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Before yesterdayUUA.org Updates

Liberation from Anger

11 September 2024 at 02:54
A light-skinned Black woman sits in an office chair, grasping her head in exasperation and gritting her teeth. Around her, blurred, are the figures of office workers rushing by.

Laura Horton-Ludwig

:
What do you do when you’re really angry with someone and you can’t seem to let it go?

Join Us at the Mosaic Conference 2024: Fostering Belonging and Liberation

9 September 2024 at 11:00
Grays out image with the words Mosaic: Fostering Belonging and Liberation. on tiop

Sana Saeed

:
Are you ready to be part of a transformative experience that fosters love, inclusion, and justice? We are excited to invite you to the Mosaic Conference 2024, a dynamic multigenerational gathering that will take place from October 17th to 20th at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation in...

Meeting What Arrives

4 September 2024 at 06:34
A person inside a stationary car, in the driver's seat, sits with closed eyes, holding their hand to their forehead as if trying to calm down.

Lindasusan Ulrich

:
Staying present to what’s realβ€”our world, our hope, our storiesβ€”can help us embody our values.

Opportunities for Connection - September 2024

red background with white UUA logo in the center. Reads 2024-2025 Sermon of the Month. A program of the Congregational Life Staff of the UUA.

Central East Region of the UUA

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Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Sermon Series, Climate Justice Revival, OWL Trainings, Mosaic Gathering, Multigen Gathering and more!

Resources for Congregational Leaders

word cloud of congregational life area resources

Central East Region of the UUA

:
It's that time of the year again, new congregational leaders are starting the new church year and looking for resources to help them do their best. We can help!

Free Lemonade for All Souls

A red cart on wheels sits on a shady sidewalk in front of All Souls UU Congregation in New London, CT. Behind the cart is a red chair, and on it is a red striped sign that reads, "Free All Souls Lemonade Stand" with a cartoon image of a lemon and a cup with a straw. On the cart are paper cups, two bottles of lemonade, a recycling bin, and a compost bin.

Emily Cherry

,

All Souls UU Congregation of New London, New London, CT

:
Each week in the summer, Rev. Carolyn Patierno, minister of All Souls UU Congregation in New London, CT, hosts a lemonade stand on the sidewalk in front of the congregation. She greets passersby with a cold cup, no-strings-attached. What she has found is a source of connection and shared ministry.

Join the Climate Justice Revival this September

Image of two heads with flowers on them. Rads: Reimagine Together: From An Extractive Age to A New Era

Central East Region of the UUA

:
The Rev. SofΓ­a Bettencourt invites you to join other UU congregations at the UU Climate Justice Revival, September 28-29, 2024.

RE Kickoff: Bring Your Team!

12 August 2024 at 10:40
United States map connection RE teams across the nation

Lenore Bajare-Dukes

:
We’ve rounded the corner into the season of hot, hazy days, back to school sales, and a growing curious energy: when UUs gather to greet one another, what will we be doing? Where will we turn our attention?...

Advocating for Change as a Tax-Exempt UU Congregation

9 August 2024 at 12:54
Two people participating in neighborhood canvassing effort review information on a phone. They're outside. One of them is wearing a UU the Vote T-shirt. The other is in a fedora, a blue collared shirt, black jacket. Both wear glasses and voter engagement buttons.

Staff Writer

:
Answers to some of your questions about the political engagement rules that apply to nonprofit UU congregations and groups.

Shared Values

5 August 2024 at 09:59
See Full Description
Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition that has changed in many ways from the original Christian roots of its Universalist and Unitarian heritages, and it continues to evolve today. Most recently, this evolution has taken the form of adopting new language to describe who we are as UUs.

UU Climate Justice Revival

2 August 2024 at 08:17
A diverse group of people are gathered together indoors and smile while holding climate justice and electoral justice signs, t-shirts, and stickers.
In September, UUs will take part in a national Climate Justice Revival with inspiring collective worship, creative learning, new frameworks, and the chance to weave together the threads that have always linked our deepest commitments. We're entering a new era of climate action, where we cultivate...

