Lay leadership has a long and proud history in Unitarian Universalism. Recent shifts in professional staffing, however, has resulted in more congregations finding themselves in need of strong lay leadership.

UUA Congregational Life staff will hold a virtual convening on December 10 to help lay-led congregations connect with each other and connect with new streams of resources from the UUA. Join the convergence!

https://bit.ly/3s6Lh9R


Is your congregation operating without a professionally-trained minister?...

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Kudos to UU the Vote campaign staff for being ready to take action to support voter access in Philadelphia on #ElectionDay! This great story from the Philadelphia Inquirer shows the impact we can have when we live out our Unitarian Universalist values. https://bit.ly/3hvFx7y



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"Hope is a precious commodity these days, when so many things deserve holy outrage. Knowing that the planet’s overall lifespan is far beyond that of our species reminds me that the earth is not beholden to me. It is a gift, but not one without an expectation of return.

Hope can be found in celebrating these things, in the moments of awe and appreciation the earth shares continuously with us. With the generative power of gratitude and finding our hope in these things, we can change the way we think and act. Because we must act. We cannot give in to despair."

A more spiritual worldview may help us heal the planet.

-Erica Shadowsong FALL/WINTER 2022 UU World



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On Election Day from 7pm - 11pm ET, UU the Vote Fun Squad will be hosting a virtual, drop-in watch-and-wait event on Zoom. Come relax, dance, share stories, join surprise guests and performers, get breaking election news, and honor the amazing work we've done together with UU the Vote 2022!

Join UU the Vote Tonight https://bit.ly/ElectionNightDropIn



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Election days are, by their nature, historic moments. And for the individuals, families and communities who are currently struggling in this country—struggling for access to quality healthcare, affordable housing, and safe working conditions, and struggling to have their voice heard and to cast their ballot without coercion—today is a crucial day.

It is also a crucial day in the fight for full inclusion, equity, and dignity for all—for all those seeking freedom from systems of identity-based violence and oppression, from anti-Semitism, sexism and patriarchy, from homophobia, transphobia and ableism. We continue to be in a generational struggle for a more just and peaceful world where all people and our planet can thrive.
Some of our ancestors fought and died for the very same rights and humane conditions we struggle for today. Let us name and honor them, for we would not be here without their courageous action. We can because they did. We carry their strength with us today.

We pray this day that everyone who is eligible to vote, will vote and can vote safely and freely. We pray that all votes are counted fairly. And by pray, I mean putting our faith into action. With prayerful hearts, we will take whatever action we can today to help ensure everyone is able to vote and we will continue to organize our communities all year round for the values that center dignity, collective care, and justice.

This is long-haul work, and it will take courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to show up for one another’s wholeness and dignity. May we find strength in each other and in what we hold most dear, on this day and every day of the journey ahead.



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Susan Dana Lawrence

,

Karin Lin

,

Nancy Palmer Jones

Continue reading "Mistakes & Miracles: UU Common Read Discussion Guide"

Susan Dana Lawrence

,

Karin Lin

,

Nancy Palmer Jones

Continue reading "Mistakes & Miracles: UU Common Read Discussion Guide"

On this #ElectionDay, UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray reminds us why our morals and religious values cannot be separated from our prophetic political action:

"Voting itself is sacred, because the right to vote is the recognition that one’s voice matters and is needed to shape the decisions affecting us all."

Read more in UU World. https://bit.ly/3NPjtRJ


Unitarian Universalists commit to defend voting rights as sacred.

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If you’re conscious of climate crises news, you know there isn’t much to feel hopeful about. None of this is easy. When we’re living within these existentially foreboding times facing this climate crisis, one good response to the harm and violence around you is to build kinship with one another. Practice staying present in building communities of genuine love and care.

Learn how to find hope in the uncomfortable truth in this UU World article.

https://bit.ly/3Ut2436


In the face of ongoing existential threats, how will you respond?

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Join UU the Vote, Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, and UU Justice NC on Friday, Nov. 4 from 5-6pm ET to text voters in North Carolina!

