Article II Study Commission Update: July 8, 2022

Commission Studying UU Principles and Sources Extends Feedback Deadline to July 18th

From UUA.org

After such wonderful feedback from the sessions at the 2022 General Assembly (GA), the Commission studying Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association Bylaws, which will rewrite our Principles and Sources, has extended its deadline for individual feedback to July 18th.

If you did not attend GA, you may view all the public videos from GA online. The Article II presentations can be found within the following General Sessions under the On-Demand Video section:

Introduction to the work, Purpose, and Freedom of Belief in General Session II (beginning with Dan McKanan’s theological framing at 20:35, followed by a presentation at 32:30).
Values and Covenant in General Session III (beginning at 24:15, followed by Dr. Elías Ortega’s theological framing at 1:29:20).
Inclusion and Inspirations in General Session IV (beginning at 33:00, followed by Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt’s theological framing at 1:20:34).

Record your thoughts, comments, questions, and ideas via the GA 2022 – Feedback for Article II Study Commission hub at padlet.com/a2sc/ga22.

You can learn more at the Article II Study Commission’s website: uua.org/a2sc
Follow the Commission on Facebook:  Article II Study Commission or Instagram: RevUU_A2

Background Information:
Our current Unitarian Universalist (UU) Principles and Sources are listed in Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Bylaws. Article II is the foundation for the work of our Unitarian Universalist (UU) movement. It encompasses the covenant to which all of our UU congregations and UU covenanted communities pledge themselves when they become members of our UUA.

Since the founding of the UUA in 1961, our Principles and Sources have been amended several times, with a full review having been conducted last in 1987. The 5th Principle was the subject of a report in 2009, which dealt with the ways in which General Assembly (GA) and other UU gatherings do and don’t embody an inclusive democratic process. At GA in 2017, there was discussion of an amended 1st Principle, addressing non-human life, and of amending the Principles to add the 8th Principle, addressing racism. The 7th Principle has also been the subject of discussions about possible amendments. In response to those discussions, in 2020 the UUA Board established an Article II Study Commission to conduct a full review and consider revisions to Article II of the UUA Bylaws.

Article II Study Commission Update: July 8, 2022UCE UCE2022-07-08T14:05:53+00:00

Your Input Needed: January 28, 2022

Article II Study Commission Requests YOUR Input by April 30, 2022

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has commissioned a study of Article II of the UUA Bylaws. Article II is comprised of our Principles and Purposes and is the foundation for the work of our Unitarian Universalist (UU) movement. It encompasses the covenant to which all of our UU congregations and UU covenanted communities pledge themselves when they become members of our UUA.

The Article II Study Commission welcomes input from individual Unitarian Universalists to inform the reimagining of Article II of the UUA Bylaws. The Commission has identified four areas of inquiry: Shared Values, Inspirations, Purpose, and Covenant. Click the "Article II Individual Survey" button below to answer questions in each of these areas. Toward the end of the survey, there are questions to collect demographic information. Lastly, you will have an opportunity to share any other input you'd like as well as ask any follow-up questions you have for the Commission.

We encourage you to click on the "Article II Materials" button below to engage with some of the many events, workshops, small groups, classes, and materials offered by the Commission before you take the survey to allow yourself time and space to think deeply about the questions before completing the survey. This survey will remain open until April 30, 2022.

Our current Principles and Purposes as listed in Article II of the UUA Bylaws were last revised in 1987. At General Assembly (GA) 2017, there was discussion of amending the Principles to add the 8th Principle, addressing racism, and an amended 1st Principle, addressing non-human life. The 5th Principle was the subject of a report in 2009, which dealt with the ways in which GA and other UU gatherings do and don't embody an inclusive democratic process. The 7th Principle has also been the subject of discussions about possible amendments. In response to those discussions, in 2020 the UUA Board established an Article II Study Commission to conduct a review and consider revisions to Article II of the UUA Bylaws.

