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☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

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

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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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Growing Membership? How?

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
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...
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Intricate Beauty: Part 2 of 2

By: Quinn Gormley β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Why Attend General Assembly?

By: Beth Casebolt β€”
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).
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Intricate Beauty: Part 1 of 2

By: Quinn Gormley β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Taylor Hoffman is UUA Director of Human Resources

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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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Rev. Darrick Jackson Appointed UUA Ministerial Credentialing Director

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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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Meet Rev. Alia Shinbrough

By: Alia Shinbrough β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Assurances & Affirmations

By: Jami Yandle β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Opportunities for Connection - March 2024

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
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!!
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

UUA Offers Space in Headquarters Building for Temporary Emergency Housing

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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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Join Our Community This Summer!

By: Central East Region Summer Institute β€”
CERSI and UUMAC logos together

Central East Region Summer Institute

:
Have you thought about attending CERSI (Central East Region Summer Institute)? Registration is open!
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Opportunities for Connection - March 2024

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
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!!
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

We Were Always Here

By: Connie Simon β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

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

By: Lenore Bajare-Dukes β€”
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?
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Understanding Article II: A theological analysis for Unitarian Universalists

By: Staff Writer β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

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

By: Staff Writer β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Resources for Congregational Leaders and Staff

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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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

White History

By: Bev Spears β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Understanding Article II: A theological analysis for Unitarian Universalists

By: Staff Writer β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

UUA Condemns Violence Against Gaza, Urges Immediate and Total Ceasefire

By: UUA Administration β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

The Work of Love

By: Anne Griffiths β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Leaning into Being Resilient and Emergent in Times of Unexpected Growth

By: Sana Saeed β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

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

By: Staff Writer β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Sacred Black "Text"

By: Takiyah Nur Amin β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Willing to Fail

By: Amanda Poppei β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

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

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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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Resources for Congregational Leaders and Staff

β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Opportunities for Connection ~ February 2024

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

The Power of Words

By: Aaron Stockwell Wisman β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

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

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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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

What is a Commissioned Lay Minister?

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Present for Goodbyes

By: Sarah Gillespie β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

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

By: Megan Foley β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Remembering Self-Worth

By: Vanessa Titang β€”
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Are You Ready for 30 Days of Love?

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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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Opportunities for Connection ~ January 2024

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
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

:
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Toast, Boast, and Oath

By: Sarah Klinger Osborne β€”
A table full of friends raises their glasses--colored glass goblets--in the air outdoors.

Sarah Klinger Osborne

:
What β€œtoast, boast, and oath” might you offer this January?
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Fear Not and Hallelujah

By: Marcus Liefert β€”
A light-skinned Black person's arms cradle a tiny infant whose bare foot soles face the camera.

Marcus Liefert

:
Fear not, the angels would text me. Hallelujah, I’d write back.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Holiday Greetings from Your CER Staff

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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....
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Property Insurance Challenges

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

Safe Congregations Team

,

UUA Office of Church Staff Finances, Ministries and Faith Development

:
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.
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Holiday Blues

By: Gretchen Maune β€”
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"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Final Proposed Revisions to Unitarian Universalist Association Bylaws on Core Religious Values Released: Congregations will have until February 2024 to propose amendments

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Article II Study Commission members on stage at GA, viewed from the side with Rev. Cheryl M. Walker standing at the front and other members standing at back
The UUA announces that the Article II Study Commission, charged with reviewing and updating UUA Bylaws related to the core religious values of Unitarian Universalism, has released its final revisions to the Article II Bylaws.

Continue reading "Final Proposed Revisions to Unitarian Universalist Association Bylaws on Core Religious Values Released: Congregations will have until February 2024 to propose amendments"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Solstice Magick

By: Erica Shadowsong β€”
Through a thick forest, a reindeer peeks out at the camera

Erica Shadowsong

:
Spirits of winter, I celebrate you!
☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

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

By: Elaine McArdle β€”
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"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Dealing with Disruption in Worship

By: Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe β€”
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"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Magnified

By: Laura Dobson β€”
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"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

CER Announces New Staff - Rev. Alia Shinbrough

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
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"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Inviting the "Aha"

By: JD Stillwater β€”
A woman with graying hair and medium-dark skin holds a molecule model in her hands standing in front of a classroom whiteboard with chemistry notations written on it. She's smiling at a student, seen from behind, who is raising their hand.

JD Stillwater

I encouraged my students to question authority, especially my authority, because only rarely can we recognize our biases without help.

