August 8, 2008

Dear Friends,

We all mourned with the Knoxville Unitarian Universalist community after the tragic shooting at Tennessee Valley UU Church on July 27th. And we are all moved by the Knoxville congregations’ determination to live out their missions even during a time of profound grief. Countless UUs have expressed a desire to honor and support our Knoxville sisters and brothers and to lift up their acts of love and courage.

The terrible crime and the inspiring responses have put Unitarian Universalism under an intense media spotlight, and we now find ourselves called to publicly define who we are and what we stand for. Now is the time to let the world know that we will continue to stand on the side of love – even, and especially, during these challenging times.
Today I’m pleased to share the news that a full-page ad will appear in this Sunday’s New York Times in the main news section.

The ad will carry to a larger audience the message I brought to Knoxville when I went there immediately following the shooting. There are three main goals for the ad:

1) To express, on behalf of our larger Association of Congregations, our collective condolences to the family and friends of those killed and injured

2) To celebrate the bravery of the congregants who risked their lives to subdue the assailant

3) To convey that the UUA’s commitment to social justice, inspired by the actions of those in Knoxville, will not be deterred by the actions of one troubled soul.

This major public witness effort is possible because of the visionary commitment of generous Unitarian Universalists. I want to thank them for their contributions to this important outreach project. For others who are moved by this opportunity for public ministry, there will be additional opportunities to contribute in the days ahead.

I would also like to thank all those individuals and congregations who have given to the Knoxville Relief Fund, a separate and vital resource dedicated exclusively to assisting with medical, pastoral and congregational needs for Knoxville Unitarian Universalists affected by the shootings. Your continued generosity during this time of urgent need is deeply appreciated.

Please look for our ad in Sunday’s New York Times. I think you will be inspired.

In Faith,

William Sinkford
President
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations

For more information on contributing to the Knoxville Relief Fund, please visit this page on the UUA’ s website: www.uua.org/giving/donatenow/117168.shtml

We are the ones we have been waiting for…
Leading in Congregations
A day-long leadership institute for all leaders - past, present, and future - in UU congregations

September 20, 2008

The Clara Barton District is pleased to present a
day-long leadership institute for District congregations.
Teams of congregational leaders are
encouraged to attend to engage in skill-building,
develop best practices, and experience the
spiritual dimension of congregation leadership.

Workshops:

• Covenantal Leadership and Right Relationships
• From "Filling the Slots" to Spiritual Leadership Development
• Faith Development for You, Me, and Everyone
• Prophetic Finances
• Knowledge Empowers: Who knows and how do they find out?
• Hospitality: Polishing your Diamond in the Rough
• Diversity in your Congregation: What does it look like?
• Stories of Change: Resistance, Breakthrough, and Transformation

Workshop leaders include UUA Congregational Services Director Rev. Tracey Robinson Harris, UUA Treasurer Tim Brennan, JUUST Change consultant Paula Cole Jones, and other skilled facilitators in our District and our Association.
Participants will have an opportunity to network with folks from similarly sized congregations. There will be time for congregational teams to work together to create a plan for integrating new learnings from this conference into their
congregations.

This conference is made possible by CBD congregations’ generous support of Association Sunday.

Fee:
1-5 participants from one congregation = $85
6-10 participants from one congregation =$165
11-15 participants from one congregation =$245

[Flyer]

October 17-18, 2008
The DCU Center
Arena & Convention Complex
Worcester, MA

Featuring the candidates for UUA President:

LAUREL HALLMAN
Senior Minister
First Unitarian Church, Dallas, TX

PETER MORALES
Senior Minister
Jefferson Unitarian Church, Golden

[Flyer]

In "Voices of a Liberal Faith," members and ministers share their thoughts on worship and fellowship, explain the goals of religious education, explore the historic roots of our religion, and celebrate the spirit of social justice that inspires our faith.

[Windows Media]   [RealVideo]   [YouTube]
[More info on the UUA site]