We got to a UU "church" with a "minister" on Sundays - where we "worship" and sometimes sing "hymns". I really don't like all the psuedo-Protestant language. And "worship" is the hardest for me. I do not worship or venerate any deity or concept. That language makes my skin itch. (I've been told worship doesn't have to be directed towards any object. Sure, Jan). I'm not mad that people use and like the term. But for me.... I'd like to know some good alternative terms to use to make me feel comfortable when I get invite in the weekly email to "attend worship".

I am thinking of attending this year's GA, despite the high cost ... $500 per person. I am my congregation's delegate. However, if I'm reading the website right, it looks like all in person attendees will be required to mask indoors at all times. This is so atypical I find it almost hard to believe. No church in my area requires masks for all, doctors do not require masks, and I live in New England which was a pretty committed mask wearing area during the pandemic height.

Can anyone offer some insight?

Additional questions-- does the UUA board mask fully when they meet? Do all UUA staff always mask indoors?

What do you think will make our church thrive and succeed in the next 5, 10, 15 years?

I was just reading Rev Debus's Hold My Chalice. She's asked by congregation leaders to come up with a plan and, she jokes, " I’m not sure they got what they were hoping for, because I think they were looking for the practical ideas they could implement." and then goes on to list out broader minsterly ideas the group could think about.

But it got me to thinking, if you were to write out practical, implementable ideas - what would you like to see change? It can be pie-in-the-sky ideas.

A few things I'd like to see

- the UUA to be as serious about reparations as they said they were last General Assembly. Live your values. I'd personally like to see a portion of that go to divinity school scholarships to diversify our pool of ministers.
- with the congregational minster shortage, more and meatier tools for congregations that are lay-led.
- more collaboration between churches, facilitated by regional staff. Let's stuff the newsletter with ideas and inspiration from members (not just think pieces by ministers or workshops by staffers). I want to know where i can find a CUUPs program or a Death Cafe. I want to know what different churches do for music, for social enrichment, for social justice. I want to think "Oh, that church down the road is good at ____ while the one two towns over is really strong in the ___ area" instead of each UU church being its own island.

What else?

Many UU professional are using JETPIG as shorthand for the new (not voted but obviously coming) article II values. Justice, Equity, Transformation, pluralism, Interdependence, generosity = JETPIG.

There are mascots, graphics, memes. One example here.

I can't stand that short-distance air travel and an animal mostly factor farmed are "cute" ways to talk about our values. It feels gross to me, personally, as a UU. I know there are people who will see this and think mmmmm Bacon!!!

I personally don't think it's funny or cute or represents us and I hope I'm not alone.

I am watching General Assembly. Several clergy members / leaders have referred to people watching as "beloveds" as a group term, including President Betancourt. As in "Good morning, beloveds, it is good to be here with you today".

While it's clearly well-intentioned, and I am not offended..... my knee-jerk reaction is that it feels culty. From the same universe as "under his eye". It's ritualistic, odd. It also evokes Toni Morrison's novel, one of the most horrifying stories I have ever read, and I am a huge horror novel fan.

I don't know what faith or cultural tradition this comes from, and I would like to learn more.

When you think about music for a UU service, what songs spring to mind first for you?
For me I think it's:
Fight Song by Rachel Platten
Count on Me by Bruno Mars