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September2017Crossroads

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Retreatblurbfornewsletter.pdf

BullRunUnitarianUniversalistsC

ROSSROADS

Volume35

Edition9

September2017

ShallWeGatherAtTheRiver?

Wellthatwasfast!Atleastitwasforme!Itseemslikesummerwasjuststartingandnowschoolsarestartingbackagain,andweareplanningforouringatheringatthechurch.Perhapsyouwentawayoverthesummer.Perhapsyou’vebeenhereallalong.

Therewasatime,particularlyinUnitarianchurchesaroundBoston,whenchurcheswouldclosedownforthesummer.Itwasassumedthateveryonewouldbegoingoffto“summer”somewhereelse,sotherewouldbenoreasontokeepthechurchopen.Afterall,theUnitarianswerebyandlargetheso-calledBostonBrahmins.

NotsoforUniversalists.TheoriginalUniversalistsinNewEnglandwereoverwhelminglyfarmers,andtherewasnogoingoffforthesummerforthem.

(Continuedonpage2)


IntheInterim,continuedfrompage1

Thesedays,UnitarianUniversalistsunderstandthatit’simportanttokeepthechurchopenallyearlong.Manypeoplestayrightwheretheyare,andweallneedspiritualsustenanceandcommunitywhereverweare.

Whetheryou’vebeenawayforawhile,orwhetheryou’vebeenhereallalong,itdoesfeellikethingsarestartingnewagaininSeptember.Soletusgather!Letusdosowithintention(thisistheBoard’swatchwordforthecomingyear).

Wehaveplansforsomanythings.Workshopsarecoming.TherewillbetrainingforPastoralCare,forWorship,andforconflictresolution,amongotherthings.We’llbefinishinguptheCovenantworkthatwebeganinthespring.There’llbeabigVOICEactioninOctober.There’salotgoingon!Socomeonin.Let’sgatherourselvestogether.Let’sbeclearaboutourmission.Let’sbeclearaboutwhoweareandhowwearetogether.Letusbeasafecommunityforseekingandservice.Areyouready?

Inshalom,

Rev.Madelyn

LiturgicalCalendarSeptember2017

1EidalAdhabegins(Islam)

20RoshHaShanahbegins(sundown)(Jewish)

21Navaratri(Hindu)

22FallEquinox/Mabon(Wicca/Euro-Pagan)

25GaneshChaturthi(Hindu)

29YomKippurbegins(sundown)(Jewish)


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NOTES FROM ANNEASE

September means it’s time for choirs to resume. UuPBeats meets on first and third Tuesday afternoons and is the perfect group for all you “shower singers.” We sing just for fun, with no pressure of performing in front of others. Children’s choir is for ages 8-13; youth choir is for ages 13-18, and both meet on Sundays after RE. Adult choir meets on Wednesday nights. Contact me ([email protected]) for more information on these wonderful opportunities for adding music to your life.

First evensong service is September 29.

Approximately200singersgatheredonthestepsontheLincolnMemorialtosingsocialjusticesongsfromvariousfaithtraditionsonJuly30.ThirteenBRUUersjoinedinspiritandsong!


From the DRE…. Lastmonth,ItoldyouallaboutourtriptoStarIsland.ProfessionalDevelopmentforme,familytimeforthethreeofus.Ididn’ttellyouaboutonethingthatoccurredontheway.

Forbackground,thefirstyearwewenttoStar,wedrovestraightthroughthenightbefore.Warrenton,VAtoPortsmouth,NH.Turnedout(surprise)17hoursonewaywasnotexactlyfun.So,thelastfewyearswe’vebrokenupthetripbyplottingadventuresalongtheway,accompaniedbyhotelstosleepin.

Thisyear,thewayupincludedtheBaseballHallofFameandtheJosephL.PoppButterflyConservatory,stayinginOneonta,NY,alittlemorethanhalfwaytoPortsmouth.Forthedrive,Iwasespeciallyexcitedthatmycar,purchasedsinceourlasttrip,hasSiriusradio.Nomorescanningforlocalchannels,nomoredirtylookswhenthesameCDyou’vebeenlisteningtoformonthsslidesintotheplayer.NomorecomplaintsofabusefrommychildrenwhenwehitPennsylvania,thatseemstoonlyplay80’sbighairbandsthatIknoweverywordto.ItwastrulyajoyousfirstlegofthetriparrivingatourhotelinOneonta.

