Meadville Lombard Theological School

It’s Juneteenth! Our offices are closed today, Friday, June 19, in observance of our nation’s newest federal holiday.

Juneteenth has been celebrated by African-American communities for decades as a day of joy and community, marking the emancipation of enslaved people at the end of the United States Civil War. In 2021, Juneteenth became the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Day in 1983 when President Joe Biden declared it a holiday for all Americans.

Juneteenth is a jubilant day for some, and a solemn day for others. You may choose to have a party, or to reflect on slavery, abolition, and the legacy of anti-Black racism in the United States. Whatever you’re reflecting on this year, we wish you a meaningful celebration and a lovely weekend.

Our very own Rev. Tandi Rogers, along with Dr. Mary Shelden of UU Spiritual Directors Network UU Spiritual Direction Network will be offering a special session this General Assembly on spiritual direction in congregational life. Learn how spiritual direction can help your congregation, ministers, and lay leaders deal with organizational challenges, burnout, new growth, and other spiritual issues that arise from religious life.

The program will be available in the EduCenter on Whova for GA participants. If you’re interested in learning more about spiritual direction and the formation programs we offer at Meadville Lombard, let us know right here: https://spiritualdirection.meadville.edu/

When in Louisville, do as the locals do and raise a glass of bourbon! We’ll be mixing and mingling at BBC Bourbon Barrel Loft on Friday, June 19, to celebrate this year’s General Assembly theme of “Meet the Moment.” There’ll be plenty of all kinds of drinks on tap as well as food to share. We'll also be handing out some exclusive GA MLTS swag.

If you miss us on Friday, make drop to stop by our booth outside the Louisville studio site and say hello. Friday’s happy hour event is free, but do let us know you’re coming with a quick RSVP right here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/happy-hours-w-meadville-lombard-tickets-1987531833216

Congratulations to MLTS alum Rev. Abhi Janamanchi (MDiv ‘98)! Rev. Abhi is a 2026 recipient of the Mel Hoover Beloved Community Award from Diverse Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries / , alongside Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. The Beloved Community Award, now in its 25th year, celebrates distinguished leadership in service of UU communities of color.

A multi-decade interfaith advocate, author, and teacher, Rev. Abhi is a Unitarian Universalist-Hindu originally from southern India. He is the senior minister at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, MD, and has served as President of the International Association for Religious Freedom, UUA Ambassador to the Unitarian Union of Northeast India and the Chennai Unitarian Church, and with Hindus for Human Rights.

The 2026 Beloved Community Award will be presented today, Thursday, June 11, at DRUUM’s annual meeting. RSVP to attend and celebrate Rev. Abhi’s contributions to the UU world!

Rev. Janamanchi & Rev. Crestwell to Receive the 2026 Mel Hoover Award for Beloved Community Recipients - DRUUMM.ORG For twenty-five years, DRUUMM has recognized extraordinary leaders whose lives and ministries have helped build the Beloved Community within Unitarian Universalism. This year, we are honored to announce that the 2026 Mel Hoover Award for Beloved Community will be presented to two beloved ministers,....

Are you a design maven? A whiz with color? A geek for typography? Then consider applying to our team! We're looking for a full-time graphic designer with a solid portfolio to join our marketing and comms department. Applications are now open!

See all the details here: https://meadville.edu/job-postings/

When you think Pride, do you think protest, parties, or parades? What about a little of everything? It’s time to celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ community and honor the ongoing struggle for rights and dignity for all. As human rights come under attack seemingly every day, we are proud to affirm again and again that all genders and sexualities are sacred, valid, and welcome here.

Happy Pride!

Go, go, Meadville Lombard honey badgers! A new class of ferociously caring people was released into the world this past weekend at our 181st Commencement in Chicago. How wonderful to celebrate our hard-working graduates together with their friends and families!

A special congrats goes out to our graduates from our new Doctor of Ministry program! These three new Doctors of Ministry received their diplomas on Sunday alongside classmates from our Master's degree programs. We also awarded an honorary degree to the distinguished Dr. Emilie M. Townes of Boston University School of Theology.

This is our favorite weekend of the year! From all of us here at Meadville Lombard, congrats Class of 2026.

It's all happening this weekend. Our 181st Commencement is on
Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 3pm CT at First Unitarian Church in Hyde Park.

We invite you to join us in person or on Zoom. Find all the details on our website—including our digital program: https://meadville.edu/commencement/

And if you're joining us by Zoom, register here: https://bit.ly/4fej5f9

Stepping out of decades of a career into the next phase of retirement can be equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. If you’re making this move right now, meet “The Third Act!” This new offering from our lifelong learning program, is for all those who want to navigate this major transition thoughtfully and in community. Led by Rev. Dr. Clare Butterfield, “The Third Act” is a nine-month journey of reading, discussion, and fellowship with a cohort of peers.

Stretching luxuriously over two full semesters, this thoughtfully designed program includes remote whole-group meetings every two weeks, with asynchronous reading and reflection prompts in between. The group will meet every other Monday from 12:30-2:30pm CT, starting August 31.

If you’re ready to start your third (or fourth, or fifth) act with thoughtfulness, grace, and a little help from your friends, you’ve come to the right place. Check out the full proposed program, readings, and scheduled guest speakers for “The Third Act”: https://meadville.edu/light/the-third-act/

Being known for the work you do is thrilling and fulfilling but sometimes... a little chilling? Fame on any level, from getting recognized at the grocery store to being pursued by paparazzi, is complex. Ministers and other spiritual leaders often have to master the art of public intimacy, which is paid labor that brings a real, private self into public view.

"Public Intimacy and Authentic Leadership” is a lifelong learning program led by Rev. Adam Robersmith that engages with the questions and challenges of showing up in public with authenticity and courage. Starting this September, join a cohort of your peers on a nine-month journey of reading and reflection as you learn tools and strategies that will deepen your ability to publicly lead with courage.

Clergy, non-profit leaders, actors, organizers, politicians, comedians, and more are welcome to join this two-semester program that includes group meetings every other week, asynchronous reading and discussion, and two coaching sessions with Rev. Robersmith. On the other side of your program, you’ll receive a transcript that notes 60 hours of continuing education in Leadership Studies from an accredited institution.

“Public Intimacy and Authentic Leadership” meets Tuesdays from 6-8pm CT, starting Tuesday, September 1. Partial scholarships are available for this program! Submit your application by June 1 for consideration for financial assistance. View the full program description and schedule: https://meadville.edu/light/public-intimacy/