Article II Materials

Article II Individual Survey

Your Input Needed: January 28, 2022UCE UCE2022-01-25T22:45:05+00:00

Article II Study Commission Interested in Your Thoughts: February 4, 2022

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has commissioned a study of Article II of the UUA Bylaws. Article II is comprised of our Principles and Purposes and is the foundation for the work of our Unitarian Universalist (UU) movement. It encompasses the covenant to which all of our UU congregations and UU covenanted communities pledge themselves when they become members of our UUA.

The Article II Study Commission is hosting monthly public conversations with a panel of speakers. Those in attendance are provided a survey link to provide the Study Commission with their thoughts.

Thursday, February 24, 2022, 7:00 pm: A Conversation on Inspiration

What are our founts of inspiration? Where have we drawn them from, how have they developed in our history as a faith, and which ones speak to us now? Complete this Zoom Registration in advance to attend the panel on inspirations.

Thursday, March 24, 2022, 7:00pm: A Conversation on Purpose

What is our mission as Unitarian Universalists? What are called to do in the world? How do we, as individuals and as an organization, answer that call? Complete this Zoom Registration in advance to attend the panel on purpose.

Friday, April 15, 2022, 7:00pm: A Conversation on Values

What shared values do we have as a faith? What common dreams need to be reflected in a new Article II? Complete this Zoom Registration in advance to attend the panel on values.

Background Information:

Our current Principles and Purposes as listed in Article II of the UUA Bylaws were last revised in 1987. At General Assembly (GA) 2017, there was discussion of amending the Principles to add the 8th Principle, addressing racism, and an amended 1st Principle, addressing non-human life. The 5th Principle was the subject of a report in 2009, which dealt with the ways in which GA and other UU gatherings do and don’t embody an inclusive democratic process. The 7th Principle has also been the subject of discussions about possible amendments. In response to those discussions, in 2020 the UUA Board established an Article II Study Commission to conduct a review and consider revisions to Article II of the UUA Bylaws.

Article II Study Commission Interested in Your Thoughts: February 4, 2022UCE UCE2022-02-03T01:56:44+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 19, 2021

What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Beloved Community! You can access the Soulful Home packet here at your own leisure. This week we focus on the segments On the Porch and In the Neighborhood. Check out this week’s video here.

Many Ways to Connect

Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. Look for the email that went out with the link.

High School Youth – Virtually on Sunday at 4 pm. Look for an email with details.

Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – February’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.

The Ecology Center Outing – Sunday, February 28 at 2-3:30 pm – we have two spots open for two more young people! The forecast looks good – mid-30s! Signup here.

Forum Discussion

UCE Forum Discussion – Sunday, February 21st at 10 am

Why an 8th Principle?

Leaders: Martha Holman and Team 8th

Come to Forum to learn a bit of the history of this proposed 8th principle, parse what it means, and consider how it might transform our lives here at UCE. The 8^th principle is:

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

Join the Discussion

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs

Process Buddhism: Zen Style (Part of the “Visions of God” series.)

Sponsored by UCE and the Cobb Institute for Community and Practice – Tuesdays, February 23 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Dr. Jay McDaniel, Cobb Institute

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Meeting

Towards an Understanding of BELOVED by Toni Morrison – Tuesday, March 2 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle.

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Meeting

Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry – March 9 at 7 pm via Zoom – As a part of our denomination’s work and effort to examine white fragility and supremacy, this book was chosen as the Common Read. Congregations all over the country are reading and discussing this book to help understand these complex systems and relationships that support racism and oppression. Facilitated by Kathy Underwood.

Learn More and Register

Join the Zoom Meeting

VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 19, 2021UCE UCE2021-02-19T20:27:15+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: March 26, 2021

What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Commitment! This week we focus on the segments At The Bedside, The Extra Mile, and Blessing. Check out this week’s video here. You can access the Soulful Home packet here at your own leisure.

Many Ways to Connect

Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. See the email with Zoom info.

Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – March’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.

High School Youth – Outdoor gathering this weekend. Look for an email with details.

Looking Ahead

Easter Sunday – April 4 – once again this year we will be participating in a virtual egg hunt with over 70 UU congregations around the country and Canada! Details in next week’s newsletter and on Facebook!

Popcorn Theology Online for 6th-8th Grade Youth – Sunday, April 11 at 1 pm.

