More than many religions, Unitarian Universalism attracts people on spiritual journeys — from other faiths, or none.
Adherents may find it later in life. So may its ministers.
That’s the compelling, but not necessarily unique, story of Terri Dennehy.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport‘s new senior minister grew up Catholic in Rochester, New York. Her church focused on social justice. Inclusivity, and care for marginalized people, is “part of my religious DNA,” she says.
In college and afterward, Dennehy’s spiritual search led her to Buddhism, earth-based spirituality, and the Pine Ridge Reservation.
In 2004 her first child was born. The next year, her father died. Both events spurred her quest for a spiritual connection.
She found Unitarian Universalism — a tradition that emphasizes freedom of belief, personal spiritual exploration and shared ethical values, rather than a specific creed.
Dennehy — who spent 5 years as an English teacher — led a writer’s group at her church. She worked at the Garrison Institute retreat. Finally, in 2016 — while in her 40s — she headed to seminary.
After ordination, she was hired as a part-time minister in Poughkeepsie, New York, where she and her partner Dave, the director of a domestic violence center, live. (Between them, they have 4 now-young adult children.)
Rev. Terri Dennehy
She was then drawn to a Unitarian Universalist congregation in downtown Stamford. That too was part-time. The city church ministered to immigrants, fulfilling work for Dennehy.
After 2 years with a hybrid, Chicago-based minister, and one year with a interim, the Westport congregation was searching for a full-time leader.
Dennehy applied. She loved its beautiful space, and its large, thriving membership.
She knew Westport as a neighboring congregation, including its rich history of strong leaders, and as a beacon for women’s issues and inclusivity. So, she says, it is both “new and not new.”
Noted architect Victor Lundy designed the striking Westport building.
In August, Rev. Terri Dennehy was named to the post. It’s a bit of a coming home for her: Her first job after college was at the local Princeton Review office.
She commutes from Poughkeepsie — a 70-minute, but “pretty” drive. In her office, she is surrounded by trees. Nature, she says, “comes right into the sanctuary.”
Dennehy is still adjusting to a large congregation. Her style of ministry — “very interpersonal, down-to-earth” — will not change.
Her first sermon was titled “The Gifts of Imperfection.”
Rev. Terri Dennehy’s first sermon in Westport.
“I’m still learning” about her congregation and the town, Dennehy says. “I know many people here want to reach out, into the community and beyond. Our commitment to social justice is strong.”
She looks forward to meeting her fellow Westport and Weston clergy. Dennehy is excited about their strong tradition of interfaith collaboration.
Westport’s Unitarian Universalist congregation is known, among other things, for its music. Between classical and self-composed work, and children’s, youth, adult and bell choirs, she is surrounded by song.
She is holding a series of meet-and-greets, getting to know her 400 congregants. (In Stamford, there were 70.) Everyone “tells me their stories.”
Meanwhile, Dennehy says, “I haven’t had to bring my lunch yet. People feed me!”
(The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport welcomes Rev. Terri Dennehy with a “Fun Fest” community celebration. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 26. The day includes food, a bounce house, adult and kids’ crafts, touch-a-truck, yard games and a petting zoo. All are welcome. Click here for more information.)
(“06880” reports often on Westport’s religious life. If you enjoy stories like this — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work.)