We are in a season and year of change, with shifting temperatures and unstable climate patterns, diverse and beautiful cultural traditions and special days of celebration. We are also in a time of change in Unitarian Universalism. Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, serving in the final year of her term as UUA President, calls this a liminal time—a time in between what was and what will be, a time of both uncertainty and reimagination. And she reminds us that we can lean into love and support in our own communities to get through this challenging time. Here at the UUA, we’re preparing new programs, events and resources to share with you in the coming weeks and months. Learn more about them in the collection of updates below.
With you on the journey,
Rachel
Rachel Walden supports UUA Communications as senior manager for digital & marketing strategy. When she's not brainstorming content with her colleagues, you'll likely find her outside.
The upcoming Fall/Winter edition of UU World magazine is dedicated to the critically important topic of climate justice. Print copies will be arriving in mailboxes soon, but you can access the entire issue—including Lóre Stevens’ wonderful sermon, “Eating As A Spiritual Practice”—online now.
There are so many ways to support and protect our democratic institutions during the days leading up to the November 8 midterm elections. UU the Vote will hold in-person events in key states, virtual phone banking and text banking events for folks to join from wherever you are, poll chaplain training events, and more in the coming weeks. Join us!
WorshipWeb, the UUA’s resource library for spiritual practice, theological connection and inspiration, will release a new set of videos for congregations on the theme of embracing possibility in times of change. Available in late November, the collection will include a homily from UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray and several other video components to give congregations flexibility to incorporate them into their own worship culture.
Lay leadership has a long and proud history in Unitarian Universalism. Recent shifts in professional staffing, however, has resulted in more congregations finding themselves in need of strong lay leadership. This can introduce additional anxiety during an already complex transitional time in our faith. UUA Congregational Life staff will hold a convening this December to help lay-led congregations connect with each other and connect with new streams of resources from the UUA.
For many Unitarian Universalists, religious education helps them make better choices and explore essential life questions that include: How can we help the Earth to heal? What does it mean to be sexually healthy? How can we help to create a more just world? For some, religious education has also been a critical, transformative, life-saving experience. Do you or someone you know have a story to share about how UU religious education saved your life? UU World magazine is collecting these stories and would love to learn about yours.
ICYMI on UUA Twitter: So many people outside of Unitarian Universalism share our values and our positions on critical issues, like finding ways to support community safety without relying on police. A recent tweet on policing we shared to promote Defund Fear, this year’s UU Common Read, engaged our followers and generated interest from a broad segment of the Twittersphere, including those who are not UU.
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