Thenthishappened.Thunderstorms.Notsobadinandofitself,untilyouheadoutthenextmorningtodiscoverthemoonroofwascrackedopenallnightlongandnowyourprizedSiriusscreenisblinkingandtryinghardtocomeon,buteventuallyjustdies.Ourfirstreactionwastobereallybummed,andmanyencouragingwordswerespoken,“Comeon,girl,youcandoit!We’llbepatientforyoutodryout.Takeyourtime!We’llwaitforyoutoturnbackon.”Andsoweheadedoutforthenextsevenhourlegofthetrip,hopefulforSirius’returntolife.

Thenthishappened.Afterabit,alotofsentencesbegan“Rememberthetimewhen…..?”Therewasalotof“Hey!Seethatbarn/tree/rockformation?”or“Whattheheckisthat?”Wereadeveryhighwaysign,markingoffattractionswemightwanttovisitinthefuture,andspentalotoftimefiguringouthowtopronouncethetowntheyarein.WestuckourarmsoutthewindowstoletalloursensesexperiencegoingupsohighoverthemountainsofupperNY/lowerNHthatthefogaboveusbecamebelowus,andthenaboveusagain.

Then,thetriphomehappened.Twosevenhourdrivinglegsagainmiraculouslyseemedshorterthaneverbefore.PayingattentiontothesightsandsoundsinthemomentprovedmuchmoreentertainingandvaluablethanthecovetedchannelsIhadjustaweekbeforebeencountingon.We(laughedcrazilyafterawhile)aswediscoveredthatnomatterwhereyouareinNewYorkState,thereisanexitthatwilltakeyoutoNewYorkCity.

I’lleventuallyreplacemySiriusradio.Butforrightnow,Ihaven’t.There’sahouseonmydailyroutefromWarrentontoManassasthathastakendownthevolleyballnet,andanotherwhosegardenissuddenlyfullofredblooms…..

FALLREisunderway!PleasecheckthewebsiteandkeepyoureyesonweeklyRoundups!

BlessedBe,

KristinWorthington,DirectorofReligiousEducation


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FamilyCalendar

September3

FirstWeekofREChildren’sChoir11:15–11:45YouthChoir11:45–12:15REOpenHouse11:15–11:45

September10

MultigenerationalIngatheringService:NOREYouthChoir11:15–11:45BRUUBBQPotluckIngatheringPicnic(Point Of Contact: Claire Smith) Right after Service at BRUU! Please sign up to bring a dish to share. Grilled hamburgers/hot dogs in the courtyard, food/fun in the Fellowship Hall!!

September17September23

Children’sChoir11:15–11:45GamesNight5-8PM,BRUUFellowshipHall(PointsofContact:LieslMain,MargoDavies,LoriConnolly)

September24

AllagesREcelebration:NavratiOWLParentOrientation–Grades4-6-11:30–1:00

September28

Children’sChoir6:30–7:30pm

Save the Date: BRUU Boo October 28th, starts at 4pm in the Fellowship Hall, Kids and adults usually dress up. Start planning

your costume early!! (POC: Lisa Stewart)


BRUUBoardofDirectors:August2017MeetingHighlights

WediscussedtheBoardBookClubreadingofthelastchapterof“Governance&Ministry:RethinkingBoardLeadership”byDanHotchkiss.TheBoardplanstochooseanewbooktoreadtogetherduringthecomingyearatitsupcomingretreat.TheProgramCouncilModeratorreportedon:

• changestoPC’smeetingformattoencouragebroaderparticipation;• theupcomingCommitteeFaironOctober8;and• arenewedefforttoupdateBRUU’sdatabaseofskillsandinterestsofourmembers.

TheMembershipCommitteeChairreportedon:

• effortstopublishtheBRUUDirectoryinthenearfuture;• futureoptionsfortheDirectorythatcouldincludebothprintedandelectronicversions;and• theneedforpolicydirectionfromtheBoardonissuessuchasmemberprivacy.

