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Opportunities for Connection ~ November 2021

By: Central East Region of the UUA —
A book titled "Defund Fear" by Zach Norris is held in the hands of someone whose hands are light brown; only their torso is showing.

Central East Region of the UUA

Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Common Read, COMPASS, 8th Principle Presentation, Jubilee 3, Open Enrollment, Fall Chalice Lighter Call, Screening The Condor & The Eagle and more.

Continue reading "Opportunities for Connection ~ November 2021"

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Guidance for Outdoor Gatherings During COVID-19

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Benches in a grove of trees
These recommendations were updated by our Safer Congregations Team on June 8, 2021 in response to questions from congregations. Please use them in conjunction with our full UUA guidance for gathering during COVID-19. Data show that the risks of transmission of COVID-19 are lower in outdoor...

Continue reading "Guidance for Outdoor Gatherings During COVID-19"

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A Thousand Voices

By: Tania Márquez —
The stub of a lit taper candle burns brightly on a bed of cempasúchil, or Mexican marigolds.

Tania Márquez

The dead aren’t really dead; their stories are perpetually being told by the world around us.

Continue reading "A Thousand Voices"

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UU Pittsburgh Assembly to Explore the 8th Principle

By: Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe —
Image is a bridge with a chalice above it

Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe

On November 6th, UUs of Greater Pittsburgh- a membership organization of 12 congregations- will gather to discuss the 8th Principle and what it can mean for our congregations. The keynote will be one of the co-authors of the 8th Principle, Paula Cole Jones. This online Assembly is open to all.

Continue reading "UU Pittsburgh Assembly to Explore the 8th Principle"

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Letting the Questions Float By

By: Diane Dassow —
Seen from behind, a person walks along a low-tide beach. Kelp covered rocks in foreground. Gentle surf and ocean waves in distance.

Diane Dassow

I am learning to give up needing to know the answers, and instead live with the questions.

Continue reading "Letting the Questions Float By"

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Have an Idea for CERSI 2022 Workshops?

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Central East Region Summer Institute Logo
Do you have a creative idea for ways that the community can play, explore, or learn together? We want to see your proposals for morning seminars and afternoon workshops!

Continue reading "Have an Idea for CERSI 2022 Workshops?"

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The Question

By: Erika A. Hewitt —
A starry night sky and and an atmospheric glow blanket the well-lit southeastern African coast as the International Space Station orbited 263 miles above.

Erika A. Hewitt

I need to celebrate our human family, whose power and potential shimmer against the backdrop of deep time, because we aren’t at our best right now.

Continue reading "The Question"

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"Lives" on Hold

By: Patricia Infante —
OWL Image

Patricia Infante

One that has been most difficult to reckon with for many congregations has been the need to postpone plans for Our Wholes Lives (OWL), our flagship comprehensive sexuality education program.

Continue reading ""Lives" on Hold"

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Reclaiming My Culture

By: Mike Adams —
Four members of the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations, with their backs to the camrea, are each draped in a traditional Squamish or Lil'wat blanket.

Mike Adams

I was leaving my mom in another world, located far away from mine.

Continue reading "Reclaiming My Culture"

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Writing a Limited Access Agreement

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Sample language to help a congregation write its own Limited Access Agreement for the highly-boundaried participation of a member who has been accused or convicted of violent and/or sexual offenses.

Continue reading "Writing a Limited Access Agreement"

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Putting on Armor

By: Shannon Lang —
Five people of color are seen in a line, holding hands with arms crossed in a sign of solidarity.

Shannon Lang

In order to be welcoming, the systems of power and privilege in our spaces need to be actively dismantled.

Continue reading "Putting on Armor"

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Opportunities for Connection ~ October 2021

By: Central East Region of the UUA —
Compass Logo-Navigating the Paths to Liberation Together

Central East Region of the UUA

Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Compass Gathering, Taproot, JUUst Breathe Live, Widening the Welcome Workshop, Summer Institute Workshops, UUA Board Open Houses and Meetings, Resources for UN Sunday, Fall Social Witness Convening and more.

