Davida’s mother instilled in her a love of narrative history: the stories of people who changed history, made a difference, took risks for others. When she was just six, her mother started giving her books about girls and women from history: Molly Pitcher, Belva Lockwood, Harriet Beecher Stowe.  Those stories changed her own life story, so she loves to tell stories that might transform the future for others. During her four weeks with us, Davida will offer three sessions on Saturday mornings June 30, July 7 & 14, from 9:00 - 10:30 when she will tell inspiring stories rooted in the heritage and history of the United Church of Christ.  

Her principal focus will be how the UCC became a leading Christian progressive voice in America. Our roots in Congregationalism going way back to the colonies begin to tell the story. From Anne Hutchinson in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, to the founding of Andover Seminary and the start of overseas mission and its transformation of America, to the story of the Amistad, the settling of the West, and onward to our instrumental role in the Civil Rights, Feminist and ADA movements, there are stories to tell. Some make us blush with embarrassment and some make us proud. These are more the stories of laity than of clergy, and largely stories of ordinary people facing into extraordinary challenges with faith and perseverance. Together they’ve made us who we are.  Come enjoy as Davida tells our story!