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs

Neo-Paganism History, Theology, and Ritual – Tuesdays, March 30 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Rev. Susan Frances and Taryn Seawright. In this three-part series, Taryn and Rev. Susan will explore the history, theology, and ritual of Neo-Paganism.

Learn More and Register

Join the Session!

More Classes this Spring

Join us for Forum on April 4 at 10 am to discuss the Imagining the 8th Principle!

Come join us to hear about how the 8th Principle is being discussed within our congregation and to get an update on its adoption by other congregations and the UUA process for adoption. Bring your ideas to add to the list of suggestions about how the adoption this new principle could shape UCE.

Join the Zoom Discussion

VirtUUal Faith Formation: March 26, 2021UCE UCE2021-03-25T23:18:12+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 9, 2021

What’s Happening in Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Becoming! This week we focus on the segments In the Neighborhood and At Play. Check out this week’s video here. You can access the Soulful Home packet here at your own leisure.

Many Ways to Connect

8th and 12th Grade Bridging – We will meet on the lawn at UCE at 4 pm on April 25 to record your bridging ceremony – our UU recognition of your next stage of life. All young adults and high school youth are welcome to participate! If you haven’t received an email about this yet, please email Kathy Underwood.

RE Sunday – May 2 – Featuring YOU! We’re taking submissions from families, kids, and youth to contribute to this special worship service. Here are some ways to do so:

Send pictures of your family or kids doing an activity from the Soul Kits or Soulful Home packet.
Make a short (1-2 minutes) video of your family about any of the following:
How you have felt and stayed connected to UCE this past year
How you have lived out your UU values as a family or individually
Playing a musical interlude or singing your favorite UU song
Showing artwork or reading a poem that relates to our UU Principles and values – including the proposed 8th Principle
Your family lighting a chalice at home

You can put your picture or video in this Google folder by April 18. Feel free to email Kathy with any questions!

Popcorn Theology Online for 6th-8th Grade Youth – Sunday, April 11 at 1 pm.

Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. See the email with Zoom info.

Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – April’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.

High School Youth – Outdoor meet-up. Look for an email with details.

Current and Upcoming Adult Religious Education

Facing Climate Change – Tuesdays, April 13 at 7 pm – Dan Solomon will present on how Religious Naturalism can provide a framework for facing Climate Change.

Learn More & Register

Join the Session!

UCE Forum Discussion – Sunday, April 18 at 10 am – Please join Shirley Adams and Michael Drennan for an Earth Day discussion that calls us to act: “Personal Steps Toward a Better Environment” How you can contribute as an individual, a family, a congregation, a community.

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 9, 2021UCE UCE2021-04-09T20:13:45+00:00

From the BOT: August 7, 2020

The Board of Trustees at the Unitarian Church of Evanston has been having conversations and has been listening closely to conversations in our communities about race, anti-racism, and white supremacy. In response, the Board has created this statement:

We hear the clarion call to address issues of oppression both within our walls and within the larger community. We hear this call from our Evanston Interfaith leaders who say, “We call on our congregants, especially those who have white skin privilege, to engage in the struggle to dismantle white supremacy as it collectively exists.”1 We hear this call from our national organization, the UUA, who through the Commission on Institutional Change, states, “Our internal work as people of faith is to become more inclusive, equitable, and diverse while our external work is to be accountable to those most affected by injustice.”2 Black Lives of UU calls on all Unitarian Universalists “to advocate for the formal adoption of an 8th principle, articulating a commitment to the dismantling of white supremacy, within the stated principles of our faith.”3 Perhaps, most importantly, we hear this call in our congregation, on our doorsteps, and in our streets. We, as Dr. King said, feel “the fierce urgency of Now. […] Now is the time to make justice a reality.”4 It is time to answer this call and continue this work.

Consequently, the Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Church of Evanston has commissioned the Anti-Oppression Task Force. The purpose of this task force is to determine the ways in which this congregation might answer this call, making justice a reality both in our congregation and beyond. Paying special attention to including diverse voices from within our congregation, we will be inviting representatives from the Board of Trustees, the REAL team, the Lifespan Learning Council, the Young Adult Group, the High School Youth Age Group, the Social Justice Council, Membership Engagement Council, Ministers and key staff, the Search Committee, Nominating and Recruiting, Endowment Trustees, as well as inviting interested members at large.