Continue reading "Opportunities for Connection ~ October 2021"

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Surviving a Plague ... Again

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National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Surviving a Plague … Again The year is 2021, I am 47, and I’m a 15-year survivor of the first plague of Generation X. Every part of that sentence makes me feel some kind of way. First of all … FORTY-SEVEN! I’m not one of those forever-young queens, so I’m very excited to be alive and grown...

Continue reading "Surviving a Plague ... Again"

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How to Keep Your Minister: A Guide for the Thoughtful Layperson

By: Sharon Wylie —
Church 102 in white letters on a red background

Sharon Wylie

The early emergence stage of the pandemic, followed by the ongoing threat of variants, has prompted rowdy and aggressive behavior in many areas of society (airplanes, ballparks). It is not surprising that some of this behavior has made its way into our congregational life.

Continue reading "How to Keep Your Minister: A Guide for the Thoughtful Layperson"

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Only Clay on the Wheel

By: Jake Morrill —
A person's hands shape a clay vessel on a potter's wheel.

Jake Morrill

I want to be shaped in a way that lets me serve the eternal.

Continue reading "Only Clay on the Wheel"

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Healing Through Story

By: Erica Shadowsong —
On a rocky ledge overlooking the wildnerness, a Black man wearing a backpack holds a map.

Erica Shadowsong

Dear Creative Life Force, the infinite healing power of creativity is the best gift you've given to us.

Continue reading "Healing Through Story"

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The Blessings We Didn’t Want

By: Megan Foley —
An outstretched hand, palm facing the camera, with a rainbow of light cast on it by a prism.

Megan Foley

We had about a minute in, when, June? when we in congregations thought we were on the path to pandemic freedom. I don’t know about you but I definitely was imagining A Return To Normal Church.

Continue reading "The Blessings We Didn’t Want"

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Outraged By Texas Abortion Law, UUs Remain Committed to Reproductive Justice

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young women protesting
The UUA responds to the heartbreaking and outrageous decision by the US Supreme Court to allow implementation of Texas's anti-abortion bill, SB8.

Continue reading "Outraged By Texas Abortion Law, UUs Remain Committed to Reproductive Justice"

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A Reflection from the UUA President: Choosing Love On This Anniversary of September 11

By: Susan Frederick-Gray —
hand-painted pins attached to a fence for a Sept 11 memorial

Susan Frederick-Gray

On the 20-year anniversary of September 11th, UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray reflects on the costs of America's response and spiritual strength of choosing love.

Continue reading "A Reflection from the UUA President: Choosing Love On This Anniversary of September 11"

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Reframing Rejection

By: Jami A. Yandle —
A person holds their palm to the camera, obscuring their face. Their palm is painted with streaks of bright paint in yellows, reds, and blues.

Jami A. Yandle

My God lives in the margins and witnesses to the broken-hearted.

Continue reading "Reframing Rejection"

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Honoring Our Covenant as Congregations

By: Beth Casebolt —
Disaster Relief Image

Beth Casebolt

This summer has seen a number of natural disasters that have affected millions of individuals and some of our congregations.

Continue reading "Honoring Our Covenant as Congregations"

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Honoring Our Covenant as Congregations

By: Beth Casebolt —
Disaster Relief Image

Beth Casebolt

This summer has seen a number of natural disasters that have affected millions of individuals and some of our congregations.

Continue reading "Honoring Our Covenant as Congregations"

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Bearable Together

By: Elizabeth Stevens —
Six adults sitting in a circle comfort and listen to a seventh person, who appears distressed.

Elizabeth Stevens

Somehow, the things that are too much to bear alone are bearable together.

Continue reading "Bearable Together"

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From the UUA President: Ingathering In Complicated Times

By: Susan Frederick-Gray —
altar with sand, chalice, sea glass and shells

Susan Frederick-Gray

As the new congregational year begins, the pandemic has forced many to re-evaluate traditional Ingathering celebrations. In these complicated times, let us remember that our ministries are life-saving and resilient.

Continue reading "From the UUA President: Ingathering In Complicated Times"

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Opportunities for Connection ~ September 2021

By: Central East Region of the UUA —
4 Principles to Guide Decisions on Gathering During the Pademic

Central East Region of the UUA

Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Updated COVID Guidance, Networking Sessions, Compass, Youth Reboot Webinar Series, Theme Contest for GA 2022, Resources for UN Sunday, Fall Social Witness Convening and more.