Love at the Center: New UU Statement of Values Passes after Momentous General Assembly Delegate Vote

2 August 2024 at 08:17
A colorful quilt with a chalice at its center.

Elaine McArdle

:
The years-long democratic process culminated with debate and the GA vote. A two-thirds majority was required for approval.

Join UU the Vote

2 August 2024 at 08:17
Two people stand at a table that has a UU the Vote sign on it, writing
We are fighting for so much in 2024 and the work before us requires our compassion, consistency and commitment. This year UU the Vote will strengthen our local partnerships with state networks and key movement partners. Democracy calls on us all to mobilize towards our collective thriving....

Moderator Search Committee

1 August 2024 at 09:00
Information about the Moderator Search Committee's work to find the next Moderator of the UUA.

Unitarian Universalists Pass Resolution Expressing Religious Belief: β€œEmbracing Transgender, Nonbinary, Intersex and Gender Diverse People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values”

18 July 2024 at 14:16
A young person with a large transgender pride flag.
At General Assembly 2024, an overwhelming majority of Unitarian Universalists voted to approve a Business Resolution that solidifies and strengthens the UUA’s ministry to and with transgender, nonbinary, and intersex members of UU communities.

Opportunities for Connection - August 2024

group of people white water rafting

Central East Region of the UUA

:
Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Helpful Board Habits Training, Database Updates, OWL Trainings, Mosaic Gathering, new UUI Course and more!

Message of Gratitude from the UUA for the Successful Shelter Initiative

17 July 2024 at 07:49
A group of UUA staff members gather on the stairs and main lobby area of the UUA headquarters building, with folks at the front of the group holding letter signs that spell "WELCOME" and smile for the camera.
In a letter to the Fort Point Boston Neighborhood and local businesses, the UUA reviews the successful emergency housing initiative implemented in early 2024, which has now concluded.

UUA Condemns Shooting at Pennsylvania Political Rally

14 July 2024 at 05:43
The following text is in white font on a gray background: "Unitarian Universalism believes in the right of free speech and the democratic process. Attacks like those at Saturday’s political rally weaken democracy, and the Unitarian Universalist Association condemns this attack." Below this is a red color block with the UUA chalice logo and name, also in white font.
In response to a shooting at Pennsylvania political rally where former president Donald Trump was inured, the UUA issues a statement upholding free speech and condemning the violence.

CER Welcomes Rev. Elaine Strawn as Temporary Staff

headshot of Elaine Strawn.

Central East Region of the UUA

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As you have likely heard by now, Rev. Sunshine Wolfe has been promoted to the Regional Lead position in the Pacific Western Region....

Opportunities for Connection - July 2024

CERCLLogoweb

Central East Region of the UUA

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Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Chalice Lighters, Leader Updates, Staff Changes, OWL Trainings, Pledge Data and more!

Hard, Brave Choices

26 June 2024 at 01:46
In a dark room, several taper candles and smaller candles in red, cut-glass holders are all alit.

Martha Durkee-Neuman

:
This is a year in which hard, brave choices will be required of all of us.

Queering Me

19 June 2024 at 02:24
A small rainbow flag, on a small stick, is held by the outstretched arms of two different people of color.

Vanessa Titang

:
β€œQueer” challenges the status quo; it dares me to be authentically myself.

Time to Submit Your 2024 Updates

Central East Region UUA Logo

Central East Region of the UUA

:
It’s that time of year again! When many congregations are electing new leaders and appointing new committee chairs in preparation for the new church year.

Proud to Be Out

12 June 2024 at 02:22
Two middle-aged people, seen from the shoulders up, press their faces together intimately and smile broadly. A Pride flag is wrapped around their shoulders.

Lynette Yetter

:
May everyone feel safe and free to love as they choose.

CER Changes in 2024

10 June 2024 at 10:18
photo of Rev. Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe in black shirt and rainbow stole, using a microphone, giving the closing at Ohio Pride

Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe

:
Rev. Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe is announcing that they will be leaving the Central East Region on July 1 to move to the Pacific Western Region as their Regional Lead. Hear what they have to say about this move.