As part of this work, the Interim Team in conjunction with the Task Force will pose a series of Powerful Questions to the congregation beginning in August and resuming in November after the Search Committee survey and cottage meetings have occurred. Task Force and Interim Team members will listen carefully to how the congregation answers these questions, document the answers, and attempt to sort the information into ways these answers influence us and move us forward as a congregation. This work will be ongoing and multi-faceted. Although it will begin as interim work, it will continue beyond the interim and carry forth into every aspect of our congregational life. We are excited and pleased to begin this journey. Further details for ways to be involved will appear in the newsletter in the weeks ahead.

1. https://ucevanston.org/evanston-interfaith-juneteenth-letter/
2. https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/cic/widening
3. https://medium.com/outfront/black-lives-of-uu-organizing-collective-urges-adoption-of-8th-principle-in-unitarian-universalism-377480e615ef
4. https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm

From the BOT: August 7, 2020UCE UCE2020-08-06T19:22:24+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 16, 2021

What’s Happening in Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Becoming! This week we focus on the segments From the Mailbox and On the Porch. Check out this week’s video here. You can access the Soulful Home packet here at your own leisure.

Many Ways to Connect

8th and 12th Grade Bridging – We will meet on the lawn at UCE at 4 pm on April 25 to record your bridging ceremony – our UU recognition of your next stage of life. All young adults and high school youth are welcome to participate! If you haven’t received an email about this yet, please email Kathy Underwood.

RE Sunday – May 2 – Featuring YOU! We’re taking submissions from families, kids, and youth to contribute to this special worship service. Here are some ways to do so:

Send pictures of your family or kids doing an activity from the Soul Kits or Soulful Home packet.
Make a short (1-2 minutes) video of your family about any of the following:
How you have felt and stayed connected to UCE this past year
How you have lived out your UU values as a family or individually
Playing a musical interlude or singing your favorite UU song
Showing artwork or reading a poem that relates to our UU Principles and values – including the proposed 8th Principle
Your family lighting a chalice at home

You can put your picture or video in this Google folder by April 18. Feel free to email Kathy with any questions!

Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. See the email with Zoom info.

Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – April’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.

High School Youth – No gathering this week, so look for an email next week.

Forum Discussion – This Sunday, April 18 at 10 am

Please join Shirley Adams and Michael Drennan for an Earth Day discussion that calls us to act: “Personal Steps Toward a Better Environment” How you can contribute as an individual, a family, a congregation, a community.

Join the Zoom Discussion

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation

Sealed by Katie Langston: Reading Group and Q&A with Author – Tuesdays, April 27 at 8 pm and June 1 at 7 pm – Katie Langston’s memoir, Sealed, tells the story of her conversion to mainline Christianity out of Mormonism. A conversation with Ruth Orme-Johnson for those interested in joining this “reading group” will be held on April 27th at 8pm. Attendance is not required to also attend the Q&A.

Learn More & Register

Join the Reading Group

Deepening UU Identity – April 28 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom – Second of four sessions. The Six Sources: understanding UU pluralism – how the broad sources from which we draw inspiration and wisdom make our living tradition unique. Led by Rev. Susan Frances.

Learn More & Register

Join the Zoom Class

Intersectionality in Speculative Fiction: N. K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season – Tuesdays, May 4, 11, 18 at 7-8:30 pm - Facilitated by UCE member Emily Eckwahl-Sanna. Imagine a world where apocalypses are commonplace. Where frequent seismic activity—whether volcanoes, earthquakes, or other environmental disasters—result in extended winters and the widespread loss of human life.

Learn More & Register

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 16, 2021UCE UCE2021-04-16T04:18:09+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 23, 2021

What’s Happening in Faith Formation?

Welcome as we continue our theme of Becoming! This week we focus on the segments At the Bedside, The Extra Mile, and Blessing. Check out this week’s video here. You can access the Soulful Home packet here at your own leisure.