Continue reading "Opportunities for Connection ~ September 2021"

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Of Rollercoasters and Tilt-A-Whirls

By: Wren Bellavance-Grace —
Tilt-a-Whirl

Wren Bellavance-Grace

This week we offer this blog post by our New England Region Colleague, Wren Bellavance-Grace. September is County Fair season in much of New England. In our UU congregations, September is alsoIngathering time; water communion time; returning-to-church-time after far-flung summers laden with small...

Continue reading "Of Rollercoasters and Tilt-A-Whirls"

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From the UUA President: Updated COVID Guidance for the Delta Variant

By: Susan Frederick-Gray —
a stack of homemade COVID face masks

Susan Frederick-Gray

In light of the changing COVID virus and the Delta variant, the UUA offers important updates to its guidance on gathering in UU congregations and communities.

Continue reading "From the UUA President: Updated COVID Guidance for the Delta Variant"

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Welcome New Congregational Presidents!

By: Megan Foley —
Welcome New Presidents and Board Chairs, Central East Region

Megan Foley

Welcome, Class of 21-22 Board Chair/Presidents! What an exciting time to choose congregational leadership. I mean it!

Continue reading "Welcome New Congregational Presidents!"

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New Year, New Leaders

By: Central East Region of the UUA —
Helpful Board Habits, 3 part webinar series, Aug 17, Sep 21, Oct 19, 2021, 6:30-8:00 pm. Image of a raft in the rapids with crew working together

Central East Region of the UUA

If your congregation is like most, this is the time of year that you are experiencing the most leadership changes. New board members, committee chairs and even staff often begin their time with a congregation in July or August, just as the new church year is about to begin.

Continue reading "New Year, New Leaders"

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Trauma-Informed Worship

By: Erika A. Hewitt, Elizabeth Stevens —
A wash of green, blue, and purple light blending together.

Erika A. Hewitt

,

Elizabeth Stevens

Church is for helping people stay human in the face of inhumane circumstances.

Continue reading "Trauma-Informed Worship"

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Dismantling White Supremacy Culture in Worship

By: Erika A. Hewitt, Julica Hermann de la Fuente —
In the background, a group of Black people stand on a church chancel. In the foreground, from behind, a black person stands in their pew with arms raised in a "praise" position.

Erika A. Hewitt

,

Julica Hermann de la Fuente

When we learn to dismantle the markers and habits of white supremacy in our worship life, we get free together.

Continue reading "Dismantling White Supremacy Culture in Worship"

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Opportunities for Connection ~ August 2021

By: Central East Region of the UUA —
Primary Contact Staff for the Central East Region

Central East Region of the UUA

Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Primary Contacts, Networking Sessions, Compass, Bridging Youth, 8th Principle, Bridging Youth Hospitality Network, Interngenerational Spring Seminar, Congregation-Based Spiritual Direction, Future Change Work and more.

Continue reading "Opportunities for Connection ~ August 2021"

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A New Orientation

By: Mariela Pérez-Simons —
A hand with red nail polish cups a compass, above the mossy floor of a forest, and the other hand points to moss or another object on the ground.

Mariela Pérez-Simons

My inner compass reminds me of the power we’ve been given to create a new future.

Continue reading "A New Orientation"

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Kintsugi and Covenant

By: Sana Saeed —
broken chalice with a glue on a table with a red cloth and lace doily under it

Sana Saeed

When I think about covenant making, I think of Kintsugi.

Continue reading "Kintsugi and Covenant"

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Belonging

By: Ndidi Achebe —
Two hands, of dark skin color, reach to each other. Each hand holds a jigsaw puzzle piece with half of a red heart on it, suggesting that the two pieces fit together perfectly.

Ndidi Achebe

I learned that love and support can be expressed in many different ways by different people.

Continue reading "Belonging"

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Devon Commits to Net Zero: Responding to Shareholders, Devon Commits to Achieve Net Zero Emissions From Operations

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After a multi-year engagement with Climate Action 100+ investors, Devon Energy announced a commitment to achieve net zero emissions from operations and purchased energy by 2050 with an interim goal of a 50% reduction by 2030. Such emissions are often referred to as scopes 1 and 2....