Home to Myself

5 June 2024 at 06:10
A nonbinary teen--white, with freckles and shoulder-length brown hair--holds a camera up, partially obscuring their face, as they look at the photographer.

Mare Martell

:
Being nonbinary has finally brought me home to myself.

Plan Your 2024 Board Retreat and Training

3 June 2024 at 11:36
crew of rafters working together to get a yellow raft through the rapids on a river
Help your board get off to a great start! Your CER staff is ready to partner with you.

Opportunities for Connection - June 2024

Flowers in the corner. Reads Reimagine Together From An Extractive Age to a New Era Info Sessions! Join any of our sessions to connect with the Planning team, ask questions and learn more about how to host the Revival in your congregation! Wed May 29 @ 1p ET/10a PT; THurs, June 6 @5p ET/2p PT; Thurs June 13 @ 5p ET/2p PT

Central East Region of the UUA

:
Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - GA 2024, Synergy AfterParty, CERSI, Board Trainings, Climate Revival Plans and more!!

Totes Queer

29 May 2024 at 04:28
A fabric rainbow tote bag dangles from someone's hand. They're standing on a sidewalk, wearing trousers, visible only from the hip down.

Paige Getty

:
My queerness is about mindset and attitude and intention.

Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd Appointed Director of Communications and Public Ministry

23 May 2024 at 10:15
Nancy smiles softly with her head tilted, wearing glasses, a pink blouse with puffed sleeves and her brown hair tucked behind her left ear.
The UUA is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd as Director of Communications and Public Ministry. In this executive position, Rev. Ladd will lead the development and implementation of the UUA’s communications strategy.

An Unbroken Song

22 May 2024 at 04:24
In profile, a person prays: their eyes are closed, and their forehead rests on their clasped hands.

Julie Yeeun Kim

:
I have often felt the divine most present when I feel dissolved into a holy community.

The Seeds That Have Sprouted: What Did We Learn This Year?

dark blue sky with starts. Reads CER SKill Up. CER Leadership Skill Ups for Changing TImes. The Seeds that Have Sprouted: A Celebration of What is Growing. May 7th

Central East Region of the UUA

:
The final CER Skill Up for the year was held on Tuesday, May 7th with the topic The Seeds That Have Sprouted: A Celebration of What Has Grown. Our main presenters were Rev. Sunshine Wolfe and Lenore Bajare-Dukes. In order to capture the surprising and beautiful new ways we’re finding of doing...

A More Complete Story

15 May 2024 at 04:22
An elderly woman wearing a paing-spattered apron sits in front of an easel, smiling, as she paints a beautiful landscape.

Aaron Stockwell Wisman

:
It takes a community to remember someone in all of their many facets.

New Learning Opportunities for Leaders

13 May 2024 at 10:06
Headshot of Rev. Renee Ruchotzke

Renee Ruchotzke

:
Rev. Renee Ruchtozke and Rev. Lillian Drab-Braddick introduce some new programming available from the UU LeaderLab team on the UU Institute and LeaderLab.

Unitarian Universalist Association Joins UU Climate Justice Revival: Coalition of Unitarian Universalist Organizations and Friends Launches Effort to Reimagine Climate Justice Work with Revival Weekend September 28th and 29th

9 May 2024 at 12:19
A diverse group of people are gathered together indoors and smile while holding climate justice and electoral justice signs, t-shirts, and stickers.
The Unitarian Universalist Association joins a coalition of UU organizations and partners to launch the UU Climate Justice Revival. Through multigenerational activities, worship, and advocacy, the revival will catalyze congregations to realize climate justice and collective liberation.

Love in This Very Moment

8 May 2024 at 04:06
An infant, lying on a bed and swaddled in a blanket, has their hand held by an adult. Their hands and part of their torso are all we see.

Sarah Pirtle

:
Dear world, how does love right now move me to action?

Time for Leadership Updates!