Many Ways to Connect

8th and 12th Grade Bridging – We will meet on the lawn at UCE Sunday at 4 pm to record the bridging ceremony.

RE Sunday – May 2 – Featuring YOU! We’re taking submissions from families, kids, and youth to contribute to this special worship service. Here are some ways to do so:

Send pictures of your family or kids doing an activity from the Soul Kits or Soulful Home packet.
Make a short (1-2 minutes) video of your family about any of the following:
How you have felt and stayed connected to UCE this past year
How you have lived out your UU values as a family or individually
Playing a musical interlude or singing your favorite UU song
Showing artwork or reading a poem that relates to our UU Principles and values – including the proposed 8th Principle
Your family lighting a chalice at home

You can put your picture or video in this Google folder by April 18. Feel free to email Kathy with any questions!

Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. See the email with Zoom info.

Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – April’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.

High School Youth – Bridging at UCE on Sunday at 4 pm.

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation

Sealed by Katie Langston: Reading Group and Q&A with Author – Tuesdays, April 27 at 8 pm and June 1 at 7 pm – Katie Langston’s memoir, Sealed, tells the story of her conversion to mainline Christianity out of Mormonism. A conversation with Ruth Orme-Johnson for those interested in joining this “reading group” will be held on April 27th at 8pm. Attendance is not required to also attend the Q&A.

Learn More & Register

Join the Reading Group

Deepening UU Identity – April 28 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom – Second of four sessions. The Six Sources: understanding UU pluralism – how the broad sources from which we draw inspiration and wisdom make our living tradition unique. Led by Rev. Susan Frances.

Learn More & Register

Join the Zoom Class

Intersectionality in Speculative Fiction: N. K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season – Tuesdays, May 4, 11, 18 at 7-8:30 pm - Facilitated by UCE member Emily Eckwahl-Sanna. Imagine a world where apocalypses are commonplace. Where frequent seismic activity—whether volcanoes, earthquakes, or other environmental disasters—result in extended winters and the widespread loss of human life.

Learn More & Register

VirtUUal Faith Formation: April 23, 2021UCE UCE2021-04-22T21:02:31+00:00

From Rev. Susan Frances & the Committee on Shared Ministry: January 28, 2022

Dear Friends,

Some of you have already been collaborating with the Committee on Shared Ministry. For others, you may not even know that we have a Committee on Shared Ministry or know they exist, but not know their mission and purpose. In the spirit of shared ministry, we (Carla Williams, the chair of this Committee, and Rev. Susan Frances) have prepared this deeply meaningful (a/k/a highly contrived, yet immensely informative) note for you. 

Carla: Are you ready for examples?

Susan: Maybe a definition first.

Carla: Okay. Shared Ministry refers to shared endeavor. Living the mission of this church is a shared endeavor, a shared ministry. That means, each of us, whether ordained minister, staff, or lay leader, newcomer or long-term member, has a part to play and important contributions to make. 

It means creating a welcoming environment that supports participation in our ministry, ensuring there’s a clear way of offering feedback and communicating with ministers and each other, and clarifying expectations for how we participate in the endeavor to support our mission. Are you ready for examples now?    

Susan: Yes, I’m ready.

Carla: Examples of shared ministry are when members help plan and assist with worship and provide pastoral care for the congregation or work with the religious education program as teachers or serve as social justice advocates within the church and the larger community. 

What each of us does for UCE “is” the ministry we each share with one another; be it serving on the Board or a committee, singing in the choir, being a worship associate, devoting time to an aspect of Lifespan Faith Formation, participating on social justice teams, composting or caring for the natural habitats around us — the list goes on. In the midst of all our efforts it is important to remember that shared ministry has a sacred quality to it that strengthens the congregation, strengthens us, while also serving our mission.

Susan: Shared ministry is such a wonderful community model. What is the purpose of the Committee on Shared Ministry?

Carla: Well, glad you asked. The Committee on Shared Ministry (COSM) was formed to grow greater transparency, accountability and communication into our shared ministry. This means conveying to the congregation that each person has something to contribute to the shared ministry of the congregation, which is our mission: nurturing the human spirit for a world made whole. How ever you participate in that mission is shared ministry.

