Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig

Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig discovered Unitarian Universalism in her late 20s, when she took a job as a paid singer in a UU church choir. Having grown up in a secular family, she was shocked to find herself weeping during the hymns and riveted to the sermons, with their powerful messages that everyone is loved, and everyone’s actions matter. Soon after that, she took the plunge and entered seminary.

Now, after nearly 20 years of serving congregations from Illinois to California to Virginia, she is delighted to serve as the Fellowship’s minister. And, she’s working with us in a way we never would have expected: mostly, from her home in Virginia, with regular in-person trips to Santa Cruz throughout the year. For family reasons, Laura is rooted in Williamsburg, Virginia. But thanks to technology, we’re able to stay connected via Zoom meetings and phone calls.

As a religious leader, Rev. Laura is passionate about supporting congregations and individuals on their path toward greater wholeness, resilience, and joy. She particularly loves leading worship, teaching spiritual practices, and geeking out over UU history and theology.

About the future of Unitarian Universalism, she says:

“I hope we will engage the work of diversity fully enough, and with enough compassion and patience, to create cultures where people who have been marginalized are fully accepted, celebrated, and empowered.

“I also hope we will bring as much passion to the work of inner spiritual growth as we do to external social justice work right now.

“For me, this means a growing connection with Spirit, however we understand it: Feeling deeply that we are loved and accepted as we are. Realizing more and more that we don’t have it all figured out, we don’t know what the future will bring. But at the same time, embracing our power and vocation in the world. Doing what we can, as best we can, and relaxing into trust in the forces of life.”

A Minnesota native, Laura has a special affinity for trees and water, and already loves the redwoods and beaches of Santa Cruz. Back home in Virginia, she lives with her husband John, a former Marine turned massage therapist, and their beloved dog Marina and cat Harley, along with the deer, bunnies, turtles, and occasional possums who wander through the back yard.

When she’s not tending to Fellowship matters, Laura also has a private practice as a spiritual director, coach, and shamanic practitioner.

To connect with Rev. Laura, email her at minister@uufscc.org or call the Fellowship office to leave her a phone message.