Continue reading "Devon Commits to Net Zero: Responding to Shareholders, Devon Commits to Achieve Net Zero Emissions From Operations"

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The COVID-19 Pandemic: Justice. Healing. Courage. : 2021 Action of Immediate Witness

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Unitarian Universalists are heartbroken. Three million people have died in the world and millions more endure poverty because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons learned during the 2020-2021 plague force us to look at the American healthcare system....

Continue reading "The COVID-19 Pandemic: Justice. Healing. Courage. : 2021 Action of Immediate Witness"

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Stop Voter Suppression and Partner for Voting Rights and a Multiracial Democracy : 2021 Action of Immediate Witness

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WHEREAS, consistent with Unitarian Universalism’s living tradition, our Fifth Principle on democratic process, and our 2019 SOC on Our Democracy Uncorrupted, we understand democracy in the U.S. as a hope, a promise, an aspiration toward a body politic something like a Beloved Community,...

Continue reading "Stop Voter Suppression and Partner for Voting Rights and a Multiracial Democracy : 2021 Action of Immediate Witness"

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Defend and Advocate with Transgender, Nonbinary, and Intersex Communities  : 2021 Action of Immediate Witness

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WHEREAS, our faith has publicly called for transgender-affirming actions for over three decades and trans, nonbinary, and intersex people are a cherished part of Unitarian Universalism; WHEREAS, in 2021 over 100 anti-trans U.S. state laws have been proposed, particularly targeting trans youth and...

Continue reading "Defend and Advocate with Transgender, Nonbinary, and Intersex Communities  : 2021 Action of Immediate Witness"

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Emergence

By: Kimberlee Anne Tomczak Carlson —
Hanging underneath an outdoor surface is a new green chrysalis, a clear one that’s about ready to emerge, and a butterfly that’s already come out.

Kimberlee Anne Tomczak Carlson

Emergence, becoming, is inherent in each of us.

Continue reading "Emergence"

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Undoing Systemic White Supremacy: A Call to Prophetic Action: 2021 Statement of Conscience

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Seeking universal justice and equity, we call upon the Unitarian Universalist Association and Unitarian Universalist individuals and congregations/groups to actively engage in undoing systemic white supremacy in all of its manifestations. Systemic white supremacy refers to the embedded,...

Continue reading "Undoing Systemic White Supremacy: A Call to Prophetic Action: 2021 Statement of Conscience"

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Opportunities for Connection ~ July 2021

By: Central East Region of the UUA —
Helpful Board Habits, 3 part webinar series, Aug 17, Sep 21, Oct 19, 2021, 6:30-8:00 pm. Image of a raft in the rapids with crew working together

Central East Region of the UUA

Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Board Training Opportunities, Summer SGM, UUA Board Open House, Chalice Lighters, Congregation-Based Spiritual Direction, Future Change Work and more.

Continue reading "Opportunities for Connection ~ July 2021"

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Covenant and Conflict… At the same time?

By: Erica Baron —
colorful knots

Erica Baron

As we have engaged UUs around New England in reflecting on living in covenant, we on regional staff have noticed an assumption so foundational that it is often revealed in storytelling but rarely said directly. That is: We can be either in covenant or in conflict, but not both at the same time....

Continue reading "Covenant and Conflict… At the same time?"

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Coalescing around Whiteness

By: Takiyah Nur Amin —
A white nationalist, wearing body armor with a white nationalist symbol, stands in front of a line of religious leaders, some wearing Side with Love garb, at the Charlottesville Unite the Right Rally (August 12, 2017).

Takiyah Nur Amin

Do we who are UUs really believe in the values of our faith enough to enact to them in bold, clear, and unequivocal ways?

Continue reading "Coalescing around Whiteness"

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From the UUA President: Take a break and find some joy!

By: Susan Frederick-Gray —
four small humans splashing and jumping in water

Susan Frederick-Gray

Last summer, many volunteer and religious professional leaders were so consumed by the challenges of transitioning to virtual operations that they never took time off. We urge you to do so this summer because rest is critical for the quality and sustainability of our work.