For example, do you remember just last spring when Rev. Eileen, Rev. Karen Gustafson, and Jessica Meis worked on creating an annual review process for all the groups and teams?

Susan: Yes, I do. In fact, Rev. Eileen, Jessica, and I just finished updating the online annual review form based on feedback from last year. We’re about to send it out to leaders to complete by April 20th for this year’s congregational annual meeting.

Carla: Well, the COSM is now involved in the annual review process and is available to work with teams to help them complete their annual review process and form.

Susan: That’s a lot of teams for the COSM to work with each spring. Do you meet with teams at other times?

Carla: Yes. Some teams complete their annual review process and realize they need to reflect more on one aspect or another from that review and we can assist with that. For example, members of the COSM met with the Green Team in early December and facilitated a conversation about communication practices and the structure of their working groups. It is great to work with our various teams. There’s a lot to be learned about all that we are doing! 

Susan: Knock. Knock.

Carla: Who’s there?

Susan: Orange.

Carla: Orange who?

Susan: Orange you glad you said yes to joining the Committee on Shared Ministry!

Carla: That’s a terrible joke. But, in fact, I am glad to have joined the COSM. I have found the more I learn about shared ministry, the more I see the deep benefits to our community in living out our principles, especially our 8th Principle to accountably “build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community”. COSM members continue to seek ways of creating synergy with the various groups, teams, and councils. 

One key aspect of Unitarian Universalism is our belief that ministry of the congregation does not belong exclusively to ordained clergy, but to everyone. In Our Professional Ministry: Structure, Support and Renewal, the UUA Commission’s 1992 study, Neil Shadle stated, “Ministry is the vocation of every person of faith, [and] Unitarian Universalism, as a democratic faith, affirms the ‘priesthood of all believers’; we are all lay ministers, whether or not we choose to be professional religious leaders.” This belief in the “priesthood of all believers” is central to who we are as a religious movement.

Despite the challenges of the past two years we have accomplished much. We have a newly settled Senior Minister with the skills, talents and passion we require, professional staff committed to our success, a congregation of members generous in their time, talents, and treasure, and a collective commitment to revisit what’s important and evolve and change in ways necessary to achieve our mission.

Volunteers are teaming with staff to reimagine religious education as Faith Formation Hour. Councils, committees, and teams are looking inward at their work and outward to their relationship with the whole to confirm alignment with the mission and seek synergy when possible. The New Member Team is looking across groups to find common opportunities to radically welcome and engage potential and new members in the work. Guidance by our professional staff supports intentionality and top of mind thinking about the things we say are important, like the 8th Principle. Everywhere you look there are groups of people engaging in conversation, looking for opportunities, doing things to make a difference. The work is all around us. The work is us, together, in shared ministry.

Susan: This is a such a great way to explain that shared ministry involves all of us and is all of us. 

Carla: Let’s turn this conversation into an action of shared ministry! If you are reading this and are part of a group, team, council, committee, or working group, you are invited to reach out to me about how the Committee on Shared Ministry might make a presentation to elaborate on what we’ve shared here or assist you with this year’s annual review process! 

Susan: Another way to engage is to look for examples of where you see shared ministry in action and acknowledge that good work. Then, share those stories with me, Rev. Eileen, Carla or someone else on the COSM, Susan Carlton, Ben Kornfeld, Ann McCallister, Jim Strickler, or Jenny Walsh. We’re looking forward to continuing this shared ministry journey with you!

Yours in building a diverse multicultural Beloved Community,

Rev. Susan & Carla

From Rev. Susan Frances & the Committee on Shared Ministry: January 28, 2022UCE UCE2022-01-28T18:24:51+00:00

What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?

Many Ways to Connect

Forum Discussion

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs

What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?

Many Ways to Connect

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs

What’s Happening in Faith Formation?

Many Ways to Connect

Current and Upcoming Adult Religious Education

What’s Happening in Faith Formation?

Many Ways to Connect

Forum Discussion – This Sunday, April 18 at 10 am

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation

What’s Happening in Faith Formation?

Many Ways to Connect

Current & Upcoming Adult Faith Formation

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