There are gatherings you plan for.
And then there are gatherings that feel, in hindsight, like they were already calling your name—quietly, insistently—long before you ever saw the invitation.
This September 17-20, more than 100 BIPOC Unitarian Universalists will gather at Unity Village just outside Kansas City for four days of worship, music, rest, learning, laughter, connection, and celebration.
If you’ve ever longed for a UU space where we are not scattered at the margins but gathered in the center—preaching, singing, leading, creating, praying, laughing, resting, and dreaming together—this is that kind of homecoming.
Come for the worship. Seriously.
At DRUUMM, worship is not something we simply attend. It is something we shape together—rooted in our mission, our values, and our shared commitment to spiritual grounding, collective liberation, and beloved community. It is where we speak truth, remember who we are, and gather strength for what comes next.
For this gathering, we have called together a circle of ministers, musicians, and worship leaders to help hold that space with us.
On Friday, the pulpit is held by Rev. Randy Lewis (he/him)—a Tulsa-based minister whose work weaves together pastoral care, songwriting, and a steady devotion to healing and belonging. He carries a presence that feels both grounding and open-handed, like an invitation to breathe deeper.
On Sunday, we are led by Rev. Angeline Jackson (she/her)—a Jamaican minister, scholar, and author of Funny Gyal, whose voice moves with ease between activism, scholarship, and a faith that refuses to be diminished.
Between and around them, the worship life unfolds like a living tapestry:
Rev. Karishma Neva Gottfried (they/she) will shape the liturgy—bringing their grounding in youth and young adult ministry in New York City and a deep commitment to intergenerational, justice-centered worship.
Music will be carried by Rev. Ranwa Hammamy (they/them) and Yvonne DuVal (she/her)—Ranwa, a minister and movement songleader whose voice has long traveled through organizing spaces and past DRUUMM President; Yvonne, a longtime UU music leader and Director of Music Ministries in Harrisburg and serves on our DRUUMM Steering Committee.
Dana N. Moore (she/her) will serve as Worship Associate—bringing the grounded joy of a Starr King M.Div. graduate and ministry aspirant shaped by BIPOC UU community, preaching, singing, and love-centered leadership.
And the sacred space itself will be tended by Esperanza Flores Garza (she/her) as Altar Coordinator—longtime worship leader, past DRUUMM President, and someone who knows how to make an altar feel like memory, offering, and home all at once.
This is what it looks like when we are at the center.
Not as guests. Not as a sidebar. Not as a “special service.” But as a community shaping its own spiritual life—out loud, in full color, with care and joy.
And worship is only the beginning. There will be sound meditation and labyrinth walks and opportunities for deeper discussions on spiritual practice and theology.
August 17: Regular Registration Deadline
If this has been lingering at the edge of your attention, consider this your invitation to turn toward it.
Regular member registration is $150 through August 17.
We know travel and lodging can be real barriers. If cost is what stands in the way, don’t let it be the end of the story—DRUUMM has a fundraising templates you can use to seek support from your congregation or community.
Come find your people.
Come worship with us.
Learn more and register:
DRUUMM.org/beloved