TheSearchCommitteeChairreportedon:

• effortsunderwaytosurveythecongregationonwhatitwantsfromasettledminister;and• theneedforinputfromtheBoardonsalaryandfinancialissues.

TheBoardvotedtoacceptthechangestotheBRUUPersonnelManualthatwererecommendedbythePersonnelTaskForceinitsMay2017report.

Wereviewedtheproposedgoals,assignments,anddocumentationformatsforthenewlyestablishedBoardScheduleofEvaluationTopics.

WediscussedtheagendafortheannualBoardretreatonAugust26,andagreedtoseektheservicesofaUUA-qualifiedfacilitator.

WeauthorizedRev.Madelyntohireasecurityrepresentativetobepresentatfacilityrentalevents.

ThenextBoardmeetingwillbeheldonSeptember12,2017(secondTuesday)at7pm.

Contactmeifyouhavequestionsorconcernsatpresident@bruu.orgor703-266-1949(home).

ArtMuirhead,President,BRUUBoardofDirectors


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Summer fun with RE friends at Nina’s...games, swings, sprinklers, and a Tug of Peace!

Photos courtesy of Nina Lomax


The Search Committee Needs You! The Settled Minister Search Committee (SMSC) is hard at work with the goal of inviting a candidate in April. We need to hear from members and friends now about what you want in a new minister, and help us articulate what is special about BRUU that will help us attract the ideal candidate. Please note that we want input from both members and friends, but only those individuals who have been members for at least 30 days can vote at a congregational meeting, including the meeting where we vote on whether to call a settled minister. Please look into the requirements of membership, especially the scheduling of the "UU in a Nutshell" class, if you are interested in participating in that vote.

We have three ways for you to give input to the Search Committee:

1. Sign up for a Searchlight Gathering occurring between 9/3 – 10/1. The purpose of this gathering is to discuss what you want in a new minister. Sign-up sheets are in the Fellowship Hall on the Search Committee's table--look for the Lighthouses. Many people have already signed up, so don't delay! We're asking for about an hour of your time. The Searchlight Gatherings are as follows:

Sun. 9/3 at 11:30, Flamingo Lounge

Weds. 9/6 at 9:30 a.m., Marti Giese's house

Thurs. 9/14 at 7:00 p.m., Flamingo Lounge


Tues. 9/19 at 7:00 p.m., Pat Malarkey's house

Sat. 9/30 at 1:30 p.m., Flamingo Lounge


Please sign up for only one. Attendance is limited to 20 per gathering.

2. Take the paper or on-line survey available soon. When it's ready, we will make an announcement in Roundup.

3. Talk to committee members: Martin Crim (chair), Pat Malarkey, Marti Giese, Helen Elkin, Chris Sexton, Dionne Stephenson, and Dave Feser. Look for the nifty blue ribbons on our name tags at Coffee Hour!

èè continuedonnextpage


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Search, continued….

Questions about the process?

1. Fill out a blue 3x5 card available during service and in the Fellowship Hall.

2. Reach the whole committee by email at [email protected].

Here's a capsule summary of the process. The Committee prepares an online profile of BRUU, similar to a want ad for a job, or a personals ad for a dating site. Unlike a job ad or dating profile, however, this online profile is for the purpose of calling a candidate to be our settled (permanent) minister. That is the stage we are out now, which is why it's vital that we get the input of the congregation. This fall, prospective ministers can review our profile and show that they are interested in us, and the Committee begins a dialog with them. The Committee narrows the group of prospects and, hopefully, arrives at a single candidate to invite to BRUU. If that candidate agrees to come, then some time in April the candidate has a "candidating week" at BRUU, where members and friends get to meet the candidate, hear the candidate preach, and finally vote on whether to call the candidate to be our settled minister. If the congregation votes yes, and the minister accepts our call, the new minister will start in the late summer of 2018. If we do not have a candidate to invite, or the candidate turns us down, or the congregational vote doesn't go well, then we won't have a settled minister for 2018 and the Board will decide whether to have a new interim minister.