Help turn out voters in this critical election and build a base of folks taking action in the fight for dignity and democracy.

Register at https://bit.ly/3E32lEO



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There are so many ways to support and protect our democratic institutions during the days leading up to the November 8 midterm elections. UU the Vote will hold in-person events in key states, virtual phone banking and text banking events for folks to join from wherever you are, poll chaplain training events, and more in the coming weeks. Join them!

https://bit.ly/36rjqKm


There is a role for everyone in this work. The work of volunteers will be critical to building and sustaining this massive coordinated campaign. Fill out the form below if you're curious about or want…

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Let us remember and pray for all dear to us on All Souls Day. We offer you these words by Kathleen McTigue.

"They are with us still. The lives they lived hold us steady. Their words remind us and call us back to ourselves. Their courage and love evoke our own. We, the living, carry them with us: we are their voices, their hands and their hearts."



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UUA Pres Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray reminds us that in a time of emboldened racism, anti-Semitism, and white supremacy, voting is another important way to organize against these movements. #VoteLove #DefendDemocracy #DefeatHate.


This is a defining time. Across the country we are witnessing an emboldened racist, anti-Semitic, white supremacist movement trying take control of our government and move us in the direction of authoritarianism and fascism.

Voting is just one way to organize against these movements – but an absolutely critical one. That is why I am voting early and working with UU the Vote to #VoteLove #DefendDemocracy #DefeatHate.

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There's a scramble to preserve the James Howe house, also known as the Freed Slave House in Montclair, New Jersey as it gets listed for sale. This home was owned by a formerly enslaved man and it holds historical value.

Members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair have been involved in the effort, forming the “Friends of the Howe House” group to preserve this piece of history for this community.

To learn more, including how you can help: https://bit.ly/3DoXWdz

https://cbsn.ws/3NpeeaV


The Friends of the Howe House commit to advocacy and action that will ensure the preservation of the Howe House (also known as the Freed Slave House) as a landmark of African American history and heritage.

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Today starts the observance of Samhain. For many, Samhain is a time to honor the dead and reflect on the changing of seasons. The new year begins tomorrow November 1st in the Celtic tradition and the veil between us and our ancestors is lifted.

Join together this Samhain as we reach across the veil to ask our ancestors for their wisdom, guidance, and encouragement as we move again into the gentle darkness of the coming season.

https://bit.ly/3EwAtGb


Now the autumn shudders In the rose's root, Far and wide the ladders Lean among the fruit. Now the autumn clambers Up the trellised frame And the rose...

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For many Unitarian Universalists, religious education helps them make better choices and explore essential life questions that include: How can we help the Earth to heal? What does it mean to be sexually healthy? How can we help to create a more just world? For some, religious education has also been a critical, transformative, life-saving experience.

Do you or someone you know have a story to share about how UU religious education saved your life? UU World magazine is collecting these stories and would love to learn about yours.

Email world@uua.org with the subject line: life-saving ministry



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#IntersexAwarenessDay marks the anniversary of a public demonstration by intersex people and their allies at the annual conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics on October 26, 1996.

We uplift the courage of these activists, and we side with continued efforts to raise awareness and agency for all intersex people. May all of our intersex siblings feel supported, empowered and cherished.



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We're proud to share news about this important milestone in our Association-wide work toward greater inclusion and we are so grateful for the long and diligent partnership of EqUUal Access in this process. https://bit.ly/3z7sIqg


We are grateful to EqUUal Access for their long term partnership.

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Sending love and good wishes to everyone celebrating #Diwali! May your days be illuminated with happiness, peace and good health.



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Looking for community between the ages of 14-18 years old? YUUP is for #UU Youth!

Do you know someone who would be interested? Together, we shape the future of Unitarian Universalism.

Find out more about this new program: https://bit.ly/3EOEvgy


When the world shut down, YUUP started up.

