- This event has passed.
Clara Barton Sisterhood
Sunday, February 9 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Universalist Clara Barton is best known for her work in organizing nursing services during the Civil War and, later, founding the American Red Cross. She did not start this work until she was over 40. The Clara Barton Sisterhood was created in her name as a way for local women’s groups, congregations, and individuals to honor women aged 80 and over for their contributions to their congregations and communities. The morning’s Share the Plate collection will go to Sophia Way.
Rev. Dr. María Cristina Vlassidis Burgoa will be preaching.
How to Attend
We encourage masks in all buildings. Read more about our In Person Guidelines here.
• To virtually attend, please Zoom in using room number 989 3107 9078, passcode: chalice.
• To phone into the service, call 669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 989 3107 9078.
For those joining, please mute as soon as you enter the room, so everyone can hear. Please note, the services will be recorded, but at this time, there are no plans to share the recording.
More Information
Religious Education for children and youth happens during worship on Sundays. Children and youth arrive in the Sanctuary for the just a little bit and welcome in Sunday with a story and song. Then, they attend their own programs in the Education building. Learn more here!
If you don’t have a chalice, but want to light one, check out our Making a Chalice at Home page.
In person services are followed by coffee hour.
Children’s Story
Sermon Audio
Clara Barton Sisterhood
Sermon Text
Clara Barton Sisterhood introduction for Dr. Kirstie Lewis by Carla Hellekson
Good morning, I am Carla Hellekson, and use she/her pronouns
It is my great honor to present Dr. Kirstie Lewis the Clara Barton Sisterhood award of the Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation (UUWF) on behalf of East Shore Women’s Perspective. The Clara Barton Sisterhood was created in 1979 to honor UU woman aged 80 or over to recognize their contributions to our faith and wider community.
Kirstie Lewis came to ESUC in 1993 in search of a liberal Religious Education program for her son Jason. She immediately joined the “Mighty East Shore Choir,” where she sang until recently. She has come full circle to now bringing her two grandsons to the Religious Education program every Sunday. She has served in many roles at ESUC, including her current work as a Lay Pastoral Minister.
By 1994 Kirstie had become active and soon a leader in East Shore Women’s Perspective by serving on the Steering Committee; by planning, and participating in many of the annual Spring Retreats; by initiating, planning and presenting at the feminist focused Margaret Fuller Teas (which we will enjoy today after the service), and by offering the popular “Kirstie’s Back Porch,” annual summer festivity.
Her work with the national Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation began when she was nominated to be on the UUWF Feminist Theology Task Force which was re-named the Margaret Fuller Awards Program. During the early 2000s as both member and chair of this committee, she led the grant giving group. Many of the funded projects, which supported the UUWF’s mission of “advancing justice for women and girls” were offered as part of the General Assembly program each year.
Following her terms on the Margaret Fuller Awards committee, Kirstie moved onto the UUWF Board where she served for 6 more years as member/Vice President and then Chair/President. During these years the Board developed the Affiliated Minister position on the Board, supported the Clara Barton Sisterhood program, and assisted in the Clara Barton Internship program. This visionary program was designed to support an intern who could advocate for women’s issues at a national level and provide opportunities for congregations to fight for reproductive and economic justice for women.
In looking back at her 16 years participating in the UUWF, Kirstie feels her greatest accomplishments included shepherding the varied funding programs, especially the scholarly Margaret Fuller Awards program.
To summarize Kirstie Lewis’ work for East Shore Unitarian Church and for UUWF is difficult, but, in Kirstie’s words, she says, “I am proud to have helped to put women’s voices out into the world and through education, advocacy, and funding to have assisted in achieving reproductive and economic freedom and justice on behalf of women and girls.”
Kirstie, it is my pleasure on behalf of the East Shore Women’s Perspective to present the Clara Barton Sisterhood Award to you.
Clara Barton Sisterhood introduction for Evelyn Smith by Caroline Haessly
Evelyn Smith has served diligently as a lay pastoral minister, counseling congregants in need of a kind listening presence, for over a decade. Her skills as a licensed social worker with five decades of professional experience are unmatched. During her career, she always lived in alignment with her values—never turning anyone away due to lack of insurance when they sought therapy. For some families, she counseled three generations who deeply trusted and appreciated her. She has the ability to find common ground with anyone.
Evelyn served on our Board of Trustees for nine years, including the pandemic years when there were many more meetings than usual. When a need to fill a vacant seat arose, Evelyn graciously stepped up multiple times. She is someone who arrives early to set up and stays late to clean up without being asked.
The Holly House Task Force is another challenging commitment to which Evelyn has steadfastly given five years of thoughtful and productive service.
A list of Evelyn’s generous contributions of time and expertise is a long one. She is truly an inspiration to all.
