Reverend 

Hope Johnson

The President's Award for Volunteer Service to the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations is presented to persons designated by the UUA President who have offered extraordinary and vital service to the UUA as volunteers.

On Sunday, April 30, 2006, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau, Garden City, New York, voted unanimously to extend a call, which was accepted, to the Reverend Hope Johnson to be their Settled Minister. Their public announcement of their call to her includes the following statement:

Excited about her ministry and our congregational growth, it is evident from her engaging smile that she loves people and has fully embraced her call to ministry.  Hope is a spiritual presence who invites us to share our stories as we journey together.  A weaver, Hope brings people together in meaningful and inclusive ways.  A builder, Hope is creating inclusive community.  Always mindful of “the other,” Hope encourages us to work in partnership in our shared ministry.  Hope’s theology is grounded in hospitality and love.  Engaged on the congregational, district and continental levels, she “practices what she preaches” as she brings people together.  Passionate about leadership development and support, she’s been sharing the “good news” of Unitarian Universalism since 1990, when she joined the Community Church of New York.  Hope challenges us to live our faith, to transcend our borders, and to grow in spirit, and in love. 

Hope’s service to our faith movement includes serving as:

* member of the Nominating Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)

* member of the Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression and Multicultural Committee

 of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association (UUMA)

* member of the Family Matters Task Force (UUA)

* Family Network Coordinator of the Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM) Steering Committee

* Trustee of the Metro New York District Board

*Co-chair of the District Anti-Racism and Diversity Committee (ARDC) of Metro New York

*facilitator and Board Member of the leadership school that serves both Joseph Priestley and Metro New York Districts, 

* Jubilee World Trainer (UUA)

* Adult-at-large Member of the Youth Council for the continental UUA 

Having spent time in many different countries, Hope believes that travel has given her an international perspective on life.  She describes herself as “Jamaican, by way of the world,” and credits much of her involvement and success to family—both immediate and extended, which includes her Unitarian Universalist family.

She has a teenage daughter named Jova, who, like Mom, is a leader who is very involved in our youth movement on the continental and district levels.

 Hope has integrated her work in building the Beloved Community into every aspect of her life and ministry.  With her very optimistic outlook and her commitment for the long haul, Hope loves people and is not afraid to ask the question: "What's not to love?" With her warm spirit and disarming smile, Hope is a tireless worker; she makes it all look so easy.

 Her name is an affirmation of her essence and the gift she brings to us all. She is the Rev. Hope, and that says it all.