Convocation 2025 Online Companions Track
Online Convocation Schedule
Convocation is a rich and spacious time, and we were delighted to spend this time with you – virtually or in person. The following was the schedule for online companions.
Thursday, October 16
Please note: All times listed are in the Eastern time zone.10:00am • Gathering
10:30am • Welcome & Storytelling Part I (live-stream)
12:00pm • Break for lunch
1:00-2:00pm • Creative / Contemplative Immersion
2:00-2:30pm • Guest
2:30pm • Break
3:00-4:15pm • Small Group Time
Break until evening
6:30pm • YouTube Film Festival
Friday, October 17
Please note: All times listed are in the Eastern time zone.8:30am • Gathering
9:00am • Storytelling Part II (live-stream)
10:30am • Break
11:00am • Small Group Time
12:15pm • Lunch break
1:30-2:30pm • Creative / Contemplative Immersion
2:30-3:00pm • Guest
3:00pm • Closing gathering (live-stream)
3:30pm • Farewell online
“I feel an inner spiritual affirmation that the model of refugia is one that is helpful for our spiritual communities. I was very struck by the joyfulness and hope of the days we had together and have a new energy for spreading what this could mean for us.”
What Happened
At Convocation, we gathered in the spirit of friendship. In guided community, we sought nourishment in spiritual practice, committed to honesty and vulnerability, and explored what it means to live, love, and lead in a climate-changed world.
As always, Convocation 2025 included music, poetry, and ritual; plenary sessions and small-group conversation; opportunities to engage with nature; and contemplative practice.
Storytellers
We enjoyed engaging with the personal stories of each of these six storytellers during Convocation 2025. In the weeks leading up to the event, each storyteller worked with an experienced storytelling coach from Stellar Story Company. This was a phenomenal experience for storytellers and story-listeners alike!
Musicians
Rev. Fred Small is a Unitarian Universalist pastor, climate justice activist, and songleader. Rev. Fred Small serves as Minister for Climate Justice at Arlington Street Church, Boston. Pete Seeger called Fred “one of America’s best songwriters.” In 2023, Nosy Crow published a children’s picture book adaptation of Fred’s iconic lullaby of inclusion and unconditional love, “Everything Possible.” As a songleader, he calls up the power and spirit inherent in each of us.
Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley serves as minister at North Chapel, Unitarian Universalist, in Woodstock, Vermont. A graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, Dr. Dunkley also holds a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh. His wide-ranging musical interests include the traditional drumming of Ghana, the Kora tradition of Senegal, and jazz traditions in the Americas, as well as Bluegrass and Country Blues. He is committed to the pursuit of joyful and beloved community.
Musicians
Rev. Fred Small is a Unitarian Universalist pastor, climate justice activist, and songleader. Rev. Fred Small serves as Minister for Climate Justice at Arlington Street Church, Boston. Pete Seeger called Fred “one of America’s best songwriters.” In 2023, Nosy Crow published a children’s picture book adaptation of Fred’s iconic lullaby of inclusion and unconditional love, “Everything Possible.” As a songleader, he calls up the power and spirit inherent in each of us.
Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley serves as minister at North Chapel, Unitarian Universalist, in Woodstock, Vermont. A graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, Dr. Dunkley also holds a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh. His wide-ranging musical interests include the traditional drumming of Ghana, the Kora tradition of Senegal, and jazz traditions in the Americas, as well as Bluegrass and Country Blues. He is committed to the pursuit of joyful and beloved community.
Immersions
On each day of Convocation, participants had the opportunity to participate in a Creative / Contemplative Immersion Session. These sessions sparked creativity, nurtured connection, offered contemplative space, and opened imaginative doorways of possibility.
Immersions
On each day of Convocation, participants had the opportunity to participate in a Creative / Contemplative Immersion Session. These sessions sparked creativity, nurtured connection, offered contemplative space, and opened imaginative doorways of possibility.
Meet Our Online Companions Facilitators
Jessica David
Peterson Toscano
Meet Our Partner
Meet Our Sponsors
— Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigerian author