2025 - Tides of Change: Shaping Justice Through Collective Movement

Workshops

Theme Talk

Social Action as as Faith Formation

with Rev. JeKaren Bell

Morning Workshops

Ritual As Theology: Crafting Rituals for Transition and Transformation

Led by Rev. Heather Concannon

and Rev. Allison Palm

Rituals are a way to embody our theology in times of joy and struggle. Participants will create their own rituals and explore the use of ritual as a tool for theological depth, as well as the responsible use and crafting of rituals, grounded in humility, intentionality, accountability, and gratitude.

This workshop will guide participants through the steps of planning a ritual, and invite them to try out those steps in a small group. As the group moves through the steps, workshop leaders will offer reflections around a Unitarian Universalist theology of ritual, tips for implementing and leading rituals well, and a framework on how to use rituals responsibly in the context of Unitarian Universalism’s history of cultural appropriation. Participants will come away from the workshop with the practical tools they need to create their own rituals for use at home, in worship, or in community contexts.

Rev. Heather Concannon serves as the settled minister of the Theodore Parker Unitarian Universalist Church in West Roxbury, MA.

Rev. Allison Palm serves as the settled minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua, NH.

Revs. Heather and Allison are the co-editors of the book Blessing It All: Rituals for Transition and Transformation, and have been crafting rituals together for nearly 20 years. They are excited to share their love of ritual with Star Island conferees, and to create a space for participatory meaning-making and skill-building around ritual design, leadership, and theology.

The Do-Re-Mis of Songleading

Led by Jennie Mulqueen

It is true that anyone who loves to sing can be a song leader AND.... it's not as easy as it looks! Indeed, group singing can be a powerfully connective and inclusive experience within the context of worship services, social justice events, and community gatherings. Drawing upon the oral tradition, this sequential workshop will build a concrete foundation for musical leaders to bring accessible and energizing songs that bind folks of all ages, stages, and abilities with a spirit of hope and belonging. Participants are asked to bring a song they would like to lead as a starting point.

Jennie Mulqueen: B.M., M.Ed., M.Div. With a background in singing and music education, Jennie began her work as an interfaith hospice chaplain in September 2023 for Good Shepherd Community Care of Newton, MA after completing her residency and fifth unit of CPE at Mass General Brigham. Jennie believes that coming to peace with mortality can foster greater presence and meaning in our living. As a Mystic Humanist chaplain and celebrant, Jennie connects to the sacred through music, play, activism, community, and nature and believes that communal singing is one of the most powerful conduits to the divine. In 2007 Jennie founded Woman Song, a singing sisterhood with a commitment to playfulness, simplicity, and non-performative practice. Jennie is a certified Interplay Leader and Spiritual Director and offers group and private spiritual accompaniment. She is grateful to draw on the wisdom of many spiritual teachers including Joanna Macy, Brene Brown, Joan Halifax, Pema Chodron, and Parker Palmer. The value Jennie holds dearest is authenticity and she is always striving for radical grace. Jennie and her two children Sophie and Atticus have been members of First Parish Milton UU since 2008.

Afternoon Workshops

Exploring From a New Perspective: an Introduction to Toy Photography

Led by Rev. Caitlin Cotter Coillberg

Together we will experiment with the medium of toy photography as a way of seeing new angles on Star Island. No experience necessary, but each participant should be comfortable using whatever form of camera they bring. This workshop will involve a lot of movement around the island and a high level of whimsy. It is recommended that participants bring a toy or two they are excited to pose around the island- an action figure, lego minifigure with props, small doll, or other poseable toy is ideal.

Rev. Caitlin Cotter Coillberg (she/her/hers) is a third generation Unitarian Universalist, Appalachian American, and the Minister of Spiritual Growth at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver Spring (MD), where she lives with her spouse and two young children. Rev. Caitlin is passionate about napping, neurodiversity, the work of mutual liberation, nature, intergenerational community, pop culture, and fancy tea drinks.

The Future is Now: Emerging Adult Ministry in the 21st Century

Led by Karishma Neva Gottfried

Generational shifts, the pandemic, the continued rise of technology, and an uncertain political landscape have shaped and continue to impact all of our lives, but emerging adults more than ever.

Karishma Neva Gottfried was raised in the UU Fellowship of Corvallis, Oregon, and was active in regional and denominational leadership throughout her youth. After moving to the east coast to study religion at Wellesley College, she found her call to campus ministry by participating in and leading Wellesley's UU group, Heartspace, and founding the Sanctuary Boston campus ministry program. Karishma is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York and is the Intern Minister at the Community Church of New York. Karishma brings with her a deep love of emerging adult ministry rooted in small-group facilitation and skill-building to help young adults learn how to co-create community together.