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The Reverend Susan Davison Archer Minister of Religious Education
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I was raised in a theologically (and otherwise) liberal Methodist family, mostly in the suburbs of New York City and then Philadelphia. Church was my favorite place growing up – where I was always welcomed by loving adults and found lots of friends my own age. In my early years, I liked the ritual in services and sang the Doxology and Gloria Patri, read out loud scripture and responsive readings, not only on Sunday morning but at home with my dolls and bears during the week. As I matured, I loved the wide-ranging conversations we had in our Sunday school classes. I learned by word and example that life was good, all people deserved love and respect (God loved everyone) and that it felt right to do good works and stand up for justice.
In college (DePauw University in Indiana) I majored in Religion. At graduation, my male friends who share my major went off to seminary. Because I didn’t think I believed in God and because I had never seen a woman minister I decided that was not in my future. I went to the graduate School of Education at the University of Chicago, discovered Dewey’s Lab School and learned to teach. I worked in Chicago Public Schools and in a local cooperative school. What great challenges! Before long I went to work for the American Bar Association with a special project on youth education in law, justice and citizenship. What great fun and so full of possibilities!
After marriage and three babies I became the Director of Religious Education at a UU congregation in Lincroft, NJ (13 years), then worked as RE Program Consultant for the UU District of Metropolitan New York (8 years). I was ordained in 1994 and came to Cedar Lane as the Minister of Religious Education in 2002.
I have been a religious educator for almost 25 years and an ordained minister for over 12. I can’t imagine better work! Every day is an adventure full of promise. Every day also brings reminders about the strength and support that a faith community can provide for its people and the many ways we can stand up for a better world. It is a privilege to be part of it.
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist
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