Testimonials

“Reverend Lauren has been a breath of fresh air in whatever she does for our congregation. Whether it is working with youth, supporting a religious group within the church, or supporting social justice - she brings energy and creativity in whatever she does. It has been an amazing experience working with her.”

— Steven Saltzberg, Social Justice Advocate with RISC, Member of First UU Richmond

“When Reverend Lauren Levwood came to the First UU Church of Richmond, she impressed me from day one. When I had some serious medical and family problems, she reached out to me. Reverend Lauren always has a soft, personal way about her. When Reverend Jeanne Pupke died, suddenly it was Reverend Lauren who many of us turned to.”

— Louise Hermine Werner, Member of First UU Richmond

“I have known Reverend Lauren Levwood for over two years. She has developed and worked with our small group, Jewish Lives of First UU, during this time. Reverend Levwood helped to create several sermons and worship services around the Jewish holidays utilizing the talents and strengths of the group. Her encouragement and creativity helped me tell the stories of my family in this context.”

“As I experienced an emotional crisis recently, I was able to talk to Reverend Levwood individually. She was warm, caring, and compassionate and created a safe space for me to explore and create coping strategies to deal with the situation at hand. Her skills, in my opinion, were far in advance of a beginning pastoral counselor.”

“Reverend Levwood would be considered an asset to any organization.”

— Helaine B. Meadows, LCSW, Board Certified Diplomate, Member of First UU Richmond

“Reverend Lauren brings huge energy, compassion, awareness, and thought to everything she does. She follows up, even on the smallest detail, and she makes sure that everyone is included.”

— Joel Gottlieb, Member of First UU Richmond

“Lauren was a natural leader and offered sermons with assurance. She was gracious and collegial. She was most skilled at delivery and that was apparent.”

“Lauren enters the ministry with heart and eyes wide open - what more can one ask?”

— Rev. Leslie Takahashi, UU Minister and Professor of Preaching at Starr King School for the Ministry

“Lauren has a bright and open presence. She exudes bright energy, confidence, and openness. She is timely, does high quality work, communicates well, and is responsible and reliable. The gifts of her ministry can flow freely since these baseline qualities are so solid.”

— Rev. Dr. Sheri Prudhomme, UU Minister and Lauren’s Advisor at Starr King School for the Ministry

“In Lauren I find a brilliant, collegial, empathetic, grounded leader. She is a gifted writer with a rare ability to describe and engage our theologies in relational and accessible ways. I find in her deep ethics of care, and a determination to address the injustices of the world through her ministry. I have every confidence that Lauren will make an outstanding minister and wish her every success from this point forward.”

— Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, President of the UUA and Professor of Theology at Starr King School for the Ministry

Professional references available upon request.