staff as our Accountant in November 2022. A lifelong New Mexico native with over 30 years in ministry, Bryan has journeyed into Unitarian Universalism over the last 10 years or so.

Heartwork invites us to live our values by planting seeds of compassion and radical love—nurturing ancestral strength for future generations. Understand how storytelling can be medicine and remember that serving others is sacred work grounded in our commitment to be healing beings. Music: Lydia Clark Tanaya Winder is an author, singer/songwriter, poet, motivational speaker and educator who comes from an intertribal lineage of Southern Ute, Pyramid Lake Paiute, Diné and Duckwater Shoshone Nations where she is an enrolled citizen. She blends storytelling, singing, and spoken word to teach about different expressions of love (self love, intimate love, social love, community love, and universal love). https://tanayawinder.com

The amazing youth in our congregation chose the theme, music, and readings for this service,  and wrote reflections to guide the congregation. The service also includes a child dedication ceremony for seven children and youth, and a special ritual to say goodbye to our Director of Congregational Life, Laira Magnusson, and her family.

Music: Susan Peck with Cantabilis.

How did rejecting the shame and stigma surrounding their mental illness help Christina root more fully into our beloved community? How can listening to all the parts of yourself bring you strength? Come contemplate through story and reflection. The service will include a farewell ritual for Rev. Beth Elliot, our departing Associate Minister. After the service, there will be a short reception for her with some special music led by Susan Peck. Music: Lydia Clark, Staff Musician. Christina Socorro Yovovich’s pronouns are she/her/they/them. She has been a member of First Unitarian since 2014. Their family roots begin in Mexico and Montenegro and the labels they claim for themself include writer, mother, artist, bipolar, autistic, fat, person with PTSD, and wisdom seeker.

A reflection for Easter on resurrection and reincarnation, through a look at Jesus, Buddhism, and the earth. Music: Susan Peck and Chalice Choir, with Lydia Clark, Vance Bass, Chris Paul.

Rev. Stacey will reflect on how Jesus related to power, and what was historically happening that led to his death. Music: Lydia Clark & Susan Peck

The Rev. Stacey Mitchell Celebrating our connection to light and our interdependence with nature. Music: Cantabilis, with Leslie Bowen, Emily Moore, Erika Nielson, Susan Peck, Michele Spiro, Celia Yapita.

Humans are story-making animals. As Unitarian Universalists, we both share our stories and tell a shared story. How we do that impacts not only how we feel about ourselves, but also how we change the world. First U member Scott Kasmire joined Unitarian Universalism in the mid-1990s as a twenty-something. As a fifty-something, he can be found teaching high school math at the Alamo Navajo Reservation or spending time with family at Laguna Pueblo. Music: Lydia Clark

How can we face our fears, do what’s right, be loving, be resilient and stay sane amidst internal and external turmoil? We’ll consider how to grow our courage, foster radical love within ourselves, and look to our ancestors to support our spiritual intuition and build our resilience. Natalia “Natty” Averett (they/(s)he) is a gender-fluid, sapiosexual Black American and Afro-Caribbean Latiné person of African, European and indigenous North and Central American heritage. A long-time UU and Insight (Vipassana) meditator, as a young adult Natty served as president of a 1000+ member UU congregation while also serving as a trustee on both their local district UU board and the national UUA Board.  Music: Sol Singers, under the direction of Susan Peck.

Exploring Unitarian Universalism’s value of Pluralism, and the influential spiritual traditions of Reb Zalman, Krishnamurti, and Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan. Music: Chalice Choir, under the direction of Susan Peck.

Author Robert Fulghum, who wrote “All I Really Need to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten” in 1988, is also a UU Minister. Inspired by this book, Rev. Stacey will give a sermon about what she has learned from her dog, Copper. Music: Lydia Clark,Erika Nielson, and Michele Spiro share some great dawg-friendly songs. 

How is democracy important to our UU faith? Whether we are pondering inclusion, justice, or agency, our faith points the way to a more equitable and compassionate world.  And Rev. Stacey will also ponder the importance of Latino superstar Bad Bunny’s Superbowl performance from a week earlier and why it matters for our country. Music: Clarinetist Robin Korevaar teams up with pianist Maxwell Reilly for some light classical duos. Lydia Clark will cover congregational hymns.

Every year, First Unitarian celebrates the lives of notable, interesting, and sometimes quirky people lost in the previous year. Spare Parts and Cantabilis honor musicians who crossed over in 2025. Musicians: Spare Parts with Laura Bartolucci (tambourine, vocals), Vance Bass (guitar, vocals), Keith Morris (guitar, flute, vocals), Chris Paul (drums), Evan Kennedy Sadek (electric bass), Susan Peck (keyboard, vocals), featuring Larry Alei (flugelhorn/trumpet) and additional vocals by Cantabilis (Tania Hopkins, Michele Spiro, and Erika Nielson). 

How do we find balance between paying attention to the world and protecting our own capacity to hope? Guest preacher Nate Clark will reflect on how joy can sustain us through anxiety and grief. Nate Clark (all pronouns) is currently serving in Lexington, MA as Follen Church’s Ministerial Intern for 2024–2026. He graduated with his MDiv from Iliff School of Theology in the spring of 2025. Nate grew up a Unitarian Universalist in Dunstable Massachusetts. He is currently living in Westford, MA with his wife and their rambunctious cat. Nate’s calling is to parish ministry, and they hope to serve a congregation in their native New England.  Music: Guest musician, Francisco Ruíz. Francisco is an award-winning singer-songwriter from LA and long-time UU music leader. He studied circle singing with Bobby McFerrin and can turn a roomful of people into a magical vocal orchestra.

