This Month is: Women's History Month | |
Making Channels for the Streams of Love: Gifts as Spiritual Center
by Rev. Molly Brewer
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While I was growing up, a strange thing happened. When I was very young, I naturally explored all sorts of interests, from ancient history to art to writing poetry. I’m grateful that I came up through a well-funded school district with robust extracurricular programs that enabled me to play musical instruments, sing, act, and swim. Some of these things I enjoyed more than others–most of my attempts at athleticism were short-lived–but my point is that I had chances to try, and fall in love with, a number of different activities. But as I shifted to late middle school and high school, I started noticing that the school system was quietly encouraging students to start thinking of most of these activities as hobbies, and shift focus to just a few. The ones I showed potential in. The ones where I had a real gift.
I opted to focus on art, an area where many an adult had told me I showed “gifts.” I understand now that this was intended to get kids to focus on a few showcase talents and extracurriculars that might make them more appealing to a college recruiter, or to strengthen the skills that might go toward their future major. Indeed, I did just that, and being “the one who’s good at drawing” became my whole identity. “You have such a gift,” I was told; but it was true that I “had a gift” only as long as I could keep cranking out new work with the regularity and speed of an office laser printer. It started to feel less like a gift and more like an obligation to keep making, to keep showing that I was worthy of the gift lest it abandon me. But what I didn’t know then is that gifts are not things we should have to continuously prove that we have, in order to seem more worthy by a capitalist metric. They aren’t tools to show others how useful we are, or to turn into a side hustle or grind.
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Responding to Racism through the Practices of Spiritual Leadership
Evening offering: March 22, 7:00 PM (ET)
Daytime offering: March 23, 1:00 PM (ET)
Our gatherings allow congregations to learn from each other; share concerns, stories and questions; and explore opportunities for collaboration. This month, the springboard for our exploration of the theme is the Follen Responds to Racism team's experience of engaging the practices of Spiritual Leadership in their anti-racism work.
If you have not already joined the community of practice, you can do so using this form. The community is open to all — religious professionals and laity. Once you join, you will automatically receive registration details and the pre-work assignment before each gathering.
To learn more, follow these links:
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A Second Slice of Pi: An Online Conference for Smaller Congregations
Join us for A Second Slice of Pi: A Small Conference for Smaller Congregations. This is an opportunity for networking, connecting, sharing and learning with others, all from similar sized congregations to yours.
What will be happening? As of now, an online resource library is available for any participant to access. On March 12 from 3p-5p ET/12p-2p PT there will be opportunities to talk with other congregational leaders about worship, partnerships, creative uses of space, covenanting communities and more. Learn more. We encourage you to register now and attend with at least one slice of your favorite pie!
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OWL Facilitator Trainings
In-person and online trainings are now available. Online trainings are open only to those using OWL in Unitarian Universalist and United Church of Christ settings. In-person trainings are open to the public.
Please see the training calendar for more information and registration.
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Annual Advocacy Day
Join UU Mass Action for our annual UU Advocacy Day to live out our values by taking action together on April 12, 2022
At this annual event, we come together as UUs from across the state to build power for our movements.
Participants will meet with legislators about our key areas of Immigrant Justice, Climate & Environmental Justice, Economic Justice, Indigenous Justice and Decarceration & Ending Solitary Confinement. RSVP by March 30
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April Climate Justice Seminar!
Give your congregants a chance to connect global context with local action – and build relationships within and beyond your community. The 2022 Intergenerational Spring Seminar hosted by the UUA Office at the UN in partnership with UU Ministry for Earth and UUSC will take place online April 22 – May 1, 2022. In addition to the virtual programming, it includes an opportunity for congregations to host local gatherings, allowing Seminar attendees to connect in person with others who live nearby. Addressing the theme “Displacement and Human Rights: All In for Climate Justice,” this event aims to instill in UU youth and adults a commitment to global engagement and the skills to take action locally for climate and migration justice. Be part of the excitement! Would your congregation consider hosting a local gathering? Learn more about the 2022 Seminar and the local gatherings. Registration is open through April 3!
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UU Song leaders Convergence Scholarships
The mission of AUUMM is to support music and worship arts professionals, leaders, and those they serve through advocacy, education, and inspiration. AUUMM is dedicated to furthering the ministry of music and musicians in the congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association. More Information.
Peighton Carter
Disabled queer veteran who enjoys advocacy work
about mental health, disabilities, LGBTQ, and
veteran issues. Third year M.Div. student graduating
this June. Candidate status with the MFC/UUA.
Host of Love Action Art, a podcast about social justice
issues and community topics. More Information.
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Young Adults Conference: Practicing for the World We Want
The Young Adults Conference (YAC) is an intentional community of creative and dynamic people in our first decades of adult independence, committed to learning, growing, and celebrating together. YAC plays a unique role in the Star Island community by acting as a bridge between the Star Island youth groups, the Star Island Pelican community, and the family conferences. We will gather from June 19-26, 2022 (with a 4-night option from June 22-26) on Star Island in the Isles of Shoals, off the coast of New Hampshire.
Learn More
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Article II Study Survey

As a living faith, we must regularly revisit the documents that guide us to be sure they match our values and commitments. You are invited to utilize new resources developed by the Study Commission to engage your community in this study and share back your reflections through the Article II Individual Survey (Google Form). Check out the new resources and scheduled opportunities to engage with the Article Study Commission in the latest communication from the Commissioners.
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