Continue reading "Inviting the "Aha""

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

UUA Statement Regarding Shooting in Burlington, Vermont

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The lit GA chalice with a round frame. Behind it is a purple textured background.
The UUA is aware of the shooting of three Palestinian American students in Burlington, VT this past weekend. Our hearts and prayers are with the three students and we remain steadfast in our condemnation of the rising tide of violence and hateful acts across the country.

Continue reading "UUA Statement Regarding Shooting in Burlington, Vermont"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Opportunities for Connection ~ December 2023

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
Mosaic logo is the word Mosaic multicolored gradient triangle shapes of orange, red, blue, green and black. The tagline line is "Fostering belonging and liberation in Unitarian Universalist congregations and communities."

Central East Region of the UUA

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

Continue reading "Opportunities for Connection ~ December 2023"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Consider Becoming a Chalice Lighter

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
CER Chalice Lighter Logo

Central East Region of the UUA

Do you know about the Central East Region's Chalice Lighter Program?The CER Chalice Lighter Grant Program uses the spark of small, regular contributions from individual UU’s to ignite the growth of our UU faith, both in numbers and in justice, compassion, and spirituality. These contributions are...

Continue reading "Consider Becoming a Chalice Lighter"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

How Were You Loved?

By: Melissa Jeter β€”
A Black woman with short-cropped hair helps an older woman walk down stairs.

Melissa Jeter

Building relationships requires the risk of being open and curious.

Continue reading "How Were You Loved?"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

A Time to Gather Around the Hearth-fires

By: Lenore Bajare-Dukes β€”
A fireplace with logs and a fire on a grate. The fireplace is built of tan stone in an arch

Lenore Bajare-Dukes

At this time of year – a cold bite to the air, long dark nights – I feel a deep, almost primal impulse to huddle around a hearth-fire, spending time with people dear to me.

Continue reading "A Time to Gather Around the Hearth-fires"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Article II Shared Values Flower Image

β€”
See Full Description
Information on usage of the shared values flower image from the proposed new version of Article II of the UUA Bylaws and Rules

Continue reading "Article II Shared Values Flower Image"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Grace Notes

By: Amanda Udis-Kessler β€”
From above, a person with light brown skin, wearing jeans and an olive shirt, plays an electric keyboard.

Amanda Udis-Kessler

Holy Reconciler, help us make peace with each other.

Continue reading "Grace Notes"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Looking for UU Community?

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CERSI and UUMAC logos together
Are you looking for a UU Community that you can join for a short time? An immersive weekend or week-long experience? We have two such opportunities coming your way this year....

Continue reading "Looking for UU Community?"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Proof of Attention

By: Seanan R. Holland β€”
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Richard Hetrick, an aviation safety officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, oversees Marines conducting Foreign Object Debris (FOD) walk at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., June 7, 2021.

Seanan R. Holland

We did what humans frequently do: we created a ritual.

Continue reading "Proof of Attention"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

2023 UU Common Read Resources

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a book cover
On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World is the 2023-24 UU Common Read. In this 2022 Beacon Press book, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg offers a fresh perspective on how we make ourselves accountable to others.

Continue reading "2023 UU Common Read Resources"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Threats from Without, Care from Within Training

By: Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe β€”
diverse crowed supporting each other

Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe

Anticipate and plan for how to respond to violent threats, vandalism, doxxing, and other forms of intimidation and harassment.

Continue reading "Threats from Without, Care from Within Training"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

People Who Came Before Us

By: Chrissy Bushyager β€”
Chrissy's son Kaleb kneels on a barn floor, using a saw on some lumber.

Chrissy Bushyager

God of our ancestors, may we find the ways in which we can connect across generations.

Continue reading "People Who Came Before Us"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Opportunities for Connection ~ November 2023

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
a book cover

Central East Region of the UUA

Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - UU Common Read, CER Skill Ups, Pittsburgh Cluster Gathering, Youth, Young Adult, BIPOC and Trans/Nonbinary Gatherings, CERSI workshop proposals and more!

Continue reading "Opportunities for Connection ~ November 2023"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Worship Resources for Congregations 2023

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The lit GA chalice with a round frame. Behind it is a purple textured background.
Is your worship team in need of resources to help with planning your worship services? Here are a few that we recommend.

Continue reading "Worship Resources for Congregations 2023"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

We Should Advocate for Crucial Voting Rights Bills

By: Jeff Milchen β€”
Element5 Digital

Jeff Milchen

Many states are exploiting the opportunity created by the U.S. Supreme Court having gutted the Voting Rights Act. Unitarian Universalists believe democracy must be both accessible and equitable.

