Unity In Diversity

The Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of the Palisades

UUCP
P.O. Box 709
Englewood, NJ 07631
Phone: 201-568-5540
 
 

In Focus: Jody Burrows

By: Lisa L. Trager

Previous In Focus:

  • Jody Burrows
  • Tom Gundling
  • Eddie Hadden
  • Linda Kochenburger
  • Julio Perez
    •   Jody Burrows

    Jody Burrows has been a Unitarian Universalist since 1976 when she and her husband, Leyn Burrows were members of the North Parish of North Andover, MA. Their relationship with the North Parish was very strong, so leaving was difficult and emotional.

    In 1994, when Jody and Leyn resettled in this area, they were looking to reconnect with another Unitarian congregation. The fact that the UUCP was an intentionally diverse congregation was very appealing to them as a bi-racial couple. As Jody recalled, "Our two older children did not have the advantage of being a part of a multi-racial congregation and we were very excited that Joanna would have this opportunity." At the time the UUCP was located at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center. Jody said, "I equate God with Nature so Flat Rock was the perfect spot for this spiritual connection." It did not take long for the Burrows to decide that the UUCP was the right place for their family.

    In closing, Jody commented:

    "Each minister, with whom I have established a relationship over the past 25 years, has taught me something about this faith. I especially learned much from our previous minister, Tom Chulak, and believe that my journey on becoming a better UU was based largely on what I learned from this incredible human spirit. Tom felt a strong congregation was a loving community built on being in relation with each other. And in that spirit of community, there was support, love and forgiveness for our shortcomings. The trust and respect born from those relationships, and what they seek to do in spirit and deed, were the cornerstones of any solid spiritual congregation. If we continue to do our best and to support each other in whatever efforts we freely chose to do, keeping in mind the Seven Principals and our Vision Statement, then the congregation will grow. We must continue to show patience and love in our endeavors together and to always know why we get up early each Sunday morning."

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