In celebration of Earth’s summer abundance, we’re having a Berry Communion! In Virginia, berry season begins in mid-May and stretches through the summer months until late August or even September. Strawberries are the opening act, followed by blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Inspired by the teachings of Robin Wall Kimmerer and her recent book, “Serviceberry,” this Sunday’s Berry Communion ritual will invite us to pause and enjoy these sweet treats of the summer season.

Find the Order of Service.

Rev. Lauren Spivey Levwood (she/they, Starr King School for the Ministry MDiv ’20) serves as Minister for two UU congregations in the beautiful mountains of western Virginia: the UU’s of the Blue Ridge in Sperryville and the UU Church of the Shenandoah Valley in Stephens City.  Rev. Lauren is also heartened to serve as Board Chair for the UU Ministry for Earth. In addition to ministry, Rev. Lauren has a professional background in women’s health as a birth doula, childbirth educator, and massage therapist (Boulder College of Massage Therapy ’08) and in the arts world as a professional modern dance performer and educator (James Madison University BA ’02). She is drawn to embodied and earth-based spiritual practices, religious naturalism, and experiences of awe and wonder arising from art, poetry, music, and the natural world. Raised in Virginia, Rev. Lauren  currently lives in Stafford, VA, with her co-parent, Rev. William Levwood, their 12yo daughter, Haya, a spunky-sweet tuxedo cat, Comet, and a pair of white rats, Cinnamon and Sugar.