Dear UU Ministry for Earth Community,

As of the end of July, my time as UUMFE’s Communications Coordinator has come to a close. This is a bittersweet change for me, as I am excited about the next steps in my ministerial formation but will deeply miss this organization and its people.

Communications will now come from the talented Xander Huffman. Xander is an experienced communications professional who I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside during my transition. You can read more about Xander here.

When I stepped into this role, I was halfway through my seminary degrees and expected a smooth transition from my previous career in communications to ministry. I could not have anticipated the big organizational shifts that were to come—nor how much I would grow. Today, the heartbeat of UUMFE is strong and resilient. The passion for the spiritual health of those who care about climate justice makes up the pulse that pumps the Spirit of Life throughout everything UUMFE does. It’s truly been a blessing to see this small-but-mighty organization boldly experiment with new programming under the leadership of the Rev. Lauren Spivey Levwood.

I would be remiss to not mention the impact working with UUMFE had as my Minneapolis community navigated Operation Metro Surge. I never once had to choose between caring for my immigrant neighbors and maintaining my role at UUMFE. Rev. Lauren and the Board consistently encouraged me to prioritize my justice work and my rest, even when it caused hiccups for the organization—clearly living into the UUMFE commitment to the spiritual wellbeing of justice-makers.

For the 2026-27 church year, I will serve as the Hallman Ministerial Intern at Unity Church-Unitarian in St. Paul, MN. I intend to pursue ministerial fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association and ordination by a UU congregation. What comes after? Only time will tell.

It is so common for behind-the-scenes roles like mine to never directly interact with the community. This made it even more exciting to meet many of you in Baltimore and to share wisdom stories during worship services. Those moments of connection meant a great deal to me. Thank you all for being steadfast partners in this work alongside UUMFE staff, including myself. I will be cheering you on from afar.

Many blessings,

Audrey