Continue reading "From the UUA President: Take a break and find some joy!"

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From the UUA President: There Is So Much Going On at General Assembly This Year

By: Susan Frederick-Gray —
Three volunteers gather behind a laptop computer at a side table in General Session (the GA Tech Deck).

Susan Frederick-Gray

Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray shares some of the many highlights of General Assembly this year and invites you to join us online June 23-27 for worship, workshops and much more.

Continue reading "From the UUA President: There Is So Much Going On at General Assembly This Year"

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Preparing to Let Go

By: Rayla D. Mattson —
Cropped shot of a woman relaxing in a chair with a book and a cup of tea

Rayla D. Mattson

I feel sad to lose a spiritual practice that I can now recognize, honor, and appreciate.

Continue reading "Preparing to Let Go"

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Honoring The Fallen on Memorial Day

By: Central East Region of the UUA —
image of hands claspsed behind the back of a soldier in camoflague with Prayer by Rev. Charles F Flagg, Unitarian Universalist Minister. Memorial Day. In honor of those we have known and loved in the past, In recognition of the gifts and sacrifices they have made on our behalf, and in our sincere hopes that we may be worthy of their memory, We light our candles, We give our thanks, and we offer our prayers. Amen

Central East Region of the UUA

On this Memorial Day we want to take time to recognize those who have given their lives for our country throughout its history.

Continue reading "Honoring The Fallen on Memorial Day"

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Opportunities for Connection ~ June 2021

By: Central East Region of the UUA —
Virtual Summer Camps, CERSI, and UU Mid-Atlantic Community

Central East Region of the UUA

Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Summer Camps, Youth Group, General Assembly, UUA Board Webinars, Youth Programming. and more.

Continue reading "Opportunities for Connection ~ June 2021"

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The Gift of Remembrance

By: George A Tyger —
A U.S. Army Honor Guard in dress uniform lower a coffin into the ground.

George A Tyger

Memorial Day is not to be celebrated. It is to be observed, scrutinized, and witnessed on behalf of the true witnesses of our human failure to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Continue reading "The Gift of Remembrance"

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A Conversation on Covenant: An Article II Study Commission Panel

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Square Article II Study Commission: A Conversation on Covenant
Members if the Article II Study Commission facilitated a conversation on the subject of covenant between Rev. Meredith Garmon, Rev. Bill Sinkford, former UUA President and current UUA President Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick Gray.

Continue reading "A Conversation on Covenant: An Article II Study Commission Panel"

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Virtual Worship Resources

By: Central East Region of the UUA —
Laptop with rainbow wave graphic flowing through the screen

Central East Region of the UUA

It has been a very long church year especially with juggling all the uncertainty of the pandemic and trying to create worship while learning new technologies. And yet, we know our folks have done well with that task. Bravo!

Continue reading "Virtual Worship Resources"

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Exhaling in Community

By: Christine Slocum —
Several people wearing masks stand, in church, holding out their hands as if in prayer.

Christine Slocum

Committing to right relationship means being willing to revise our practices when we learn that previously accepted habits might be harmful.

Continue reading "Exhaling in Community"

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Sharing Youth Programming in Smaller Congregations

By: UUA Congregational Life Staff Group —
Youth at GA 2019 lighting a chalice.

UUA Congregational Life Staff Group

Join UUA Youth Program staff Shannon Harper and Eric Bliss to talk about ways to enhance your youth programming by joining with other congregations.

Continue reading "Sharing Youth Programming in Smaller Congregations"

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Why Go to General Assembly?

By: Beth Casebolt —
UUA General Assembly 2021 Avatar with dates

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).

Continue reading "Why Go to General Assembly?"

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From the UUA President: Savoring Simplicity

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two children stand together in a field holding a book
In this promising yet challenging time, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray encourages congregations to start with simple changes so we can learn together.

Continue reading "From the UUA President: Savoring Simplicity"

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Guidance for Singing Together as COVID-19 Subsides

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A solo singer, physically distanced from others in a well-ventilated space
Are there any safe ways for congregations to sing together now? Yes, according to experts. But you need to do it carefully.

