Jennifer Leota GraCen (née GRAY)
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I am a transitional minister, focusing on intentional interim, developmental, and consulting ministries. I love supporting congregations in times of growth and change while learning about and being part of the wide variety of stories we are writing in our Unitarian Universalist tradition.
I was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas. My close relationship with my paternal grandmother led me to a love of books and learning. In high school and college, I studied history, theater, and forensics. Over time, my interests refocused; I earned my undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Services, working with people with disabilities. But this, too, reflected an interest in storytelling. The focus of the work is on learning about people, who they are and what their dreams for themselves are in this world. It also requires understanding the broader story - the community and policies and systems that surround us - in order to meet the needs of the people one is serving. I worked for several years with people with developmental disabilities and later with the Department of Rehabilitation Services in Child and Adult Protective Services. During that time, I discovered Unitarian Universalism, and I was deeply moved by the ability of our tradition to tell stories in new ways. I felt a call to ordained ministry in Unitarian Universalism, and I moved to Boston to attend seminary. When I entered ministry, I found a place where I could combine all my interests and passions into one vocation. In ministry, we teach one another and learn together about life and what it means to be human beings in this time and place. Ministry is all about the stories we tell ourselves and others, about how we shape our understanding in light of the world around us. It is important to understand systems and policies, how we can set up structures to support our values and our ability to work with one another. Ministry requires understanding and telling stories that range from the microcosm to the macrocosm. (Additional information about my religious upbringing and experience in seminary can be found here.) Ministry is the vocation of my soul. My call gives me the opportunity to live a life of service and to live that life within this faith that brought me home. Learn more on these pages: Path to Ministry Personal and Family Life A Broad View of Unitarian Universalism |
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