Caught in the Act of Generosity: Christine Robinson
by Cheri Plavnick of the Radical Generosity Committee
When our Minister Emerita, Christine Robinson, began her twenty-nine years of service at First Unitarian in 1988, the congregation was in a demoralized state. The strong emphasis on Humanism had fallen behind the times and there had been difficult relations with the clergy for a number of years. There were also problems with staff, and a sense of betrayal among the congregation. Not surprisingly, there was also difficulty with fundraising. Congregants were so demoralized, they no longer viewed it as a church. Although it was a low point in the congregation’s life, there were also some hopeful trends.
During Christine’s first few years with First U, there was a metamorphosis in the nature of the spirituality provided. She offered a deeper level of spiritual leadership as her sermons consistently reflected a high level of scholarship. Music at services also broadened to include folk and world music, and the membership grew from 400 to 500.
First U built the office and RE buildings in the late 90’s, vastly expanding both spaces. The church also expanded the food pantry, and in the early 2000’s, joined Albuquerque Interfaith. With their help, the after-school tutoring program began, and then expanded into English as a Second Language and Citizenship classes.
With the participation of lay leaders, First U’s policy handbook was developed. As Christine stated, “if administration doesn’t work, nothing works!”
During Christine’s tenure as senior minister, our membership continued to grow, and it was clear that with a membership of about 750, our sanctuary (now our social hall) was no longer large enough to meet the needs of the congregation. A successful capital campaign made it possible for the construction of the magnificent sanctuary that is now our spiritual home.
Since Christine’s retirement in 2017, she has provided consulting to large churches in the West, mentored ministers—especially those facing administrative challenges—and did two “distance” interim ministries during the pandemic’s shortage of ministers. She now considers herself fully retired.
Following the UUA’s required year that retired ministers spend away from the congregation they served, Christine returned with the title of Minister Emerita, and has become an active member of our church, participating with many aspects of First U’s activities, including music programs, puppet shows, and maintaining the church landscape. She also occasionally returns to the pulpit. Christine is an inspiring spiritual leader and the scope of her contributions are broad and deep!