Continue reading "Guidance for Singing Together as COVID-19 Subsides"

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Be Not Afraid

By: Karen G. Johnston —
Travelers on an airport escalator, taken from the top looking down.

Karen G. Johnston

It’s through our shared interdependence that we are sheltered and saved.

Continue reading "Be Not Afraid"

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Resilient Is a Verb

By: Evin Carvill Ziemer —
Close-up of child's face wearing mask

Evin Carvill Ziemer

I keep hearing the word “resilient” and keep wondering what people mean by it. From a trauma-informed lens, resilience doesn’t mean we aren’t impacted. People who go through trauma are changed. Just as all of us have been impacted over the last year.

Continue reading "Resilient Is a Verb"

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Prepare for General Assembly 2021 by Joining the Board's Two New Webinars

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The UUA Board will host two types of webinars leading up to GA - one on GA, in general, and another on the GA Rules of Procedure.

Continue reading "Prepare for General Assembly 2021 by Joining the Board's Two New Webinars"

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Fingerprints on the Wall

By: Katie Romano Griffin —
In a kitchen, a mother with an iPod and headphones dances and sings while her teenage daughter also dances.

Katie Romano Griffin

Spirit of Life, remind me to release that which no longer serves me so that I may be present to joy.

Continue reading "Fingerprints on the Wall"

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Benefits of Being a Commissioned Lay Minister

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A CLL performs a wedding.
I entered the Commissioned Lay Ministry program in 2014 when I became an empty-nester. I needed something to do with my time once my daughters and infant granddaughter moved out on their own.

Continue reading "Benefits of Being a Commissioned Lay Minister"

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An Update on General Assembly 2021

By: Susan Frederick-Gray, LaTonya Richardson —
a Black parent sits in front of a laptop with his two children

Susan Frederick-Gray

,

LaTonya Richardson

We'll circle 'round for all-virtual General Assembly this year starting on June 23rd. Register today!

Continue reading "An Update on General Assembly 2021"

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Shapers of Change

By: Martha Durkee-Neuman —
Against a black background, a white egg rests on its side. A second egg, standing on its end, has had its top removed and green sprout grows out of the egg.

Martha Durkee-Neuman

I am no longer a victim of change: I am shaping the world that is to come.

Continue reading "Shapers of Change"

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General Assembly 2021 Contested Election: Information About Candidates for Board Position #8

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Candidates for UUA Board Position #8, Jay Kiskel and Sam Trumbore
Rev. Sam Trumbore and Jay Kiskel are running for Position #8 on the UUA Board of Trustees. Learn more about these candidates before placing your vote.

Continue reading "General Assembly 2021 Contested Election: Information About Candidates for Board Position #8"

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Choosing Ourselves

By: Hilary Allen —
yellow background with text that reads "Exhaustion will not create liberation." by the Nap Ministry

Hilary Allen

Friends, if you are not already feeling so, please know this: you are going to get tired. Fatigue is real, especially when we are doing the work of dismantling white supremacy. If we don’t take the rest we need, the temptation to act out of white supremacy culture is that much stronger.

Continue reading "Choosing Ourselves"

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Thinking of Summer? Virtual Camps

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Virtual Summer Camps, CERSI, and UU Mid-Atlantic Community
While some smaller camps are returning to in-person, our two largest gatherings in the region are remaining virtual this year. With the uncertainty of the vaccine distribution and no vaccinations yet for those under 16, this was felt to be the wisest decision.

Continue reading "Thinking of Summer? Virtual Camps"

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From the UUA: We Speak George Floyd's Name

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Memorial for George Floyd near the Cup Foods building
The UUA acknowledges the unprecedented guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin and recommits to working in solidarity with Black leaders and organizers for accountability and justice.

Continue reading "From the UUA: We Speak George Floyd's Name"

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This Mutual Struggle

By: Tuli Patel —
A scattering of hardware--nuts, bolts, screws, and washers--on a surface, and some of them clustering around a large circular magnet.

Tuli Patel

May we be with one another in solidarity and struggle.

Continue reading "This Mutual Struggle"

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An Irresistible Future

By: Meck Groot —
A black woman with afro and large green earrings in front of a colorful wall.