Rev. Nathan Ryan, lead Minister at the Baton Rouge congregation, will delve into our legacy of Unitarianism, and how we honor “The Transient and the Permanent.” Reverend Nathan is a life-long Unitarian Universalist from south Louisiana. He graduated from Meadville-Lombard Theological School in Chicago. After serving in various positions at UU churches in Texas and Maryland, he returned to Baton Rouge as Assistant Minister in 2012. He was called as their Senior Minister in 2020. Music: Chalice Choir, under the direction of Susan Peck.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to the UUA’s annual General Assembly in 1966.  In that speech to UUs he said “There are some things in our nation and in our world to which I’m proud to be maladjusted.”  Rev. Stacey will be exploring what he meant by that statement to UUs almost 60 years ago. Music: Lydia Clark, Mark Clark, and Lewis Winn

Letting go of perfectionism and independence as a spiritual practice. Music: Susan Peck

In all the world’s major faith traditions and throughout nature, there are guidelines around rest, hibernation, and Sabbath. Carving out space and time for quiet and ease is essential for health and honoring the cycles of life. Music: Emily Moore, KJ Patrick, Susan Peck, Michele Spiro

Do you remember the Choose Your Own Adventure Books? Come be part of a service where YOU get to choose where we go and how we explore the foundations, joys, and responsibilities of being part of a faith community. Music: Chalice Choir

Peter Mayer, UU singer-songwriter based in Stillwater, Minnesota, will share his “Sermon in Song,” weaving original songs with his thoughts on the lyrics and music. Mayer is best known in UU circles for the hymn “Blue Boat Home.” Come learn more about the rest of his music.

Rev. Stacey on Buddhist teachings that have inspired her over the years.  Music: Lydia Clark

For our 4th Sunday Speaker Series, New Mexico US Representative Melanie Stansbury spoke to a large group of Unitarian Universalists with a message of hope and the work ahead to ensure that every person has access to food, housing, healthcare, opportunity, and dignity.  

The Rev. Stacey Mitchell This Sunday we will remember and honor our Transgender Community by paying tribute to lives lost due to violence over the last year. Our faith has supported the affirmation of Trans lives for decades. Music: Lydia Clark

Contemplations on “Building Strong Foundations” (inspired by some Buddhist ideas). This is the last Sunday of our 2026 Pledge Drive. Music: Cantabilis, women’s chamber choir.

What is Universalism? As a radical, unapologetic and expansive Universalist, let me continue to share explorations as to why I believe it is the key to our faith’s future. Music: Chalice Choir

Our UUA faith has a motto for the last 20 years: “On the Side of Love.” And, with our new statement of faith passed at General Assembly in 2024, our faith calls us into sacred acts of love around values of justice and more. Let’s explore how to manifest holy love.  Music: Lydia Clark, piano/vocals and Erika Nielson, vocals

Radical Generosity at First Unitarian centers in a continual call for us all to cultivate compassion. How does our faith’s call for extravagant amounts of love impact how we think about generosity? Join us for a joyful, playful take on abundance and the power of community. Music: Susan Peck and Beth Elliot

Author Robin Wall Kimmerer states “Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.” In this Sunday message, Rev. Stacey will explore the joys and gifts of our animal world. We will also have our Backpack Blessing this Sunday for children and adults alike. Every child and youth should bring their backpack, and everyone, regardless of age, is invited to bring something that symbolizes their work for a blessing.  Music:Chalice Choir

What are the differences between confidentiality and secrecy? Why is one virtuous and the other a very big problem? Music: Lydia Clark and Susan Peck

Join us as we explore the mythology of Lilith and how she became a symbol of the rejection of patriarchal domination and limited gender roles. What are the implications when feminine symbols like Lilith and Eve are demonized and blamed for the sins of humankind? We will examine how these ancient stories still have influence in our culture and politics. Music: Cantabilis (women’s chamber choir)

What is taboo and why? There is value in examining our resistance, our disgust, and our rebellion. I swear.  Music: Spare Parts, our contemporary worship band

Interim periods can be a dynamic and reflective time. With Rev. Stacey being here for the next years, formally known as “Interim Ministry,” what can be expected in this time period?  Music:Lydia Clark

Alana Rodriguez, Director of Family Ministry What could family ministry look like? With the many changes and shifts, how do we center joy and taking care of each other? Music: First U Youth Kokiak Hopkins, Puck Magnusson, and Shane Magnusson with guest youth musicians Owen Mease, Josh Trujillo, and Silas Wilber.

In Rev. Stacey’s first sermon at First U Albuquerque, she talks about how with new beginnings, there are new opportunities. Music: Chamber trio: Robin Korevaar (clarinet), David Schepps (‘cello), Susan Peck (piano)

St. Julian of Norwich is the author of Revelations of Divine Love, the oldest surviving book in English written by a woman. She was a deeply spiritual person and knew firsthand the power of the Divine Feminine during tumultuous times. As an anchorite, Julian was a spiritual director to her community, though her guidance lives on mystically. What wisdom does 14th century Julian have for us today in the 21st century? Music: Lydia Clark

Even amid the most horrific of times, people have understood the value of joy. How do we stay grounded and spiritually nourished when the world is falling apart? We find whimsy, we value playfulness, and we recognize rest as resistance.  We also say goodbye to our Intern Minister and Resident, Ron Ahnen. Music: Cantabilis (women’s chamber choir) offers uplifting, whimsical songs for feeling good.