ServicesinSeptember9.3 MindtheGap,Rev.Dr.KateWalkerAnin-betweenspaceisaliminalspace.It’softenfilledwithanxietyaswewaitforinformation,decisions,oranevent.Ifdonewell,aliminalspaceisatimeofgrowthaswetransitionandmatureintoavisionofsomethingorsomeonewehadonlydaredtodreamabout.Howdoesacommunityfocus,staybalancedandselfawareduringatimeoftransitionbetweenministers?Howdowecreatethatdreamfoundinourhearts?Rev.Dr.KateR.WalkerisministeroftheMt.VernonUnitarianChurchinFairfaxCounty,VA.SheisservingastheTransitionsCoachfortheBRUUSearchComm

9.10 Ingathering,Rev.MadelynCampbell

9.17 HymnSing,Rev.MadelynCampbell

9.24 TBD


TheWayWeSeeItIaskedMikeClearytojoinmeinaconversationthismonthaboutanefforthe’sinvolvedinthatweboththinkisfundamentaltochartingahealthyandproductivefuturefortheBRUUcommunity.MikeistheBoardrepresentativeontheworkinggroup(alongwithCherieRomanekandBevReusser)that’sdevelopingadraftcongregationalcovenantforBRUU.Here’swhatwetalkedabout:

Me–What’stheconceptbehindputtingtogetheracongregationalcovenant?

Mike–ManyUUcongregationshaveadoptedacovenantinordertolayouthowthememberspromisetotreateachother,howtheywillbehavetogether.Thiscanbeapowerfulwaytobringafaithcommunitytogether,becauseitgiveseveryoneacommonunderstandingofwhattheycanexpectfromeachother.Andwhenit'sworking,everyonecanseeit.

Me–BothofusenjoyedhavingthechancetoparticipateintheworkinggroupthatRev.MadelynorganizedinthespringfordefiningthebasiccomponentsofaBRUUcongregationalcovenant.SixteenmembersofBRUUbrainstormedarangeofviewsinordertoreachaconsensusonthetypesofcommitmentsweoughttomaketooneanothertobesupportiveandtothrive.Sowhat’sbeenhappeningsincethentomovethecovenantforward?

Mike–Ourdraftinggrouphasmetanumberoftimestotaketheinputfromtheworkshopandframeitinasingle,inspiringstatement.We’vereviewedanumberofsourcesforguidanceonhowtowriteacovenant,whatmakesiteffective.We’vehadgooddiscussionsaboutthechallengeswefaceasacongregationandhowacovenantcanhelpustoaddressthem.Thedraftinggrouphasreachedagreementonatextthatwefeelisreadyforbroaderconsideration,andwearegettingreadytoseekfeedbackfromtheBRUUcommunity.

Me–Youguysareawesome!Andwhathappensnext?

Mike–WehaveaskedRev.Madelyntoreviewthedraftcovenant,incorporateherfeedback,andthengobacktotheinitialgroupofsixteenfortheircommentsandbuy-in.Evenifit’sstillaworkinprogress,thedraftinggroupshouldbeabletomakeapresentationtotheBoardatitsSeptember12meeting.WehopetohaveatownhallmeetinginOctoberwherewecanintroduceittothecongregation,andstartadiscussion.Thisway,wecandecide–inproperUUfashion–ifthecovenantwe’vedevelopedistherightchoiceforBRUU.

* * * * *

ForthemembersofBRUU,ourmissionisourmantra–we’reasafecommunityforseekingandservice,andwewanttokeepitthatway.Inthepastfewyears,we’vebeenthroughsomehardtimesandstressasacongregation.WewishwecouldsaythatBRUUstridesaheadcontinuallyinaperfectstateofpeaceandharmony,butyouwouldprobablysay,“Whoarewetalkingaboutagain?”Theplainfactisthatintimesofstressandeveninpeacefultimes,weoftenneedtoberemindedofwhywehavecometogetherasindividualswithacommonpurpose,andwhatexpectationsshouldexistforrespectful,supportivebehaviorthatcanbindusmoreclosely.Wehopeyouwillagree,andwillembracetheconceptofacongregationalcovenant. That’sthewayweseeit,letusknowwhatyouthink.

