REALLY BIG NEWS! Rev. Sara E. LaWall Candidate for Settled Minister Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Rev. Sara LaWall has been Director of Religious Education at Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church, Pasadena, California, for 9½ years, during which time she felt called to the ministry, successfully completed her Masters of Divinity (MDiv) at Meadville-Lombard Theological School and was ordained at NUUC last year. Education and Training: 1997 BFA, theater, University of Arizona 2006 MA, education, Pepperdine University 2014 MDiv, ministry, Meadville-Lombard Theological School Denominational and Community Activities: 2013-15 Immigration Justice Action Team, UU Justice Ministry of California 2013-15 Resource Council, Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice 2008-15 Youth Ministry Consultant 2012-14 National Day Laborers Organizing Network (NDLON) community partner 2007-13 Co-dean, Junior High Winter Camp, Pacific Southwest District, UUA 2007-11 PSWD Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) chapter secretary and vice-president 1999-05 San Fernando Valley Chapter, Million Mom March Active UUMA (UU Ministers Association) member Seven UUA General Assemblies and District Assemblies Personal Details and Interests: Married to Michael Alvarado 17+ years (met in high school) Two children, William, 9, and Gavin, 5, close extended family Interests include world travel, family fun days, reading, dance and yoga, theatre Institutional Interests: High quality worship services Institutional organization and change Collaborative leadership Organizational health Lifelong learning (children, youth, adult RE) Periodic alternative worship services Comments from Sara: “I would like to serve a church with vibrant and diverse worship services, who are active in local justice issues, and who have a commitment to lifespan religious education.” “I see faith formation for all as a significant part of congregational life and spiritual growth.” “...great ideas come from many minds and hearts working together.” “I want to inspire my staff to innovate and create in alignment with the church's vision and mission. I want to instill a trust in my staff to be professional and feel empowered to make their own decisions.” “I feel that music and the arts are central to the worship life of a congregation. Thinking to the future, I would love to develop a team of artists and musicians who would become part of the ministry of the church both in worship and beyond.” “I feel a deep commitment to youth ministry.” “I am not afraid to talk about money or to ask for it.” “I am a strong supporter of policy-based governance....” Comments from UUA Transitions Office Interpretive Summary: “Sara is noted for being poised, articulate, knowledgeable, self-aware, engaging, authentic, passionate, warm, compassionate, collaborative, mature, clear, quick-witted, and eloquent...She is lauded for being professional, creating beautiful worship services, delivering inspirational sermons, organizational prowess, social justice work, and pastoral care. She is noted for handling herself well in difficult moments.” Watch the BUUF website and Facebook page for updates about Rev. Sara and events of candidating week! Hhttps://www.facebook.com/boiseuus