Dear Beloved Community, 

This is a time of great transitions at MUUSJA.  As we announced several months ago by email, our Executive Director, Rev. Ashley Horan, is concluding her tenure as MUUSJA’s Executive Director as of this Sunday, July 21.  We are deeply grateful for Ashley’s five years of service, and we wish her all the best in her next steps. (Read Ashley’s farewell post and RSVP for her farewell party on August 12.) 

This a critical time for MUUSJA’s work. The fight to undo systems of oppression and counter the rising tide of hate is unceasing. This week alone, we witnessed our neighbors and friends being ripped from their homes and families by ICE, and the decision by the United States Justice Department not to bring civil rights charges against the officer who killed Eric Garner.  

In this context, the MUUSJA board has been dreaming and planning for what’s next for the organization. We are excited that Pastor Danny Givens will continue to serve as MUUSJA’s Statewide Organizer, focusing on building capacity and relationships among UUs across Minnesota.  And, we are thrilled to announce that MUUSJA will be entering its next chapter with Karen Wills leading the organization as the Acting Executive Director, continuing to move the organization’s mission forward in these critical times. 

Karen brings a depth of experience in both Unitarian Universalism and justice-making.  We are confident that Karen’s many skills and talents will benefit MUUSJA and our mission to unleash courageous leadership and collective power to build a more just and loving world. You can learn more about Karen here.

Please feel free to reach out to Karen through the contact page or by phone at 612.927.2072.

Please welcome Karen to MUUSJA! 

Taylor Putz and Sherri Knuth 
MUUSJA Board Co-Chairs