6 May 2024 at 10:23
Central East Region UUA Logo
It’s that time of year again! When many congregations are electing new leaders and appointing new committee chairs in preparation for the new church year.

UU Academics Condemn Violent Repression of Student Movements: UUA President Rev. Dr. SofΓ­a Betancourt Joins UU Seminary Presidents in Supporting Student Protest Movements

Person wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh speaks in a group outdoors holding a microphone near their face

SofΓ­a Betancourt

,

Rosemary Bray McNatt

,

ElΓ­as Ortega

:
Unitarian Universalist academics live and serve at the intersections of the academy and our religious communities. We condemn the rapidly escalating violent repression of pro-Palestinian, anti-war student movements on college campuses across the United States.

The Sea of Moral Injury

1 May 2024 at 03:56
A person is curled up, sleeping on a slab of cardboard, with a bag and cup next to them. They're on a sidewalk near a busy street with traffic and pedestrians.

Karen G. Johnston

:
Harm of one is harm of all.

UU World Shines a Spotlight on Shared Ministry and Communal Care: Spring 2024 issue looks at ways that Unitarian Universalists are collaborating for liberation

30 April 2024 at 13:54
A colorful illustration of a freshly prepared soup, made with many ingredients through the loving coordination of multiple hands in a range of skin tones.
The Spring 2024 issue of UU World magazine shines a spotlight on shared ministry and communal care in a Unitarian Universalist (UU) context. In a wide range of stories, poetry, and reflections, this issue explores ways that UUs are collaborating for liberation.

Opportunities for Connection - May 2024

Red letters G and A, with silhouette shapes of people in front

Central East Region of the UUA

:
Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - GA 2024, CER Skills Ups, Youth Cons, CERSI, Climate Revival Plans and more!!

Summer Camps for Everyone!

CERSI and UUMAC logos together

Central East Region of the UUA

:
Summer isn't far away and with that brings thoughts of time together at camps or conferences, gathering with other UUs. While summer camp may be more associated with youth and children, many of our camps, conferences and institutes also plan for adults to join in the fun.

Shifting Perspective

24 April 2024 at 01:13
By: Kat Liu
Inside a car, a young adult sits behind the driver's seat. In the passenger seat is someone implied to be a driving instructor due to the clipboard he's holding.

Kat Liu

:
When I remember to orient myself within the bigger picture, it recalibrates my perspective.

Preparing the Future: UU Fellowship of Ligonier Valley

21 April 2024 at 10:00
Image of a group of people, one holding a dog in front of a tree.

Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe

:
In an ever-changing world, our congregations need to be innovative with grounding in the needs of today and of the future. How do we remain relevant to the needs of changing times and changing generations?...

Beauty Following Us

17 April 2024 at 04:58
Above a cityscape, in a black-and-white photo, a lone crow or corvid spreads its wings mid-flight.

Christine Slocum

:
Crows found ways to adapt to our concrete forests but we have not yet found ways to make sure we are in balance with the rest of creation.

Unexpected Joy in Our Communities, Part 2

8 April 2024 at 10:30
image of a brown and orange butterfly on a yellow flower in a garden

Beth Casebolt

:
When I meet with congregational leaders, as we talk about the challenges the congregation is facing, and resources or trainings they might need, at some point I usually ask the question, Where are you finding unexpected joy in your congregation this year?

Tending Congregational Life: Guiding the Membership Journey (Training)

Community Garden with Black man teaching a group of black, brown and white children

Congregational Life

,

Unitarian Universalist Association of Membership Professionals

:
Learn to work together to reinforce life-affirming and creative frameworks and use practical tools for welcoming and inclusion, connection and belonging, all as foundational to a membership journey in your congregation grounded in mutuality and consent.

Supporting Sibling Congregations

1 April 2024 at 12:08
Four photos illustrating climate change-caused disasters: aftermath of a hurricane showing destroyed houses in top left, trees burning in a forest fire in top right, houses and trees almost submerged by flooding in bottom right, and crops bent and destroyed by drought in bottom left.
The UUA is gathering of congregations, held together by a covenant. That covenant calls on us to support each other in times of need and to provide assistance when requested. It also calls on us to hold each other accountable.The Disaster Relief Fund is one way that we honor that covenant by...