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For many Unitarian Universalists, religious education helps them make better choices and explore essential life questions that include: How can we help the Earth to heal? What does it mean to be sexually healthy? How can we help to create a more just world? For some, religious education has also been a critical, transformative, life-saving experience.

Do you or someone you know have a story to share about how UU religious education saved your life? UU World magazine is collecting these stories and would love to learn about yours.

Email world@uua.org with the subject line: life-saving ministry



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On this #ThoughfulThursday, we share a story of some ways that clergy and other religious professionals are processing their experiences during the pandemic.

Learn more about the retreats organized and co-led by ministerial intern Arran Morton and the ways in which deep reflection can help us all make meaning from difficult experiences.

https://www.uuma.org/page/2022WeeklyNewsOctober14

pc: Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association



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Lay leadership has a long and proud history in Unitarian Universalism. Recent shifts in professional staffing, however, has resulted in more congregations finding themselves in need of strong lay leadership.

UUA Congregational Life staff will hold a virtual convening on December 10 to help lay-led congregations connect with each other and connect with new streams of resources from the UUA. Join the convergence!

https://bit.ly/3s6Lh9R


Is your congregation operating without a professionally-trained minister?...

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For Indigenous Peoples around the world, climate change has long been more than an abstract, futuristic possibility. The importance of an Indigenous worldview is illuminated by the impacts of climate change.

"Let us steward the land. Let us right the relationship. Assist us in these endeavors. Return to us our stolen land, ancestors, languages, and children so that we can heal ourselves and the earth. We need not continue to extract, take, remove, sell, covet, own, profit, or destroy. Another story is possible if we just listen to the past and allow it to take us into the future."

Read more in this new article from the Fall/Winter edition of UU World: https://bit.ly/3glmMDy


Some twenty years ago, in a nondescript conference room with high ceilings and Berber carpet, I witnessed an Alaska Native Elder cry while discussing climate change. This Elder and her community have been living on the land—and existing off of it—for eons.

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Looking for community between the ages of 14-18 years old? YUUP is for #UU Youth!

Do you know someone who would be interested? Together, we shape the future of Unitarian Universalism.

Find out more about this new program: https://bit.ly/3EOEvgy


When the world shut down, YUUP started up.

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Susan Dana Lawrence

,

Karin Lin

,

Nancy Palmer Jones

Continue reading "Mistakes & Miracles: UU Common Read Discussion Guide"

Susan Dana Lawrence

,

Karin Lin

,

Nancy Palmer Jones

Continue reading "Mistakes & Miracles: UU Common Read Discussion Guide"

UU the Vote Campaign Manager JaZahn Hicks and UUA Field and Programs Director Nicole Pressley remind us about the importance of UU the Vote in the home stretch of the 2022 election.

To get involved, go to https://bit.ly/3tp1HeU.

Tune in now! https://bit.ly/3VBBarm


Together. By adding your email, you will receive updates from the UUA and local state action networks. https://vimeo.com/749213409/10bebd802f Our Fall Flex for 4 Million leverages the power of our…

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October 17 is #BlackPoetryDay, an opportunity to celebrate not only the monumental work of Black poets but also Black literacy and culture more broadly.

Poems give us access to perspectives and experiences other than our own and provides comfort and inspiration when we're struggling.

Check out Black poets published by UUA imprints Skinner House or Beacon Press at inSpirit, the UU Book and Gift Shop.

https://bit.ly/3ME46t1

PC: American Writer Museum



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The Distinguished Service Award is one of the most prestigious awards given by the UUA. Recipients of this award have strengthened the institutions of our UU denomination, clarified our message in extraordinary ways, and exemplified what Unitarian Universalism represents for.

The Award Committee is seeking nominations from throughout the Association so they can select a broad range of the most exemplary leaders in our movement. The deadline for receipt of nominations is January 1, 2023.

Visit this link for more information on how to submit a nomination: https://bit.ly/3T6T6rX



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As LatinX/Hispanic HeritageMonth comes to a close we share with you a piece that honors the generations of people who crafted the beautiful mixture of culture we celebrate today.

