Monthly Archives: August 2011

Notes from Rev. Kenn – August 13, 2011

“May you live in interesting times,” is a well-know curse – poignantly asserting that when times go interesting they are also trying.

The last few weeks, fights over national finances have roiled our confidence in both our economy and our political process. I ask: What role might a Unitarian Universalist community serve in these far too interesting times?

First, to be aware that our people are not exempt from the national anxiety. We might create learning and sharing circles where we might coach each other in handling our finances, being attuned to members who may suddenly be in need, or to ask how our faith might address the social justice implications. It is important that we help each other not feel helpless or victimized and to discover anew our power in our powerlessness.

[As an aside, leaders may also be alert for how this increased anxiety spills into other arenas of congregational life. This is a time for compassionate listening and tending to our relational covenants.]

We are also in the seasonal moment of schools re-opening and seekers of all ages trying on new faith communities. In our busy-ness on Sunday mornings, it is easy to forget the need for every member to offer genuine hospitality. The Minister and/or Board Host should greet people at the front door as people arrive for worship. Your Greeters ought to have a name tag for both members and guests. Be sure to introduce new guests to other members.

Remember this important lesson: New arrivals want to be noticed but not singled out! Welcome, welcome by name, introduce people to individuals (no mass greetings which are just embarrassing to the tentative and shy). If you say you’re friendly, be so. If you are welcoming, welcome. If love is a core teaching, love your guests.

Anxious times are when we most notice the need for a beloved community. Somehow amid our own anxiety, we need to find the grace to minister. It’s easier if we all practice the humble art of hospitality. Exercise our faith, hold one another gently and speak truth to power.

May your ministry make a difference. Rev. Kenn

Trustee Tidbits

Joan Lund, August, 2011
jlund@uua.org or 813-931-9727

It was good to see many of you in June at GA. Hope you experienced a rewarding, challenging, and fun time in Charlotte. There is a Trustee-written GA June, 2011 report sent to the District office earlier this week, my reflections of important happenings at GA; and of course much information may be found at UUA.org, linking to GA 2011. I made a pledge to myself, and now to you that I plan to devote Trustee Tidbits columns from now until next March or April to our Justice GA 2012 to be held in Phoenix next year. I think it will be one of our most important gatherings in our over fifty year history. Please make plans to attend.

What I know about GA 2012: Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, minister of the UU congregation of Phoenix, has accepted a key leadership role in the Arizona immigration effort. Rev. Harlan Limpert, Vice-President for Ministries and Congregational Support, and Susan, with input from Rev. Ken Brown and others, are in the process of finalizing specific roles, responsibilities of those involved. Rev. Frederick-Gray is widely respected as a minister, and outstanding spokesperson on justice issues and partner with Arizona congregations and other Arizona immigration groups and their leaders, with whom the UUA is already working, and will continue to do so in the coming months.

Many relationships have been formed, maintained, and expanded in recent years between UUA Staff, lay and professional leaders in Arizona congregations, and individuals and organizations in Arizona committed to immigration reform and human rights issues. These relationships are critically important to any work that occurs during the coming year, during GA2012, and in the months and years following Justice GA. Our UUA has committed $150,000 towards an Arizona immigration for fiscal year 7/1/11 to 6/30/12. There was a collection at the GA in Charlotte specifically for this fund and the GA Planning Committee has contributed to it. There is commitment to ensuring that the 2012 Justice GA impacts the justice work of our UUA for many years to come.

We know numerous other states are contemplating, or have passed, laws as oppressive as those passed in Arizona that have impacted the work and ministry we do together. Training and education throughout the year will be provided; hopefully this will have a big impact on justice work in congregations. The best place to find information valuable to your congregation will be at our UUA website. Bottom line: The very fact that GA will take place in Phoenix in 2012 is positive. It creates opportunity for making a difference in ways seldom seen.

Archives

UUA Florida District

Promote Your Page Too

Tags