Opportunities for Connection - April 2024

black outline of a human figure with a camp blowing off to the right, hands on hips. Reads: CERSI 2024. Unlikely Superheroes. Skills for practicing faith and ethics in tough times.

Central East Region of the UUA

:
Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - CERSI, CER Skills Ups, Youth Summer Program Scholarships, Article 2 Resources and more!!

UU the Vote 2024 is Underway: The UUA's nonpartisan civic engagement initiative begins organizing effort for 2024

28 March 2024 at 09:00
UU the Vote
UU the Vote, the UUA's nonpartisan civic engagement initiative focused on strengthening democracy and organizing for justice and accountability, launched its 2024 organizing initiative in March.

Growing Membership? How?

Community Garden with Black man teaching a group of black, brown and white children

Central East Region of the UUA

:
Need resources and ideas for growing your membership? This new training can help!Tending Congregational Life: Guiding the Membership Journey is our first post-lockdown β€œgrowth and vitality” resource, in collaboration with the UU Association of Membership Professionals (UUAMP). Instead of...

Intricate Beauty: Part 2 of 2

20 March 2024 at 04:35
A person with white skin holds, in their upturned palms, a strand of help. Beneath their hands we see the person's feet standing on sand.

Quinn Gormley

:
This is my favorite thing about seaweed: it feels so much like my neurodiverse brain.

Why Attend General Assembly?

18 March 2024 at 09:43
Red letters G and A, with silhouette shapes of people in front

Beth Casebolt

:
I attended my first General Assembly in 1998. I had only been a member of my congregation for 2 years, and had just completed my first year as the Director of Religious Education (DRE).

Tending Congregational Life: Guiding the Membership Journey (Training)

Community Garden with Black man teaching a group of black, brown and white children

Congregational Life

,

Unitarian Universalist Association of Membership Professionals

:
Learn to work together to reinforce life-affirming and creative frameworks and use practical tools for welcoming and inclusion, connection and belonging, all as foundational to a membership journey in your congregation grounded in mutuality and consent.

Intricate Beauty: Part 1 of 2

13 March 2024 at 05:28
A painting of a person's head, in profile. Their brain and the background are both awash in swirls of color, galaxy-like sparks and stars, and cosmic texture.

Quinn Gormley

:
People who aren't neurodiverse tend to frame neurodiversity as symptoms of inconvenience to people around them. For me, my ADHD means beauty.

Taylor Hoffman is UUA Director of Human Resources

12 March 2024 at 10:42
Taylor Hoffman sits on a stool, with legs crossed and smiling. She wears black pants and jacket and a white shirt.
The UUA is pleased to introduce Taylor Hoffman as Director of Human Resources. In this role, Taylor oversees the Human Resources office, staff, policies, benefits and resources, and helps lead the UUA’s commitment to being a workplace where people of all backgrounds and identities can thrive.

Rev. Darrick Jackson Appointed UUA Ministerial Credentialing Director

12 March 2024 at 09:38
Darrick Jackson is smiling, wearing a red shirt and glasses
The UUA is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Darrick Jackson (he/him) as the Ministerial Credentialing Director within the UUA’s Ministries and Faith Development staff group.

Meet Rev. Alia Shinbrough

11 March 2024 at 09:06
headshot of Rev. Alia Shinbrough wearing a very multicolor shirt

Alia Shinbrough

:
This week we wanted to give everyone a chance to "meet" Rev. Alia Shinbrough, the newest member of our CER Team.

Assurances & Affirmations

6 March 2024 at 05:47
Four people with their backs to the camera stand shoulder-to-shoulder, their arms around each other, as they look into a beautiful sunny vista.

Jami Yandle

:
Appreciation and deep witness are beautiful gateways for returning to our most authentic selves.