ArtMuirhead,President,BRUUBoardofDirectors,[email protected],703-266-1949

MikeCleary,Member,BRUUBoardofDirectors,[email protected],703-627-7501


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WORKING TOGETHER IS A COMMUNITY AFFAIR

by Kathy Sobrio, Program Council Chair

Are you a BRUU Friend who knows only one side of BRUU, the one that meets on Sunday morning in the sanctuary? Then you are acquainted with a beautiful side that shows BRUU celebrating its sense of community as people who care about each other’s well-being and people who want to understand UU’s 7th principle as to where we humans fit into “the interconnected web of all existence”.

But BRUU has another side that is equally inspiring. It’s a pulsating community of social connection and purposeful activity that operates outside of Sunday morning. It lives and breathes throughout the month through our work on committees, task forces, and informal groups that form around a common thread such as age, life chapter, or lifestyle choice. Yes, BRUU is a wide community of activism, and we want you to know about it so that if you so choose, you can plug into BRUU beyond Sunday.

On October 8th, plan to stay awhile after the Sunday service. Come on downstairs, get a cup of coffee, meet a few BRUUers, and wander among the exhibit tables at our Committee Fair. You will become acquainted with BRUU’s other side: its committees, task forces, and social groups. Nina Lomax, BRUU’s volunteerism coordinator, will be on-hand to answer questions about how you can get involved in areas most meaningful to you based on your personal passions, social justice concerns, or skills and talents.

WORKING TOGETHER October 8, Sunday, 11:00 – 12:00

IS A COMMUNITY AFFAIR Fellowship Hall (downstairs) after the service


Join Cedar Lane UU Church, the Washington Ethical Society and Chesapeake Climate Action Network

Environmental Movie Night

Recommended for EVERYONE! KIDS (6+ years old), teens, millennials, adults- EVERYONE!

Friday, September 15, 2017

6:30 PM Light Supper & Movie at 7:00 PM

Cedar Lane UU Church 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814

Followed by a discussion with Producer/Director Lynne Cherry

& Young Activists

Get involved: youngvoicesfortheplanet.com

Text Chris Graham at 301-717-4204 or write to Linda Silversmith at [email protected]

Please bring a dish to share or make a small donation

Another Important Film Showing The Social Justice Committee at Accotink UU is planning to host a film showing of Democracy for Sale on Thurs Sept 21 at 7:00 pm.

OVERVIEW:

North Carolina — perhaps more than any other state in the Union — has been transformed by the new and growing tidal wave of political spending. Zach Galifianakis, the comic star of “The Hangover” movies, travels back to his home state to investigate how North Carolina has become a bellwether for how the money of a few has come to dominate our democracy. Galifianakis investigates allegations that the current state government was put in power by moneyed interests and has thus carried out a program that only benefits its backers: cuts to education, healthcare spending and environmental protection; lowering of taxes for the wealthy and corporations; and the passage of laws designed to roll back access to the ballot.


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2017InternationalDayofPrayerforPeace&PotLuckDinner

TogetherforPeace:Respect,Safety&DignityforAll

SponsoredbyUnityintheCommunity

Sunday,September24th3-6PM,@TempleNerShalom,14010SpriggsRoad,Woodbridge

TheInternationalDayofPrayerforPeaceoffersanopportunityforeveryoneinourcommunitytocometogethertoprayand“breakbread”inthespiritoflastingpeaceintheheartsofall.Theservicewillincludechoirperformancesandreadingsbymorethanadozenrepresentativesoflocalfaithcommunities.JoinwithyourneighborsforthisFAMILYFRIENDLYeventbybringingaVEGETARIANdishtoshare.AttendeesarealsoinvitedtocontributecannedordrygoodsforaunifieddonationtoACTS&SERVE.

ThefirstInternationalDayofPrayerforPeacewasproposedin2004bytheWorldCouncilofChurches&theUnitedNations.BRUUwasafoundingmemberofthelocalUnityintheCommunityorganization,whichhasannuallysponsoredthiseventinPrinceWilliamCounty.

What’sSASS,youask?

SASSisasubsetoftheBRUUcongregation,andisanopengroupforwomenofacertainage(thatwouldbe65,andover).SASSstandsforSocietyofAudaciousSilverSisters.Wegettogetherthe2ndMondayofeverymonthintheBRUULoungeat1:30pmtochataboutissuesofinteresttoouragegroup.SomeofusgatheratNoon,ontheBRUUfrontdoorsteps,towalktolunchatanagreeduponrestaurant.Almosteverymonththegroupalsoholdsa“coffee&tea”hostedbyoneofourmembers,justforpureentertainment,andeveryonebringsasnacktoshare.

