Dear UCM Congregation,

On Sunday, December 3, Verdis LeVar Robinson will be ordained as a minister of Unitarian Universalism at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 S Winton Rd, Rochester, New York. There are three churches participating in this ordination, the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, First Universalist Church of Rochester, and the Unitarian Church of Montpelier. Verdis is the first person of color that each of these churches has ordained. UCM agreed to ordain Verdis by congregational vote on May 21, 2023.

Verdis LeVar Robinson was the Ministerial Intern at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier from 2020-2022 and was then hired as a UCM staff member for one year after his internship. He is a beloved member of our community, and we are honored to be part of his ordination team. 

We are writing to inform you of the live streaming party and celebration that will be held in the UCM Sanctuary on December 3rd. The ordination will begin at 3:00 pm, will last for approximately 90 minutes, and will be followed by a short celebration. We hope that you can join us for this very special event. 

We are also asking for your support to purchase a gift and to send two congregants to the event. We would like to buy a stole to present to Verdis during the ordination. Vic Guadagno and Meredith Warner, who served as UCM board presidents during Verdis’ time at UCM, will be traveling to Rochester to participate in the ordination. Cash and check contributions towards the ordination gift and travel costs for UCM participants will be collected by Vic Guadagno. Please make your contribution by Friday, December 1st. Checks should be made out to Vic with “ordination” in the memo line. You can mail checks to Vic’s home at 24 Marvin Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. Reverend Joan will also be traveling to Rochester and participating in this ordination. 

Warm Regards,

Meredith Warner, Vic Guadagno & Rev. Joan Javier-Duval