Opportunities for Connection - March 2024

28 February 2024 at 10:00
A small, lit candle is cradled in a hand-carved, wooden chalice. The chalice rests on a golden embroidered cloth. This image is on a black background where the words, "Amplifying the Charge," are printed in white sans-serif letters.

Central East Region of the UUA

:
Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Amplifying the Charge, CER Leadership Skill Ups, Faithify Pause, Path to Membership Training and more!!

UUA Offers Space in Headquarters Building for Temporary Emergency Housing

4 March 2024 at 13:56
Outside of 24 Farnsworth building.
The UUA joins with the United Way of Massachusetts and other community-based organizations to provide temporary emergency housing and support to local families in need. Space in the UUA headquarters building will serve as a temporary, overnight emergency shelter location as part of this arrangement.

Join Our Community This Summer!

CERSI and UUMAC logos together

Central East Region Summer Institute

:
Have you thought about attending CERSI (Central East Region Summer Institute)? Registration is open!

Opportunities for Connection - March 2024

28 February 2024 at 10:00
A small, lit candle is cradled in a hand-carved, wooden chalice. The chalice rests on a golden embroidered cloth. This image is on a black background where the words, "Amplifying the Charge," are printed in white sans-serif letters.

Central East Region of the UUA

:
Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Amplifying the Charge, CER Leadership Skill Ups, Faithify Pause, Path to Membership Training and more!!

We Were Always Here

28 February 2024 at 04:50
Black and white photo of only the arms of dark-skinned people, raised as if praying in a church pew

Connie Simon

:
When someone lists Unitarians or Universalists, they usually name white men. Never anyone Black like me.

If we ran every meeting as if a toddler would be present…

26 February 2024 at 10:00
set of colorful wooden blocks on a wooden floor with a set of toddler feet beside them.

Lenore Bajare-Dukes

:
It got me thinking. What if we just went intoΒ allΒ meetings assuming a toddler would be present?

Understanding Article II: A theological analysis for Unitarian Universalists

7 February 2024 at 07:24
Dinah Pham on Unsplash

Staff Writer

:
Rev. Dr. Sheri Prud’homme has provided a theological analysis of the proposed revision to Article II. Here are nine quotes from her essay to get the conversation started.

Side with Love 30 Days of Love: Unitarian Universalists empower democracy and promote electoral justice with UU the Vote

5 February 2024 at 05:12
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Staff Writer

:
For the fourth and final week of the Side With Love campaign, the theme is Resilience, and the focus is on Democracy and Electoral Justice.

Resources for Congregational Leaders and Staff

29 January 2024 at 10:00
Staff of the Central East Region
As UUA Staff, it's not uncommon for us to be contacted and asked for a something, just anything, on a topic. In these cases the leader in question has no idea where to look.

White History

21 February 2024 at 06:24
A Black child around 8 years old stares down at a desk covered in books, with a dismayed or tired look on their face.

Bev Spears

:
From the beginning, the story of Black people in America has been told through the lens of white supremacy.

Understanding Article II: A theological analysis for Unitarian Universalists

7 February 2024 at 07:24
Dinah Pham on Unsplash

Staff Writer

:
Rev. Dr. Sheri Prud’homme has provided a theological analysis of the proposed revision to Article II. Here are nine quotes from her essay to get the conversation started.

UUA Condemns Violence Against Gaza, Urges Immediate and Total Ceasefire

14 February 2024 at 11:52
Person wearing a black mask over nose and mouth and a gray winter hat stands with other people outdoors and holds a sign saying, "Permanent Ceasefire is Long Overdue!"

UUA Administration

:
The UUA reiterates its condemnation of the Israeli military’s ongoing violence against Gaza and joins with voices across the globe urging and immediate and total ceasefire, the provision of humanitarian aid, and the safe return of all hostages and prisoners.

The Work of Love

14 February 2024 at 00:09
A cropped photo of a person with a wrist tattoo with upturned hands lightly holding the hands of another person, sitting knee-to-knee with them.

Anne Griffiths

:
Scorekeeping is about who hurts whom more. In the long-term, no one wins.