Continue reading "We Should Advocate for Crucial Voting Rights Bills"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Life Drummers

By: Christin Green β€”
A close-up of hands beating on drums outdoors: Earthen Rhythms, a local african drumming group at the Summertime in Maitland, NSW, Australia celebration.

Christin Green

I believe that we are all "life drummers" just waiting to join in the rhythm.

Continue reading "Life Drummers"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

A Time to Pause

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scrabble pieces reading PAUSE BREATHE RESUME
In times like these it's hard to keep up. It's easy to despair. It's difficult to keep yourself centered and continue with every day life while the world is in so much turmoil.

Continue reading "A Time to Pause"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Loved without Words

By: Jo VonRue β€”
A person sits on a medical examination table, wearing a medical exam gown. Their head isn't visible but their feet dangle off the end and their arms hold the table tensely.

Jo VonRue

Sometimes we need someone toΒ witness the pain in holy stillness.

Continue reading "Loved without Words"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

UUA Statement on the Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza and Israel

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About 20 small lit tea lights are arranged, in the dark, in a peace symbol.
The UUA joins the chorus of voices urging a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, the admittance of humanitarian aid, and the restoration of power and water to Gaza to prevent the further loss of life.

Continue reading "UUA Statement on the Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza and Israel"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Hanukkah Lighting for Congregations : How to light a menorah respectfully

By: Joanna Lubkin β€”
A silver menorah, against a dark background, holds colored candles. The first three candles and the shamash candle are lit.

Joanna Lubkin

Thoughtful commentary and context for how to light a menorah responsibly and respectfully.

Continue reading "Hanukkah Lighting for Congregations : How to light a menorah respectfully"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Unlearning the Rules

By: Laura Solomon β€”
In a dance studio, a woman in a red tank top dances ethusiastically while other dancers are visible in the background.

Laura Solomon

Embodying all of me is the best way I know to love the world.

Continue reading "Unlearning the Rules"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Resources for Congregations 2023 Edition

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
word cloud of congregational life area resources

Central East Region of the UUA

It's the start of the new year and congregations are returning to more regular programming. What are your congregants looking for this fall?

Continue reading "Resources for Congregations 2023 Edition"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Finding Faith

Β© iStock.com/smartboy10

Sarita Gonzales

,

Candice Bautista-Biddle

,

Martha Bautista-Biddle

,

Chris Long

Four Unitarian Universalists reflect on what brought them to the faithβ€”and what keeps them coming back.

Continue reading "Finding Faith"

☐ β˜† βœ‡ UUA.org Updates

Adrienne Walker is Appointed the UUA’s New General Counsel

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Headshot of Adrienne Walker
UUA President Rev. Dr. SofΓ­a Betancourt appoints Adrienne K. Walker to become the Association’s new general counsel. She replaces Thomas Bean of Verrill Dana, who is retiring. Bean had been the UUA’s general counsel since 2011.

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Healing Begins with Breath in the Body

By: Melissa Jeter β€”
A Black woman in athletic clothing is in child's pose on a yoga mat: arms stretched forward, head bowing, kneeling back towards her heels.

Melissa Jeter

Spirit and Breath, create an openness that violence has constricted.

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Threats from Without, Care from Within, a Conference on Safety

By: Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe β€”
diverse crowed supporting each other

Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe

In the past year, we have seen a marked increase in safety incidents in our congregations and communities. Incidents have ranged from individuals protesting during worship, spam emails acquiring money and information, zoom bombing, armed protests of churches, arson, physical threats, and more....

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Opportunities for Connection ~ October 2023

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
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.

Central East Region of the UUA

Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! his month - Disaster Relief Fund, CER Skill Ups, Worship Resources for Small Congregations, CERSI workshop proposals and more!

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Threshold Conversations: Coming of Age

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Coming of Age Panel Word Cloud: Flame prominent words "Coming of Age" "Know" "Ritual" "Congregation" "Think"
Coming of Age Conversations from Threshold Project panels, writings, and more

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Our Bodies Already Know

By: Julica Hermann de la Fuente β€”
A woman sitting on a large tree branch, with the tree around her, holds her hands to her heart with closed eyes, as if meditating.

Julica Hermann de la Fuente

Our bodies are so wise, and they hold so much information.

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Congregations Join Together for Banned Books Festival

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
Image of books on a shelf, Unstoppable stories, a banned books festival

Central East Region of the UUA

Congregations don't need to take action alone - you can partner with your neighboring congregations to make events and social justice actions happen.