We are grateful for all the vibrant culture and pride the Latinx community shares with us. We will continue to be in solidarity and work for justice alongside this and all communities until we all thrive, and we will carry the light of their inspiration forward.

PC: iamsamkirk



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We share this #SFGLeads message. We all need time to rest and recharge right now. You deserve it. Rest and joy are sources of our creativity and critical for our spiritual strength, resilience, and survival. We and our faith will be better for it.



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On this #ThoughtfulThursday we offer you this message from Bernice King ,"Social justice is LOVE applied to systems, policies and cultures."



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In recognition of Yom Kippur last week, we reflect on atonement and forgiveness. We share with you this message by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg from her book, On Repentance and Repair.

PC:UU Ministry for Earth



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Today we celebrate #NationalComingOutDay! Today we shine a light on all those who have come out as LGBTQ+.While it’s a personal decision, everyone who speaks about their sexuality or gender identity is seen as a win for equality.We honor the power of the coming out experience, knowing many LGBTQ people are asked to repeat this experience throughout their lives.

On this day we share with this you Blessed Are the Queer by HP Rivers.https://bit.ly/3NdpExy


Blessed are the wanderers, Seeking affirmation. Blessed are the worshipers, Praying from closets, Pulpits, pews, and hardship. Blessed are the lovers of...

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Today we honor Indigenous Peoples Day. It is impossible to exaggerate the magnitude of the human injustice perpetrated against Indigenous people. Settler exploration and violent appropriation of Indigenous lands continue unquestioned because of the Doctrine of Discovery.

We must continue to open ourselves to a transformation that seeks to redress past wrongs and address injustices. Unitarian Universalists have begun this work by reimagining this holiday that celebrates colonialism to become an opportunity to reveal historical truths about the oppression of Indigenous peoples in the Americas and celebrate the strength and beauty of Indigenous culture.

For more information please check out this online resource:https://bit.ly/3CNXHtH



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Thank you to all the UU clergy across the association. May you feel the love and support from your collegial community! We are grateful for your witness! In this rich well of appreciation, we truly thank you for your work.



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We are grateful to grassroots groups and activists across the country who are developing amazing resources to support education and understanding on #IndigenousPeoplesDay.

Check out IllumiNative led non-profit plans and guides to advocate and celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day in your community.

https://bit.ly/3MiA4fY



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Today, Muslims worldwide, including Muslim Unitarian Universalists, celebrate Mawlid Al Nabi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. We wish you a very happy and blessed Mawlid Al Nabi.



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For if not us, who? If not now, when? This is the work we are called to do. Let's continue to commit to recognizing, reflecting, and doing the work to break barriers and build bridges.

We share with you Be A King photo as a reminder that we can do the work anywhere.



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On this #ThoughtfulThursday we are holding the millions of people affected by Hurricane Ian in love and light during their recovery time. We send our prayers.

Hurricane Ian made landfall over southwest Florida for only a few hours, but the recovery will take months or longer for some. Congregations affected by Hurricane Ian experienced a substantial loss of income and property. Our people will need support for housing, clothing, and basic needs as well as money for repairs. With your donation, we are able to aid congregations, their members, and their communities. Please donate today. https://bit.ly/33A6U5O



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Join Side with Love for the launch of our latest organizing campaign, UPLIFT Action! They will be honoring the sacred importance of bodily autonomy with several of our partners and Unitarian Universalists from around the country who are faithfully organizing for LGBTQIA+, Gender, and Reproductive Justice.

Come be a part of this special event where we proclaim, "Every Body is Sacred!" and celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of every person and launch ourselves into action. Register now to join live or get the recording.
https://bit.ly/3SIlQaw



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Will you take the Climate Justice Voter pledge? Join UU the Vote as they’ve partnered with Environmental Voter Project to activate non-voting environmentalists. Take the pledge to get one million voters for the climate out to the polls this year!

https://bit.ly/3EdNUya


Climate change is a complex problem. The ways we address it are varied and have different impacts, but all are crucial in addressing climate change. Voting on climate is a critical approach.

