In our Unitarian Universalist tradition, there is no authority greater than the congregation. It is not the Minister’s role (nor the UUA’s) to determine a particular congregation’s priorities or future direction, to approve its budget, or even to select a new Senior Minister. That work belongs to the people of the Society. And this bright, cold January is the right time to begin.
The service will be live-streamed from the Sanctuary at 10 a.m. The link will be shared on our website, uusociety.org. If you miss the livestream, a recording of the service will be available on our YouTube channel.
All are welcome to Zoom Coffee Hour at 11 a.m. at this link: bit.ly/3j4RxJ9.
Join the 8th Principle Conversation
Geoff Duke and Zoe Hart, Radical Welcoming Team
One of the goals for FUUSB’s developmental ministry is to “Actively and meaningfully welcome, support, and empower congregants who are black or other persons of color, LGBTQ+, have disabilities, and other congregants with marginalized identities.”
The new FUUSB Radical Welcoming Team believes that the proposed 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism represents a tangible, well-defined, and active first step to help our congregation move toward our developmental goal and radical welcoming.
We hope that FUUSB will adopt the 8th Principle this year. But just what would that mean for our Society? The Radical Welcoming Team is hosting virtual informational discussions about the 8th Principle to explore this topic.
Three discussions will occur after the Sunday services, at 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 23, Feb. 6, and Feb. 20. We also are offering three evening sessions on Thursdays at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27, Feb. 10, and Feb 24.
No registration is required. Please mark your calendar and join us to learn more about the 8th Principle, voice your support and concerns, and get your questions answered.
As our Society approaches the start of a search for a new settled minster, we need to begin to think about who we are and how we want to present ourselves to ministerial candidates. This conversation will begin to lead us into that more extensive examination. Much has changed over the past two years. Have we also changed? What do we want to carry forward from this time into the future? Who are we now?
Please join the Board of Trustees, Rev. Tricia and other members and friends of FUUSB for a Community Conversation. Whether you are a longtime member or newcomer, we value what you have to say. After an introduction to the topic, the group will be divided into small breakout rooms with a board-appointed monitor so that everyone who wants to speak will be heard. We will come together at the end to bring forward some of the thoughts and major themes. Don't miss this opportunity to be present with one another and let the board and others know where you stand.
For audio only, call (646) 558-8656 (meeting ID: 891 6698 6259, passcode: 585611). If outside the northeast, find your number here.
Family Faith Development Council - Drop In!
Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant
Sunday, January 23, 6-7 p.m.
Parents, teachers, and other members with interest in programming for children and youth meet with Faith Development staff to provide vision and form community! Your input is welcome as we continue to navigate programming in challenging times. "Membership" in this council is casual and all are welcome to drop into meetings. Click on the link to join by Zoom: Council Meeting
Sharing Our Covid Journeys… So Far
Sarah Russell, Pastoral Care Associates Team
An opportunity for deeper spiritual connection
During this time of shared disruption because of the Covid pandemic, the Pastoral Care Associates want to invite you to participate in a communal small group activity to reflect on how this experience has shaped each of us so far. While everyone has experienced the pandemic differently, for many it has been a major ongoing stressor in their lives. One of the antidotes is human connection.
Please join us for a 90-minute workshop to reflect and make meaningful connections on either:
Wednesday, February 9 from 12-1:30 p.m., or
Thursday, February 10 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Participation will be limited to 8 people per session, but more sessions will be scheduled if there is sufficient interest.
During the session, there will be a hands-on activity for you to map your Covid journey, share highlights with fellow participants, and hear the stories of others. We imagine that themes will emerge, and you may gain new perspectives about where we have been and where we are now.
We are considering offering more opportunities for shared spiritual reflection in the future, so your participation and ideas are important to us.
Register here for the Feb. 10 session. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants.
An "Act for Justice" Request From the Immigration Justice Team
Bernie Carver, Immigration Justice Team
The Immigration Justice Team asks that you join us in asking the Biden Administration to end the many abuses that have occurred under the jurisdiction of the New Orleans ICE Field Office. These abuses include, but are not limited to: torture, racism and food deprivation. A fuller enumeration of the abuses can be found in a 17-page letter at this link.
This action can be completed by writing to:
Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
245 Murray Ln. SW
Washington, DC 20528
A Suggested Script: Hello, I'm reaching out from [STATE] because I am deeply disturbed by the ongoing human rights abuses carried out within New Orleans ICE Field Office jurisdiction. Detained aspiring Americans have long complained of torture, racism, and food deprivation at the hands of NOLA ICE officials. I am respectfully requesting that you:
Immediately and permanently close all facilities within the New Orleans ICE Field Office jurisdiction;
End all related contracts and allow those inside to return to their communities;
Expedite a comprehensive, impartial investigation of this office and share the results publicly.
As always, feel free to use your own words to express these sentiments.
Register for Theme Circles!
Registration is presently underway for our next season of Theme Circles!
Groups will begin meeting at specific times during the third week of February through June to explore our monthly themes. Participation in a Theme Circle is a wonderful way to make new friends, connect with old friends, and foster meaningful connections in our large congregation. After receiving and studying the monthly edition of The Path, participants choose a question or two to incorporate into their daily lives and then ultimately share that experience (or other thoughts or inspirations) when the group meets. Groups will meet via Zoom until COVID regulations allow us to meet in the Meeting House, and after that, it is up to each group to determine what works for them.
If you have any questions, email [email protected] or call Rodney Lowe at (781) 460-3644.
Join a Chalice Circle!
Chalice Circles provide an opportunity for spiritual growth over time. Groups are ongoing, so participants sign up once and can stay in the group for as long as they like. Groups typically meet once or twice a month for two hours. Each group functions a little differently; the leader may choose a topic, a monthly theme might be used, there might be no topic, participants might suggest a topic, or the group may have a special interest that is pursued. Some groups rotate leadership while others have a consistent facilitator.
As members embark on a shared journey, they find meaning, hope, courage, and a sense of belonging. In practicing deep listening, members “minister” to each other. Chalice Circles with current openings include: Eckhart Tolle, Mindful Mondays, Wise Together, Drop-in Chalice Circle, Seekers, LGBTQIA+, and Exploring Paganism. For more information and meeting times, check our current Chalice Circles list.
For more information about or to sign up for Chalice Circles, please email [email protected].
The Joint Urban Ministry Project (JUMP) is a local resource for our neighbors in search of essential basic needs and assistance to gain independence to help themselves.
JUMP will be holding its second Online Auction, February 2-11. The theme will be “Showing Love for JUMP” which last February raised over $5,000 for JUMP. We hope to do the same this year.
Whether you are yearning for a tasty treat, looking for something unique for yourself or searching for a gift for a special someone, you will be sure to find something in our auction. Help support this vital service by “Showing Love for JUMP” and joining us at our online auction and bidding on any or many of the great items.