A Move for the Millennial Generation
As you have probably heard, the Unitarian Universalist Association is planning a big move of its HQ offices from historic Beacon Hill to the up-and-coming Fort Point neighborhood in Boston. If you ask me, I’m super excited about this move. It feels like a true recognition from the highest levels of leadership in our faith that we are embracing the future that is a reflection of the way our generation, the Millennial Generation, will be interacting with religion for years to come. First, with this move we’ll get considerable upgrades in technological capability at the UUA. Right now, all the internet access in my office has to be beamed across two city blocks to the…
Learn Now How to Make it Better Now
Make it Better Now Professional Development Opportunity for Unitarian Universalist Leaders Take advantage of a day of workshops and discussions on how to better welcome and minister to LGBTQ youth within Unitarian Universalist congregations. This professional development opportunity is available for Ministers, Seminarians, Directors of Religious Education, Youth Group Leaders and all other UU leaders interested in exploring the pastoral care needs of LGBTQ youth, reflecting on church policies, and sharing best practices. COST: $15 per person includes refreshments and lunch WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, January 26, 9AM – 3PM in Stow, MA. WORKSHOPS: (For full description of workshops and presenters click here.) Church Policies and LGBTQ Youth Creating a Culture of Safety, Acceptance, and…
Youth Ministry Extravaganza!
Youth, Religious Educators and Ministers – this is for you. Ministers, religious educators, and youth will meet in a fun, immersive event at Camp Allen (Navasota, TX), 21–24 February, 2013. There will be opportunities for fellowship, worship, spiritual depth, and fun! We will learn and practice skills to help us develop our congregations as integrated, multi-generational communities. This event will be a unique opportunity for ministers, other professional religious leaders (who are being trained specifically for youth ministry), and our youth to create meaningful youth ministry through interaction. Learn more about the Youth Ministry Extravaganza 2012 (including programming, fees and registration deadlines). This event is hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Association Southern Region with support…
Ministers, Get to Know Your Youth!
Youth ministry is all about relationships! Ministers often don’t know where to start with the youth in their congregation. But the minister sets the tone for building and maintaining a healthy multigenerational culture. Here are the three basic steps I recommend as a starting point: Learn everyone’s name. This is a powerful signal that you care about them as individuals. Hang out with your youth once in a while. You don’t have to solve problems or offer advice; spending time with them speaks for itself. Meet with your graduating seniors in a one-hour pastoral conversation, perhaps the single most cost-effective thing you can do to help stay connected to your youth…
UU Faith Development… In Action
Be Included in this Landmark Compilation Now five years in the field, the UUA’s Tapestry of Faith programs embody broad, deep, rich, and varied experiences happening across our movement. The Resource Development Office of the UUA seeks your photographs and stories of Tapestry of Faith in action, for an audiovisual presentation at the 2013 General Assembly. Documented RE, worship, or social justice work based on Tapestry of Faith resources your photos and video will help us show how UU religious education supports spiritual grounding, learning, fellowship, and faith journeys experienced by UUs of all ages and life stages. Please send files and inquiries to Susan Lawrence, Managing Editor, slawrence@uua.org….
Make It Better Now
Professional Development Opportunity for UU Leaders Participate in a day of workshops and discussion on how to better welcome and minister to LGBTQ youth within Unitarian Universalist congregations. This professional development opportunity is available for Ministers, Seminarians, Directors of Religious Education, Youth Group Leaders, and all other UU leaders interested in exploring the pastoral care needs of LGBTQ youth, reflecting on church policies, and sharing best practices. Date: Saturday, January 26, 2013 Location: First Parish Church of Stow and Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow, MA 01775 Description & Registration Information (http://www.tinyurl.com/makeitbetter2013) UUA District Page (http://www.cbd-mbd-uua.org/drupal/content/make-it-better-now) Facebook Event Page( http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/289481477823856/?fref=ts) This training is sponsored by the Clara Barton and Massachusetts Bay Districts of Unitarian Universalist Congregations…
Spotlight On: Rev. Greg @ Oberlin
We’ll be running a “Spotlight On” series, featuring the variety of Unitarian Universalist (UU) presences we have on college campuses. This will include group and individual profiles. Kicking us off is Rev. Greg McGonigle, the Director of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at Oberlin College. According to our count, there are only two Unitarian Universalists serving as Director’s of Religious Life at colleges or universities and two chaplains who are paid by their respective schools. Greg is one of the two who fits into the former category. He’s an amazing UU leader, and we hope you enjoy learning more about the great work he’s doing out in the world! I’m Rev….
Support for Youth Struggling with Addiction
The Resource Development Office of the Unitarian Universalist Association offers a new one-hour workshop consisting of an animated video and follow-up discussion guide in support of youth struggling with addiction. Find the full resource here.
Invitation for Campus Ministry Professionals
I am writing to you, our Unitarian Universalists campus ministry professionals, with a very exciting announcement. Ever since I began working at the UUA I have been seeking ways to more effectively support the professional development of our religious professionals who are dedicated to serving on college campuses. With such a small group of colleagues that are geographically widespread, we have been meeting regularly for conference calls and webinars, but these are not enough. I hear and feel that we want to be in communication with more colleagues, and to be able to be with them in person. I am honored to announce that Rev. Cody Nielson, President of the National Campus Ministry Association (NCMA)…
Justice GA Preparation Webinar Tue. 5/8
Our regularly scheduled webinar for campus ministry leaders this month will be open to all young adults and those who work with us. The webinar will be on Tuesday, May 8th at 4pm EDT, and we will be discussing and learning about Justice General Assembly, taking place this June in Phoenix, Arizona . Joining us will be: Laura Gilmore: Young Adult Caucus Co-Moderator Emrys Staton: Young Adult Caucus Justice Liason Carey McDonald: Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries They will all give us some important information about Justice GA and then there will be plenty of time for questions. You will NOT need to register for the webinar beforehand, as I know this causes problems for folks. You will have…