Meck Groot

The following is based on content presented as part of the “Staying the Course” workshop at the New Day Rising Conference in February 2021. The full workshop is available to conference registrants through Whova and to new participants who enroll in the UULI course. To stay the course in our...

Continue reading "An Irresistible Future"

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From The UUA President: Planning for Multi-Platform Operations

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Two pairs of hands hold a map and a compass, as if to get bearings mid-journey.
In 2020, the UUA recommended that congregations plan for a year of virtual operations. Moving into 2021, the UUA recommends that congregations plan for multi-platform operations.

Continue reading "From The UUA President: Planning for Multi-Platform Operations"

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The Invisible Thread

By: Nathan Ryan —
A black-and-white photo, taken from above, of the photographer's legs outstreched over water, and his young son nestled on top of his legs.

Nathan Ryan

Sometimes love is simply letting someone else like what they like.

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UUA Socially Responsible Investing News: Aligning Our Investments With Social Justice

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The UUA actively seeks to pursue justice through its investing actions. This includes voting its proxies, filing shareholder resolutions, engaging directly with corporations, and making investments with positive social impacts....

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Plant Check!

By: Shannon Harper —
Plants

Shannon Harper

Last fall I wrote a blog post about bringing my plants inside and setting them up to survive the dark, cold, dry months of winter. I debated whether it was worth the effort to buy lamps and humidifiers or if I should “let the leaves fall” as it were. Here's what I learned.

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Close Encounters

By: Hilary Allen —
a black person facing away from camera holding a sign which reads, "It is a privilege to educate yourself about racism rather than experiencing it!"

Hilary Allen

We have to assume that if we are engaged in dismantling white supremacy, then we will have to encounter it along the way.

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A Candle (Unscented) of Concern

By: Erika A. Hewitt —
In a grocery store, a person wearing a mask looks off-camera while two other masked shoppers shop behind them

Erika A. Hewitt

May I have the wisdom to be curious when I find myself grumbling about “them.”

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Consider the Bees

By: Meck Groot —
a bee on a white and yellow flower

Meck Groot

The following is based on content presented as part of the “Staying the Course” workshop at the New Day Rising Conference in February 2021. The full workshop is available to conference registrants through Whova and to new participants who enroll in the UULI course.

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Continuing the Story

By: Rachel Lonberg —
Outdoors, and seen from behind, a person with short gray hair wears a colorful hat with tulle and pink flowers.

Rachel Lonberg

A triumph of love over death is the core of the Easter message.

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UUA Condemns Attacks on Democracy, Recommits to Protecting Voting Rights

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Demonstrators stand in front of Capitol, one person holds a megaphone
The UUA offers support and solidarity to the powerful organizing happening in Georgia, especially from faith communities and Black-led organizations. We encourage UU across the country to organize to defeat voter suppression in their own states.

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Opportunities for Connection ~ April 2021

By: Central East Region of the UUA —
UUA Congregational Collaboration Board Screen shot

Central East Region of the UUA

Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - UUA Jobs Board, Disaster Relief Fund, UUA Board Open Houses, Faithify Changes and more, Virtual General Assembly and more!

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Why Professional Development for Staff?

By: Patricia Infante, Beth Casebolt —
Professional Logos-UUAMP, UUMA, LREDA, AUUA, AUUMM

Patricia Infante

,

Beth Casebolt

Change is afoot in our congregations! Ready or not, we are all learning new skills and adapting old ways to meet emerging needs, especially your professional staff.

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From The UUA President: Navigating an In-Between Time

By: Susan Frederick-Gray —
UU clergy person wearing mask and stole, holding a small bell

Susan Frederick-Gray

Although there is good news on the horizon about the pandemic subsiding, Unitarian Universalist communities are not yet able to gather in person. At the UUA, we are your partners, to help navigate the coming many months.

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VUUMAC 2021: Circles Within Circles, Communities Within Community

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Paula Cole Jones
We welcome you to join us this year for what marks our 2nd virtual conference (VUUMAC) and 40th UUMAC!