Leaning into Being Resilient and Emergent in Times of Unexpected Growth

12 February 2024 at 10:25
Against a blue sky, people on a roller coaster are harnessed in and beginning to descend a steep slope

Sana Saeed

:
Unitarian Universalism is often referred to as a living faith. For me that means that Unitarian Universalism is in constant motion and changes through the times we live in.

Side with Love 30 Days of Love: Unitarian Universalists empower democracy and promote electoral justice with UU the Vote

5 February 2024 at 05:12
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Staff Writer

:
For the fourth and final week of the Side With Love campaign, the theme is Resilience, and the focus is on Democracy and Electoral Justice.

Sacred Black "Text"

7 February 2024 at 04:17
Outdoors on a lawn, a group of Black friends are seated as if at a picnic. They're smiling and laughing with abundant joy.

Takiyah Nur Amin

:
If you’re seeking sacred Black β€œtext” in our tradition, you have to examine the way our Black ancestors lived.

Willing to Fail

31 January 2024 at 01:57
With a blurred gym in the background, a white person with short hair holds a handweight out from her body, so that it's the center of the picture's focus.

Amanda Poppei

:
Remind me that success is not the only measure of a life.

Rev. Ashley Horan Appointed UUA Vice President for Programs and Ministries

29 January 2024 at 10:34
Ashley has dark hair, with one side shaved, and wears a black shirt and golden-colored stole
The UUA announces the appointment of the Rev. Ashley Horan to the newly-created executive role of Vice President for Programs and Ministries. In this role, Rev. Horan will take on supervision of the Ministries and Faith Development, Congregational Life, and Organizing Strategy staff teams.

Resources for Congregational Leaders and Staff

29 January 2024 at 10:00
Staff of the Central East Region
As UUA Staff, it's not uncommon for us to be contacted and asked for a something, just anything, on a topic. In these cases the leader in question has no idea where to look.

Opportunities for Connection ~ February 2024

29 January 2024 at 10:00
Icons showing resources connected by a colorful network.

Central East Region of the UUA

:
Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - LeaderLab, Winter Institute, Certification, Skill Ups and more.

The Power of Words

24 January 2024 at 01:25
On an airplane, a person sitting in the window seat holds a phone as if texting.

Aaron Stockwell Wisman

:
May the words that I speak remind others that they are beloved.

New Director and Deputy Director of Ministries and Faith Development Appointed by UUA

23 January 2024 at 10:51
Janice Marie Johnson
The UUA is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Janice Marie Johnson as Director, and the Rev. Cecilia Kingman as Deputy Director, of the Ministries and Faith Development staff group.

What is a Commissioned Lay Minister?

22 January 2024 at 10:20
Attendees of the Commissioned Lay Ministry Retreat East 2019

Central East Region of the UUA

:
The Central East Region's Commissioned Lay Ministry (CLM) Program provides an opportunity for committed Unitarian Universalist leaders in the Central East region to deepen their faith while serving their congregations in more significant ways.

Present for Goodbyes

17 January 2024 at 01:34
One person sitting in a wheelchair holds hands with a friend. Only their arms and laps are visible, making their gentle touch the focus of the photo.

Sarah Gillespie

:
Death is a regular part of my job, which makes small talk weird for me at parties.

It’s Time to Decide What Kind of World We Want to Live In

15 January 2024 at 10:52
a white box with four choices - Later, Tomorrow, Today in black and NOW in all caps and green with an arrow clicking the button next to NOW

Megan Foley

:
It's time to decide what kind of world we want to live in and it’s time to decide what we are willing to do to get it.

Remembering Self-Worth

10 January 2024 at 06:51
Vanessa, a Black person with her hair in a ponytail, stands between church members with signs. Vanessa is wearing a mask and clergy collar, and is holding her hand in the "peace" sign.

Vanessa Titang

:
Just as I can believe in others, I also believe in me.

Are You Ready for 30 Days of Love?

