Meet Our Settled Minister
“Welcome to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist. As a Unitarian Universalist congregation named in memory of Thomas Jefferson we are committed to religious freedom - but understand this to mean not just freedom of religion but also freedom in religion. Here you will find a community that is serious about its spiritual seeking, and encouraging of yours. We see life itself as the greatest of scriptures, and seek to apply its teachings to the full living of our lives and the healing of the world. Does this intrigue you? Excite you? Come. Add your gifts to those already here. Your presence will make this community richer still. Welcome”
Rev Erik
Erik Walker Wikstrom was previously Worship and Music Resources Director at the UUA in Boston. He joins us in July 2011 as our new settled minister. Previously he has pastored two churches. He and his wife have two sons, aged 7 and 9.
He has authored several very readable books and curricula.
Erik matches our dream list very well:
- He is a student of worship, an innovative and dynamic speaker.
- He has a strong personal spiritual practice and excels at fostering spiritual development and opening the possibilities of spiritual practices to congregants.
- He admires TJMC’s engagement in social justice work and looks forward to joining us.
- He has a strong record of empowering lay leadership and working collaboratively with staff.
- He will encourage growth by energizing our people and programs. He will engage a younger demographic for the church as well as sustain the current membership.
- Regarding stewardship, he says ” People come to church to have their lives transformed, to be alive. If we can help people do that, the problems of stewardship will resolve.”
- He will be open to the strengths and challenges of our history, which show our continued engagement with the issues of the day.
Erik exudes enthusiasm and positive energy. He is clearly a creative thinker about whatever comes his way. He is excited about TJMC as it is and envisions working with us to create the next chapter.
See Erik’s Formal Resume.
Read Erik’s Blog.
