View this email as a webpage

We’re delighted to welcome back Natasha Steinmacher (she/her) as the 2025 GA Music Coordinator. Her dedication and passion for music make her an invaluable part of our team, and we’re so glad to have her with us again!

Natasha is the Director of Music Ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill, NJ, where she has served the music ministry for over 20 years. In previous years, she contributed music for General Assembly as both soprano soloist and choir accompanist. Natasha is a UUA Music Leadership Certification Program graduate and serves as the Program Director for Member Engagement for the Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries (AUUMM). She finds great joy in bringing people together in community through the power of music.

We are honored to announce that Rev. Verdis LeVar Robinson (he/they) will serve as the 2025 GA Choir Director. Their leadership and musical vision will surely inspire and uplift us all.

Rev. Verdis is a newly fellowshipped Unitarian Universalist minister who holds degrees in History, African American Studies, and Music Performance from SUNY College at Brockport, SUNY University at Buffalo, and Boston University. He is currently an Assistant Minister for Growth at First Unitarian Church of Rochester, and the Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of East Aurora. Rev. Verdis completed a Master of Divinity degree in 2022 from Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago specializing in Faith Formation Pedagogy. Prior to ministry in Rochester, NY, Rev. Verdis served as the Ministerial Coordinator of Worship Arts Production and Adult Lifespan Spiritual Exploration for the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, Vermont, after serving the congregation as a Ministerial Intern under the guidance of the Rev. Joan Javier-Duval. Since 2022, Rev. Verdis has served central Vermont as the Executive and Artistic Director of the Montpelier Community Gospel Choir sharing the hope, joy, and inspiration of African American gospel music in Vermont and is the founder of The JUUbilee Singers, First Unitarian Church of Rochester’s first gospel choir. Rev. Verdis’ music ministry is his calling, heritage, and love. Prior to becoming a Unitarian Universalist, Rev. Verdis directed Pentecostal church choirs in Rochester and Baltimore.

We’re excited to share that Carl Kennedy will be stepping in as both the band leader and accompanist for GA 2025. We’re looking forward to the creativity and energy he’ll bring to the event!

Carl Kennedy serves as Director of Music at Second Unitarian Church of Chicago where he directs the choir, the band, and works as the primary service pianist. He is a current candidate for Music Leadership Certification and serves as the worship band coordinator for the AUUMM conference planning committee. With degrees in Jazz Composition from Lawrence University and the DePaul School of Music, Carl maintains an active and diverse performance career as a pianist in Chicago and nationally. His musical journey has taken him to prestigious venues nationwide, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Millennium Park Jay Pritzker Pavilion, South By Southwest Music Festival, Summerfest, and many others. As an educator Carl teaches jazz piano at Saint Xavier University and the Community Music Division at the DePaul School of Music.

We are thrilled to announce that the music for the 2025 Service of the Living Tradition at UUA General Assembly will be led by the incredible group Bēheld.

Bēheld is fierce and free women creating music, community, and sisterhood. We perform for worship services, events, conferences, public demonstrations, and even at the vigil honoring the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Their repertoire spans social justice songs of the past 75 years, combined with pop and soul songs of today that honor the work of women, the challenges we face in an increasingly demanding and cruel world, and the joy we experience when we find a community that recognizes and celebrates all that we are, all that we hold, and all that we bring. Bēheld are Jen Hayman, Julie James, Norah Quinn McCormick, Loyce Pace, Meg Parker Young, Rochelle Rice, Nicole Rumeau, and Melinda St. Louis.

We are excited to see how their unique sound will elevate the experience, and we can’t wait for you to be a part of it!

The Program Development Group (PDG) is hard at work crafting an incredible lineup of workshops and sessions for this year’s GA. Their mission? To deliver programming that inspires, connects, and empowers — equipping congregations, supporting leaders, and advancing UU values. These values, including Interdependence, Pluralism, Justice, Transformation, Generosity, and Equity, are all grounded in the foundational practice of Love.

This year’s focus areas explore how UUs practice community, leadership, worship, and spiritual growth to address today’s challenges. Highlights include justice-centered action, fostering belonging, spiritual sustenance, accountable partnerships, leadership development, youth leadership, global citizenship, and evolving religious practices. Together, these programs are designed to inspire, connect, and empower attendees to embody UU values and tackle the big questions of our time in a rapidly changing world.

The 2025 PDG includes Rev. Summer Albayati, Rev. Kierstin Allen, Rev. Erica Baron, Rev. Ranwa Hammamy, Kathy McGowan, and Mylo Way. These incredible leaders are curating a lineup that’s sure to inspire!

Notifications for selected workshops go out in early March, with the full lineup dropping mid-March. We can’t wait to share what’s in store—stay tuned!