8 January 2024 at 10:59
Save the Date. January 15-February 14, 2024. 30 Day sof Love. spiritual Nourishment for the long haul. Red background with a heart.
This annual event offers a month of spiritual nourishment, political grounding, and shared practices of faith and justice.

Opportunities for Connection ~ January 2024

Save the Date. January 15-February 14, 2024. 30 Day sof Love. spiritual Nourishment for the long haul. Red background with a heart.

Central East Region of the UUA

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Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - 30 Days of Love, Winter Institute, Digital Security Training, GA 2024 and more.

Toast, Boast, and Oath

3 January 2024 at 01:08
A table full of friends raises their glasses--colored glass goblets--in the air outdoors.

Sarah Klinger Osborne

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What β€œtoast, boast, and oath” might you offer this January?

Fear Not and Hallelujah

20 December 2023 at 01:07
A light-skinned Black person's arms cradle a tiny infant whose bare foot soles face the camera.

Marcus Liefert

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Fear not, the angels would text me. Hallelujah, I’d write back.

Holiday Greetings from Your CER Staff

18 December 2023 at 12:34
Zoom photo of CER Staff. Headshots of 8 people and a stuffed meerkat each in their own box.
Happy Holidays from your Central East RegionOur team wishes you a time of peace, rest, love and joy over this holiday time. May 2024 be full of good things and great love for you and our communities....

Property Insurance Challenges

Portion of an old wooden door, featuring an antique brass handle and a deadbolt lock.

Safe Congregations Team

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UUA Office of Church Staff Finances, Ministries and Faith Development

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Property insurance challenges are becoming more common, from rate increases to policy terminations. While we can't make these problems go away, we can offer some suggestions.

Holiday Blues

12 December 2023 at 23:34
A UU chalice made of bronze metal with large rings and a small white lighted candle in the center. Next to the chalice is a large brown bowl filled with sand with twelve thin white lighted candlesticks. Both the chalice and bowl of candles are on a small wooden table in front of a wooden lectern that is partially visible on the altar of the congregation, with a black grand piano.

Gretchen Maune

Despite the bright, twinkling lights and the chiming bells, some of us are full of grief, fear, and pain. We believe there should be a time to honor these feelings as well.

Continue reading "Holiday Blues"

Solstice Magick

13 December 2023 at 01:06
Through a thick forest, a reindeer peeks out at the camera

Erica Shadowsong

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Spirits of winter, I celebrate you!

UUA Article II proposal: What to know about next steps, amendments, deadlines and congregations

7 December 2023 at 12:00
Β© 2023 Nancy Pierce/UUA

Elaine McArdle

The Board is now receiving amendments to the version submitted by the Article II Study Commission. A proposed amendment needs fifteen certified congregations to formally endorse it. This process ends February 1, 2024.

Continue reading "UUA Article II proposal: What to know about next steps, amendments, deadlines and congregations"

Dealing with Disruption in Worship

11 December 2023 at 10:05
Rev. Sunshine J. Wolfe

Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe

In this short YouTube video, Rev. Sunshine Wolfe shares some strategies for dealing with worship disruptions. Additional resources for congregations who want to do more:UUA Safer Congregations PageKeep the Trolls Out: Zoom Bombing Update 2023Threats from Without, Care from Within 210 - this is a...

Continue reading "Dealing with Disruption in Worship"

Magnified

6 December 2023 at 01:05
A sketch of Mary, with a crown of stars and a fist raised. Around her are the words "Cast down the mighty" and "Send the rich away"

Laura Dobson

The Magnificat is a courageous and subversive song of praise; a call to social justice.

Continue reading "Magnified"

CER Announces New Staff - Rev. Alia Shinbrough

4 December 2023 at 10:34
headshot of a human wearing dark rimmed glasses and a brightly flowered shirt and a chalice necklace

Central East Region of the UUA

The Central East Region is very pleased to announce the hiring of Rev. Alia Shinbrough (they/them) as a Congregational Life Staff person beginning January 8, 2024.

Continue reading "CER Announces New Staff - Rev. Alia Shinbrough"

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