Announcement from Jubilee Community:
Jubilee!, an inclusive, independent faith community rooted in Creation Spirituality, has named Rev. Laura J. Collins as its Minister of Transition. In her new role, Collins will lead the community’s Sunday Celebrations and provide leadership in strengthening and growing Jubilee! amid the challenges presented by COVID-19.
“Laura Collins brings Jubilee! a wealth of experience and knowledge in supporting faith communities during times of transition,” stated Bruce Mulkey, co-chair of the Jubilee! Board of Directors. “During the past few months when we have been unable to hold Sunday Celebrations in person at our Wall Street home, she has shared wise, heartfelt and inspiring messages at our online gatherings. Laura offers wisdom, compassion and leadership during an era when our faith community is in transition, as are our nation and world.”
An ordained Presbyterian minister, Collins has worked with a number of faith-based organizations, including Presbyterian, Quaker, Catholic, United Church of Christ, and Unity, while her own spiritual journey includes retreating with yogis, Sufi dancers and various healing traditions. This diverse background provides her with a unique vision that is well aligned with Jubilee!’s spiritual values and commitment to social and environmental justice.
Commenting on her new role, Collins said, “As a community of joy, play, inclusivity and mindfulness, Jubilee! can give the world exactly what it needs right now. I am very excited about joining together with Jubilee!’s board of directors, staff, other ministers and congregation in expanding what a progressive faith community might accomplish in Asheville and beyond.”
Collins was most recently Associate Minister for Community Care at Unity of The Blue Ridge. Prior to that she served as Development Officer, Government and Philanthropy, for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, where she secured over $1.5 million in grant funding. She is the owner/leader of “Living Rituals,” creating and leading retreats, workshops and ceremonies. Previously, she served as family support liaison at Mission Hospitals and executive director at Holy Ground, and in several pastoral positions including Takoma Park Presbyterian Church in Takoma Park, MD; Newton Presbytery in Northwest, NJ; and Laurelton United Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY. Collins received her Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL, and B.A. in English from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC.
About Jubilee!
Founded over 30 years ago by Rev. Howard Hanger, Jubilee! is a faith community grounded in the Creation Spirituality tenet of “original blessing” uniquely flavored with Asheville’s culture of creativity, arts, music and general quirkiness. Strongly committed to social and environmental justice, and community action, Jubilee! congregants, known as Jubilants, team together to make the world a more inclusive, compassionate place. Located at 46 Wall Street in downtown Asheville, Jubilee! is currently holding its Sunday Celebrations online at 9:45am on Zoom and Facebook. Visit https://www.jubileecommunity.org for more information.
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