Photos of people getting blessed at Pridefest

Two years in a row we have done this massive event that impacts thousands of people and it keeps growing. Myself and two other ministers created Blessings at PrideFest with numerous religious leaders, “I’ve dreamed of doing blessings in the LGBTQ community for years. Influencing my call to ministry were hundreds of people I’ve sat with over the years who were abandoned by their religions and families of origin leaving them faithless, without a family support system, even homeless. This community was thrilled to have us making up custom blessings for each one of them.” —Denise Cawley

Milwaukee JSOnline

Minister Denise Cawley and Leonel Marchan embrace after she blesses him at PrideFest in in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday, June 7, 2019. The two have known each other for many years and were part of the founding of the LGBTQ center in Milwaukee more than 20 years ago.

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I sense in RevD a serious effort to review where UUCW is at this challenging point, coming out of a pandemic and with budget challenges. She is taking full advantage of her brief time as full-time minister to triage major tasks, envision new and creative ways to engage church members, and prioritize future developments within a tough budget forecast
Anne Deahl,Engagement & Membership Chair, UUCW Brookfield
 I am enjoying your mix of humanistic, esoteric, and practical spirituality. You are so good at encouraging and motivating parishioners to step up. Thanks for the nudge.
Jude ChristensenLay Pastoral Care
Rev. Denise has strong planning skills. We were able to plan many weeks in advance which gave me time to be successful planning RE lessons and to find suggestions for TFAA. Rev. Denise made time for me. I appreciate the time she spent collaborating with me.
Christine HindererRE Coordinatior, UUCCWC Hillsboro, OR
Denise goes out of her way to include material sources from marginalized people (disabled, people of color, LGBTQ+, poor, immigrants and more) to remind us of our opportunities to welcome all.
Katie Traxelo-chair Internship Committee, Finance Committee, Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist, Kenosha, WI
I see Denise as a thought leader in a larger congregation. She holds the big picture, has a great handle on the mission and can raise positive energy.
Carolyn FeldtBoard of Trustees, Finance Director, Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist, Kenosha, WI
Denise’s extensive network and relations with other faith leaders and community activists, brings a voice of authenticity to discussions of issues within our faith and the wider world.
Jennifer BurnsCo-chair Internship Committee, Worship Arts, Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist, Kenosha, WI
Cheerleader Denise provides inspiration, energy and power to help us achieve ends in our strategic plan
Katie TraxelCo-chair Internship Committee, Finance Committee, Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist, Kenosha, WI