The UUA General Assembly is taking place June 18–22, 2025, in the heart of Baltimore, a city bursting with history, culture, and vibrant energy. Whether you’re looking for meaningful connection, a family-friendly adventure, or a way to explore the city’s rich diversity, Baltimore has something for everyone. Here are some top recommendations to make the most of your time outside of GA programming:

1. Visit the Inner Harbor – A short distance from the Baltimore Convention Center, the Inner Harbor is the city’s crown jewel. Stroll along the waterfront, explore historic ships like the USS Constellation, or dive into the wonders of the National Aquarium. With stunning marine life exhibits and interactive displays, it’s a perfect spot to spend an afternoon.
2. Explore Local History – Baltimore is steeped in history. Take a walk through Federal Hill Park for sweeping views of the city, or visit Fort McHenry, the site that inspired the U.S. national anthem. If you’re a fan of literature, don’t miss the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum.
3. Savor Baltimore’s Cuisine – No visit to Baltimore is complete without trying its famous crab cakes. Explore local eateries around the Inner Harbor or venture into neighborhoods like Fells Point and Mount Vernon for diverse dining experiences, from fresh seafood to global cuisines.
4. Dive Into Arts and Culture – Art lovers can explore the Baltimore Museum of Art (free admission!) or the American Visionary Art Museum, known for its quirky and creative exhibits. For live entertainment, check out what’s happening at the Hippodrome Theatre or Baltimore Center Stage.
5. Get Outdoors – June is a beautiful time to enjoy Baltimore’s green spaces. Patterson Park, affectionately known as “Baltimore’s backyard,” offers walking trails, gardens, and a historic pagoda. Or, rent a kayak at the Inner Harbor for a unique view of the city.
6. Make It Family-Friendly – Traveling with kids? Baltimore is packed with family-friendly options. Beyond the National Aquarium, check out the Maryland Science Center or take a pirate-themed cruise in the harbor for a fun adventure!
7. Plan Ahead – Baltimore offers something for everyone, but June is a popular time to visit. Make your plans early to ensure you can experience everything this vibrant city has to offer during your GA trip.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Baltimore! Whether you’re exploring its historical landmarks, savoring its iconic seafood, or simply enjoying the waterfront views, you’re in for a memorable experience. Stay tuned for more tips and recommendations as we get closer to June!

Get your Visit Baltimore Official Guide

Attending GA 2025 in Baltimore or virtually? Financial support through discounted registration and housing reservations are available to help make GA accessible to all. Additional funding and travel stipends are available to youth and young adults (ages 14-35) through the Katie Tyson Fund and the Jerry and Denny Davidoff Fund.

First-time attendees can use the promo code WELCOME100 for a $100 registration discount. Individuals from historically marginalized communities can apply the code INCLUSION100 for a similar discount. Business-only online registrants may use OPTOUT2025 to register for free.

Financial aid awards are granted on a first-come, first-served basis and are funded by donations from GA registrants. Requests can cover registration, housing, or both.

 Learn more and apply for financial support

Are you heading to General Assembly 2025 and looking to share a hotel room or coordinate travel with a fellow UU? Our GA Room-Share & Ride-Share Connections Board is here to help attendees connect with potential roommates and travel partners. Whether you’re hoping to split lodging costs or find someone to carpool with, this is a great way to make GA more affordable—and maybe even make a new friend along the way!

How it works:

• Fill out the Room-Share & Ride-Share Form to add your name to the list.
• Browse the Roommate and Ride Share Connection Board to find others looking for a match.
• Reach out and make your own arrangements.

This is a self-organized effort, so be sure to communicate clearly with potential roommates or travel buddies about expectations, costs, and logistics. The UUA is providing this space for connections but does not coordinate matches or assume responsibility for arrangements.

If you’re looking to share the journey and the joy of GA, sign up today!

 Join the Room-Share & Ride-Share Board

Each year, a talented choir comes together to rehearse and perform for the General Assembly audience during the Sunday Morning Worship. For many, singing in the choir is an essential part of the GA experience and a meaningful way to connect as UUs. Space is limited, and a waitlist will form as voice parts fill.

Why Sing with Us? Singing with fellow UUs at GA is about more than just music — it’s about connection, community, and spirit. Whether it’s your first GA or your tenth, lending your voice to the choir is a special way to deepen your experience.

Important Details:

• Registration is open! First-come, first-served — space is limited. As voice parts fill, a waitlist will form.
• Cost: $20, payable by Visa or Mastercard, covering sheet music and production expenses.
• You must be registered for General Assembly to participate in the choir (you may register for choir first).
• Financial support is available.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible tradition!

 Register for the GA Choir