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Sharing Staff in Smaller Congregations

By: UUA Congregational Life Staff Group —
Jan Gartner

UUA Congregational Life Staff Group

Join Jan Gartner, the UUA’s Compensation and Staffing Practices Manager for the Office of Church Staff Finance, as she talks about the advantages of sharing staff and the new UUA platforms for finding and offering shared staff.

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Time for Thinking Like an Ancestor

By: Joe Sullivan —
planting

Joe Sullivan

Wisely, many faith leaders, writers, and activists have offered a more reflective third dimension between the tensions of before-times nostalgia and new world futures. They invite us to seek and reflect on insights and lessons wrought from a year of altered time.

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The UUA Decries Anti-Asian Violence

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Two children and one adult who appear to be of Asian descent are pictured, one child stands in foreground and the other kisses the adult in the background
The Unitarian Universalist Association joins leaders across the country in decrying the recent surge of hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans.

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Pausing for Wisdom

By: Shari Woodbury —
A sharp, gleaming fish hook lies on the edge of a boat, with a body of water visible in the background.

Shari Woodbury

Spirit of Life and Love, help me to notice when I am hooked.

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Membership Orientation During COVID-19

By: Alice King —
UU Church of Loudoun, VA

Alice King

During these pandemic times, our congregation’s Membership Committee was looking for a way to receive and welcome new members. I know—it seems impossible that being online would lead to new members but our attendance has increased significantly and several were interested.

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From the UUA President: We Continue to Nurture the Bonds of Care and Love

By: Susan Frederick-Gray —
person playing guitar and singing into microphone

Susan Frederick-Gray

As we mark the one year anniversary of congregations and the UUA shifting to virtual operations, may we remember not just the sorrows, but also the ways we have shown up for each other, for our communities and for our values.

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Witnessing Impermanence

By: Jessica Clay —
At the edge of the woods, with bare trees, the back of someone's head as they hold binoculars up to their face.

Jessica Clay

Maybe hope is fleeting. It leaves and returns again; there’s beauty in its impermanence.

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Rethinking Terrariums

By: Renee Ruchotzke —
photo of round glass terrarium

Renee Ruchotzke

When I was a child, I was fascinated by terrariums. There can be something alluring about creating miniature worlds. It’s a chance to observe a world under glass.

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Reparative Imagination

By: Anthony Cruz —
A Black health care provider, in face mask and shield, squats to talk with a man in a wheelchair, who also wears a facemask.

Anthony Cruz

During my chaplaincy, I found that many people could not imagine being fundamentally whole.

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In-Person, Online or Both? Which Direction Will We Go?

By: Evin Carvill Ziemer —
A minister speaks during online worship on a home laptop.

Evin Carvill Ziemer

Many congregations have been hoping to do a form of “hybrid” or "dual-platform" worship as a way of getting back together in person once we near the end of the pandemic. We are called to be inclusive-and each congregation will

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Opportunities for Connection ~ March 2021

By: Central East Region of the UUA —
Winter City Scene

Central East Region of the UUA

Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Disaster Relief Fund, Pastoral Care for Youth, Dual Platform Future Conversations, Breaking Covenant Workshop, Discernment Circles, Virtual General Assembly and more!

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Beauty from Brokenness

By: Paula Gribble —
On a bed of rocks, an empty pink snail shell has a small hole. Purple flowers rest nearby.

Paula Gribble

My broken is what makes me who I am today.

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Sharing Worship for Small Congregations

By: UUA Congregational Life Staff Group —
Sharing Worship for Small Congregations

UUA Congregational Life Staff Group

Come hear three real life examples of smaller congregations from around the country sharing worship with neighbors and collaborators. This is a recording of a webinar.

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Purpose, Not Perfection

By: Erica Baron —
imperfect fern

Erica Baron

Friends, move toward your purpose. Remember what is most essential. Let the rest go. We are here if you need help. 

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From the UUA President: We Are Held In Covenant

By: Susan Frederick-Gray —
multiple pairs of hands rest on the trunk of a tree

Susan Frederick-Gray

Rev. Frederick-Gray shares gratitude and appreciation for the generosity of congregations, which powers the UUA's mission to equip congregations, train and support leaders, and advance UU values in the world.

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