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Covenant Calls Us In: The Why of Covenant (Training)

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a red felt heart, stitched back together up the center with blue thread and a needle
When you’re a member of a vibrant congregation, you hope for a deep and radical welcome there. You want to be able to bring your whole self, and feel called to be your best self, accountable to the vision of beloved community the community shares. In these congregations, when actions, words, or...

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The Journey of Forgiveness

By: Lynette Yetter β€”
From above, the back of a person's head as they sit in meditation and use a Tibetan singing bowl.

Lynette Yetter

I have struggled forgiving myself for not knowing how to create appropriate boundaries.

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Welcome to the New Church Year!

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
headshot of Megan Foley

Central East Region of the UUA

Welcome to the New Church Year! Here are some resources mentioned in the video that might help you!

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Approaching Conflict Like a Poem

By: Tania MΓ‘rquez β€”
A colorful, simple painting of two people's heads facing one another, with brighly colored sparks or energy radiating off of them.

Tania MΓ‘rquez

May we remember to slow down when we find ourselves having difficult conversations.

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Finding Unexpected Joy

By: Beth Casebolt β€”
image of a brown and orange butterfly on a yellow flower in a garden

Beth Casebolt

Are you looking for the unexpected joy in your community?

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Enoughness

By: DanaLee Simon β€”
In a spring garden, dark purple peony shoots rise from a flower bed while a person in gardening gloves works.

DanaLee Simon

Self-compassion was one of the best gifts I gave myself.

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CER Leader Skill Ups Scheduled for 2023-24

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
CER Leader Skill Up. CER Leadership Skill Ups for changing times monthly calls start with Worship to Center and ground your yeaer. Spetember 7th, 7-9 pm ET

Central East Region of the UUA

The Central East Region team is excited to announce our monthly Leadership Skill Ups for Changing Times series next year! These are drop-in calls for all congregational leaders where you can learn a new skill - or fine tune an old one.

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Opportunities for Connection ~ September 2023

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
CER Leader Skill Up. CER Leadership Skill Ups for changing times monthly calls start with Worship to Center and ground your yeaer. Spetember 7th, 7-9 pm ET

Central East Region of the UUA

Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! his month - Welcome from Rev. SofΓ­a Betancourt, CER Skill Ups, Worship Resources, leadership trainings, CERSI workshop proposals and more!

Continue reading "Opportunities for Connection ~ September 2023"

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CER Hiring Congregational Life Staff

By: Central East Region of the UUA β€”
Central East Region UUA Logo

Central East Region of the UUA

The transition of Evin Carvill-Ziemer to the New England Region leaves an opening on our fabulous Central East staff team that is ready and waiting for someone new to bring their unique story and experience to the work of companioning and championing congregations.

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Evin's Next Chapter

By: Evin Carvill Ziemer β€”
headshot of Evin Carvill-Ziemer

Evin Carvill Ziemer

This summer, I switched regions beginning as the New England Region Developmental Lead. This has meant saying good bye to the Central East Region. Not really goodbye, I’m still UUA staff and I’ll still surely see you at various online programs. But, still, it is a goodbye of sorts.

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Reading This Can’t Be a Priority

By: Megan Foley β€”
a face made out of green grass and trees looking up at a blue sky with a white heart cloud

Megan Foley

It’s AUGUST. It’s HOT. Here in Washington DC, the air is like sticky soup. August is when people get out of town or they hibernate in the air conditioning or by the pool.

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Defeating Fascism

By: Jeff Milchen β€”
Β© 2023 Nancy Pierce/UUA

Jeff Milchen

The 2023 Berry Street Essay urges UUs to recognize and confront an imminent threat.

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DRUUMM Gathering Scheduled for September

By: Sana Saeed β€”
Embracing the Flow Family Retreat. Sept 16, 2023, Murray Grove Center, Lanoka Harbor, NJ. RSVP: druumm.org/events. Images of groups of people of color together

Sana Saeed

A collective of DRUUMM (Diverse Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries) members in the Central East Region have been organizing a wonderful day long program on the theme of "Embracing the Flow" at the historic Universalist Murray Grove retreat center in Lanoka Harbor, NJ

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Virtual Hymnal: a new UU virtual hymnal is under construction

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A Black woman wearing headphones smiles and sings, holding a tablet or iPad.
Imagine web access to UU hymns that you can search for and confidently use in multiplatform events....

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