Homecoming is beginning to take shape, and we’re excited to share a first look at some of the people and experiences joining us at Murray Grove on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
This year’s theme is:
“We the People: Loving Responses”
As our country marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, many people are hurting and deep divisions remain. Homecoming 2026 will offer a day of inclusive, creative, and positive responses rooted in compassion, connection, reflection, and hope.
Here are some of the first announced participants and featured experiences.
Rev. Robin Tanner
Minister. Advocate. Community Organizer.
Rev. Robin Tanner serves as Minister of Worship and Outreach at Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Summit, New Jersey. Throughout her ministry, she has been a passionate advocate for justice, equity, and compassionate action. Her work reflects a deep commitment to building stronger communities and responding to today’s challenges through faith, service, and hope.
Rev. Kimberly Quinn Johnson
Faith Leader. Community Builder. UUA Co-Moderator.
Rev. Kimberly Quinn Johnson serves as Co-Moderator and Co-Chief Governance Officer of the Unitarian Universalist Association. She also serves as minister of the UU Congregation of the South Fork in Bridgehampton, New York. Known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to creating welcoming communities, she brings a thoughtful and inspiring perspective to this year’s Homecoming.
Carol Simon Levin
Storyteller. Historian. Living History Performer.
Carol Simon Levin is a professional storyteller, historical interpreter, and New Jersey Council for the Humanities scholar specializing in the stories of fascinating and often overlooked women.
At Homecoming, she will bring to life the story of Judith Sargent Murray, an early Universalist, writer, and advocate for women’s equality.
Chris Rockwell
Poet. Performer. Creative Voice.
Chris Rockwell is a spoken word poet and hip-hop artist from the Jersey Shore. For more than a decade, he has created and organized cultural events throughout the tri-state area while using poetry, music, and performance to spark conversation, creativity, and connection.
Valerie Vaughn
Singer. Songwriter. Storyteller.
Known as “New Jersey’s Troubadour,” Valerie Vaughn is a South Jersey folk singer and songwriter whose music celebrates local folklore, maritime history, and the ecology of the New Jersey Pinelands and Shore.
Her work brings the stories, people, and character of New Jersey to life through music.
War at the Shore Traveling Exhibit
Interactive History for All Ages
The War at the Shore Traveling Exhibit uses hands-on, interactive activities to explore the American Revolution in Ocean County.
Presented inside a 16-foot traveling exhibit trailer, the experience invites visitors of all ages to engage with local history as New Jersey and the nation commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
This is only the beginning.
Additional speakers, performers, activities, and program details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Registration Opens Next Week
Registration for Homecoming 2026 will open next week.
For now, mark your calendar and plan to join us for a day of inspiration, music, storytelling, history, reflection, and community at the Birthplace of American Universalism.
Murray Grove Homecoming 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Theme: “We the People: Loving Responses”
We look forward to welcoming you to Murray Grove.