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It's disappointing that U.S. President Biden feels the pandemic is over - many in Unitarian Universalist communities are being impacted by the virus and many are still choosing to wear masks. We remain dedicated to supporting people's efforts to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy.

We also remain dedicated to demanding more compassionate, inclusive policies that protect the worth and dignity of everyone in communities across the United States.

Earlier this spring, Side with Love shared a post that reminded us of the importance of rejecting a narrow view of personal responsibility and choosing actions that support our entire community instead. Its message is still much-needed today.

https://bit.ly/3M9JDh1


As we reach the millionth U.S.COVID death, how can we prevent such overwhelming numbers from demoralizing us and instead reach people in ways that inspire work to build the more equitable and compassionate system?

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The Shabbat Shuva, known as the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, is a time for self-reflection and asking for forgiveness.

As we prepare for the start of Yom Kippur tomorrow, here is a piece of Jewish wisdom from this period. Shabbat Shalom!

PC: World Jewish Congress



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We echo Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray message. Consider donating your congregation's Sunday collection to the UUA's Disaster Relief Fund to help us respond.

https://bit.ly/33A6U5O


Assist UUA congregations, their members, and communities experiencing destruction from natural and human caused disasters.

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The UUA is proud national partner of Day Without Us. Join us for this free event - register now. Learn how you can plug into the fight from wherever you are: https://bit.ly/3TL4ScA



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Today, Jews worldwide, including Jewish Unitarian Universalists, celebrate Rosh Hashanah. As we gather for these celebrations, we wish you a time filled with meaningful moments, love, and care for one another.



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Last summer, East Shore UU Church in Kirtland, Ohio like many other congregations had just been through a very difficult year. Along with the continued challenges of the pandemic, they had to say goodbye to their developmental minister. The search for a new minister ended in disappointment, with no viable candidates available. Ministers in the greater Clevland area offered to help. Through patience and perseverance, these ministers came through for the East Shore UU Church in Kirtland. During their time they compiled a project post-mortem.

Learn how these ministers relied on staff and leaders to support one another during a time of shortage. Read the full story:https://bit.ly/3Rc4LUG



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#BisexualityDay seeks to accelerate the acceptance of the Bi community and overcome the erasure of bisexual individuals worldwide. UUs welcome and celebrate you and members of the bisexual community. Your identity is valid.🤍



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This #ThoughtfulThursday we are introducing a new series featuring our President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray called #SFGLeads.

We share this message of hope during another time of uncertainty. Faithful action is what this moment asks of us. We remain grateful for the leadership of UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray.



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Two years later, we still mourn the loss of the amazing Unitarian Universalist leader Elandria Williams. It brings us some comfort to know that E’s memory and legacy lives on through all of the lives E touched.”

https://bit.ly/3EKGVdY


Elandria Williams was a dear friend and incomparable leader of our faith.

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Houses of worship on Martha's Vineyard have long worked together to meet the needs of their neighbors. Faith leaders were ready to spring into action when refugees arrived unexpectedly after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pulled an inhumane and cruel political stunt.

The Rev. Janet Newton, a minister at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha’s Vineyard, said, "The vineyard is often seen as a playground for the rich and powerful, and that shapes how outsiders see the Vineyard."

During the off-season in the vineyard, people struggle. In the geographically isolated community, year-round residents have learned to care for each other through community and hospitality.

Kudos to all of the community leaders - on Martha’s Vineyard who welcomed these strangers with love, care, and dignity.

https://bit.ly/3DDzyGV


(RNS) — Houses of worship on Martha's Vineyard have long worked together to meet the needs of their neighbors. So they were ready to spring into action when refugees arrived unexpectedly.

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We urge the Biden Administration to honor its commitment to end Title 42. We must build a just and humane immigration system in this country that honors the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

https://bit.ly/3fblavz


It was reported that the Biden administration has proposed to expand asylum-blocking Title 42 expulsions to Venezuelans, Cubans, and Nicaraguans.

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