Community Corner

Local Unitarians Welcome First Full-Time Minister

Dr. Sarah Lenzi leads her first services Sept. 8 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Briarcliff, Croton and Ossining.

Written by the UUFBCO

The Reverend Dr. Sarah Lenzi, a Unitarian Universalist Minister, has begun her ministry with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Briarcliff, Croton and Ossining (UUFBCO).   

Members of the congregation voted unanimously to call Dr. Lenzi on May 19th. She is the congregation’s first full-time called minister. 

The Reverend Dr. Sarah Lenzi will lead her first services on Sunday, September 8th, the Fellowship’s Annual Water Communion, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. 

"These services, which include a Unitarian Universalist ritual of water sharing, are an intergenerational celebration of the beginning of our congregational year.” said Reverend Lenzi. “There will be beautiful music, story-telling, and, after each service, a time for fellowship.” 

"I am delighted to begin my ministry with this dynamic congregation,” Reverend Lenzi continued.  “It is a vibrant community of committed individuals with diverse backgrounds and varied theological positions,  individuals who come together with a common purpose. Here, as we search for connection, deep meaning in our lives, and spiritual growth, we welcome, celebrate, and rejoice in each other’s differences." 

Reverend Lenzi graduated Williams College with a double major in Art History and Religion. She later completed her ministerial studies at Harvard Divinity School and subsequently received a doctorate in religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania in December 2012.  

She was ordained in April 2013, at First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. Reverend Lenzi, born and raised in New York City, is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist.  Most recently, she served as the Intern Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Virginia. 

“We are so pleased and excited to welcome Reverend Lenzi to our congregation as our very first full time minister,” said Gerry Peet, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at UUFBCO. “An elected committee of our congregation worked for over a year to clarify our hopes and dreams for our new minister and then find the ideal candidate. We are thrilled that the search led them to Sarah.”  

Working with the congregation, Reverend Lenzi expects the year ahead to be energizing and fulfilling.

"The leadership of the congregation and I are so excited about all that we will be able to accomplish together, both in the realm of personal spiritual growth and in the wider world,” she said. “We are already involved in the fight for equal rights for all people; we have committed activists fighting to help save our environment, and we have folks working to try to end hunger in Westchester County. We will continue to educate ourselves and our neighbors on these important social justice issues through a film series, adult education classes, and participation in interfaith and county-wide projects.

“Sunday morning services will also be a priority, said Reverend Lenzi, noting that the Fellowship is also “committed to providing excellent worship services each and every Sunday - worship services that are welcoming and inclusive of all peoples and are filled with delightful music. While the adults worship in the sanctuary, our children get the chance to connect with each other in our religious education classes that help them learn about themselves, our community and the world.” 

An installation ceremony is being planned for Reverend Lenzi; a date will be announced shortly.  

About the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Briarcliff, Croton & Ossining
 UUFBCO is a vibrant community of people who come from many faith traditions, and who celebrate diverse opinions and spiritual journeys.  The congregation is welcoming and inclusive, especially in the areas of gender, race, sexual orientation, economic status and ability.  There are currently about 110 members, and in addition about 50 children participate in our religious education programs. Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion with no creed or dogma. It affirms the worth of human beings, advocates freedom of belief and the search for advancing truth, and strives to provide a warm, open, supportive community for people who believe that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion. UUFBCO is located at 2021 Old Albany Post Road in Croton-on-Hudson.  

Sunday services, typically held at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., are open to all. Children’s Religious Education and childcare are provided. For more information on our congregation, and for a calendar of events, please visit our website at www.uucroton.org or follow us on Facebook. The Reverend Dr. Sarah Lenzi is available for interviews.  Please contact the church administrator at 914-271-4283 or emailuucroton@gmail.com. 


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