Reverend Jennifer Nordstrom

voice, urging us to rise to the challenge and loving us as we all try, fail, and try again. She can laugh and sing just as well as she can call forth justice and transformation."

-- The Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson, Senior Minister, the Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL

 

"Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom has been one of the most influential voices of Unitarian Universalism in my personal faith journey as a Christian. Since the fall of 2013, Rev. Nordstrom has helped me to find real clarity surrounding narratives of Racial Justice and the intersection of Faith, which has been very impactful in my work as an Activist/Pastor." 

--Pastor Danny Givens, Jr. Founder & Senior Pastor of Above Every Name Ministries, Resident Minister at Unity Church-Unitarian, Black Lives Matter Minneapolis Clergy Liaison, Co-Founder of Black Clergy United for Change

 

"Jennifer is a beacon of UU activism, not only inviting others into action and engagement, but inviting us into deeper reflection and thoughtfulness at the same time."

--Tim DeChristopher, climate activist and founder of the Climate Disobediance Center

 

"The UU College of Social Justice invited Jennifer to coordinate and lead the worship elements of an innovative climate justice program we created for adults 18-34, designed to teach them new organizing skills while grounding them spiritually. Jennifer’s framing for the times of worship and reflection perfectly echoed and complimented the deep justice work in which we were engaged, and gave a grace and depth to our work well beyond my expectations. It was one of the elements cited by participants as being most meaningful and helpful to them as activists and young UUs."

--Rev. Kathleen McTigue, Director, UU College of Social Justice

 

"Rev. Jennifer is solidly in the forefront on environmental justice in our faith. Not only with her own congregation, but also through organizing other ministers and faith leaders to mobilize their communities. She truly is a leader of leaders.

 

Rev. Jennifer exhibits an insight into the future of our faith that is truly rare. She easily connects with the younger generation, making sure they know that UUism is their home, while simultaneously employing a wisdom that belies her years. Her vision for our faith--coupled with the strategic thinking to implement it--are a gift to us all."

--Rev. Nathan Hollister, Lead Minister, Sacred Fire Unitarian Universalist; Chair, Commission on Appraisal; Adjunct Faculty, Meadville Lombard Theological School.

 

 

“Jennifer is warm-hearted, friendly, and has an understanding of the Organizational System and dynamics of the Church. There is definite partnership with the congregants: she has focused on developing congregants as leaders within the church and the community. Jennifer has provided a wide variety of pastoral support and knows when to get additional support from congregants and other pastors in the community. She knows how to use the resources available to get the best results possible.”

--Betty Harris, Lay Leader, Third Unitarian Church

 

"I find Rev. Nordstrom to be an exceptionally gifted minister. Her depth of groundedness, her ability to relate at a human level, and her passion for justice are profound."

--Rev. Scott Aaseng, Director, Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of Illinois (UUANI)

 

“I have had the incredible privilege of experiencing Jennifer's ministry.  Her worship services are beautifully delivered with remarkably thoughtful and timely sermons- an amazing blend of spiritual depth to nourish the soul, and thought-provoking reflection that keeps you considering her wise words long afterward.  Serving as one of Jennifer's worship associates has deepened my spiritual practice immeasurably.  Our congregation has been so blessed to have had such a very special person like Jennifer as our interim minister.”

--Claire Callahan, Worship Associates Chair, Third Unitarian Church

 

"Jennifer is the unique combination of minister that can speak so well to the congregation while at the same time making it feel as if she is speaking directly to you. Her style is so approachable and kind which is something I look for in ministers to bring our faith and traditions to the next generation. I look forward to watching her ministries grow and flourish and through it the Unitarian- Universalist community and faith."

-Kara Younkin Viswanathan Unity Church- Unitarian St. Paul, MN 

 

"Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom is just what Third Unitarian Church needed in an interim minister. She is so very intelligent. She realized what we need to do to implement the mission the congregation has espoused for decades and is helping guide us there. She also has dealt well with issues that have come up among families in the church and has worked on improving committees that have had problems for years.I get a lot out of Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom's sermons. They are clear and to the point while being personal and well thought out. I am one of the church's atheists who are concerned about the theological path the church might take in the future, and Jennifer has shown me how people of different beliefs can work together in our congregation."

--Deb Donovan, long-time active member and Chair of the Auction Committee, Third Unitarian Church

 

"Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom is a necessary and beautiful prophetic voice for our denomination, skillfully calling us to be more and live better. Her fiery heart is tempered only by the great love she brings to her congregations, her colleagues and into her life. She will be a blessing to the congregation to which she’s called as she has been a blessing to Unitarian Universalism."

--Rev. Peggy Clarke, Minister, First Unitarian Society, Hastings on Hudson, NYRacial and Social Justice Consultant, UU Metro NY DistrictCo-Founder, InterGenerateGreenFaith Fellow

 

 

"Although I am one of the few young adults in the congregation, Jennifer helps me feel included in the community. Most Chicago Unitarians around my age attend congregations located in the Lake View and Hyde Park neighborhoods, two neighborhoods that have a high number of young adults living in the community. The reason I became a Unitarian Universalist is because the faith advocates for spiritual growth and social justice. I joined Third Unitarian Church because the congregation focuses on social justice and being a part of Austin and the Westside of Chicago. I joined TUC around the same time that Jennifer became the Interim Minister. As the congregation is transitioning, Jennifer is challenging us to see how we want the congregation to look like in the not so distant future. Several Unitarians around my age claim that at times they feel belittled and ignored by older members from their congregation. Luckily I do not have that problem. Jennifer and the majority of the members make me feel welcomed in the community. Not only are they interested in what I have to say, they are interested in putting what I have to say into action. It is clear that the members want me to be a part of the community as the congregation is transitioning. Thanks to Jennifer and the members of the congregation, I do feel like I am a vital part of the community." 

--Gabriel Gamez, Young Adult Leader at Third Unitarian and UUSC Justice Building Innovators