Thisisafabulouswaytoconnectwithotherwomeninourcongregationandthebestpart–thereisnorequiredattendance,responsibilities,ormeetingminutes!However,oneoftheadditionalactivitiesoverthepastyearincludedhelpingtosponsoraholidaypartywithpresentsforthechildrenoffamilieswhofrequentourFoodPantry.WealsotookatraintripfromManassastoStauntonforatwonightstaythatincludedattendingtheBlackFriarTheaterandsomespecialtyshopping.Currentlyweareplanninga“act”fortheupcomingBRUUVarietyshow.Westayincontactbyagroupemail,abouttwiceamonth,toupdateeveryoneonthelocationandstatusofour“doings.”

Ifyouareeligibleandinterestedinknowingmore,pleasecontactSusanSinclair,theFoundingSisterofthisgaggleofgals,byfindingherduringCoffee&FellowshipHourafterourSundayserviceorsendinganemailtoher([email protected]).


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Pastoral Care – Expansive & Expanding!

The recent request for assistance to help with one of our BRUU families garnered a wonderful response. More than 17 members (and friends) of BRUU offered to make a meal, be a pre-school pick-up partner, babysitters, and/or Bedtime Buddies for this family. Thank you one & all, whether you got on the schedule for the past duty week, trust the Pastoral Care Team - you are now on the list as potential assistance for future caring opportunities!

Several of these volunteers and a few others, have indicated their interest in participating in the ongoing workings of the Pastoral Care group. It is an emotionally rewarding way to interact with all ages in our fellowship. Those who are open to the tasks will be exploring their attitudes and aptitudes for pastoral caring at a session with Rev. Madelyn on Oct 14th[SEE related article in this newsletter & the Oct issue]. If there are others of you who would like to explore the pastoral care aspects of our congregation, please contact Rev. Madelyn ([email protected]).

Interested in Pastoral Care? Come to the Pastoral Care Workshop on Saturday, October 14 at 1 pm. Learn the

basics. Join the team that cares for the whole congregation!


SEPTEMBER6,2017

UUWHITESUPREMACYTEACHIN&CURIOSITYCIRCLESDate&Time:FirstWednesdayofeachmonthfrom6:00pmto7:30pmTypeofevent:WebinarSponsor:CentralDate&Time:FirstWednesdayofeachmonthfrom6:00pmto7:30pmTypeofevent:EastRegionoftheUUAInMayof2017,overtwo-thirdsofUUAmembercongregationsparticipatedinthe#UUWhiteSupremacyTeachIn,organizedbythe#BlackLivesOfUU.Rev.ReneeRuchotzkewillbeofferingamonthly#UUWhiteSupremacyTeachIntohelpcontinuetheconversation.ThisisanopportunityforourCentralEastcongregationalleaderstolearntogethersoyoucanfindtheirowntheologicalcenterandvoiceinthisimportanttime.Whereveryoustandorhoweveryoufeel,wewillmeetandwalkwithyou.HeldonthefirstWednesdayofthemonthat6pmETLocation:https://zoom.us/my/vitalleaders

SEPTEMBER7,2017

BOARDBASICSWEBINARSERIES2Date&Time:Thursday,September7,2017from7:30pmto9:00pmTypeofevent:WebinarSponsor:CentralEastRegionoftheUUAAreyouservingonaCongregationalBoardandwouldliketolearnmore?ThiswebinarseriesisaprimerinwhatitmeanstoserveonaCongregationalBoard,howhealthyBoardsfunction,andwhatarewaysyourcongregationcanfunctionbetter.OurpresentersareRev.DavidPyle,UUACentralEastRegionalStaffandGovernanceProgramManagerandBethCasebolt,UUACentralEastRegionalStaffandOperationsManager.Thisseriesisathree-partseriesthatwillmeetonAugust24,September7and21,2017at7:30pm.Connectioninformationwillbeinyourconfirmationemailafteryouregister.RegisterNowhttps://uua.wufoo.com/forms/k307yrk1t0spmm/

Continuedonnextpage

DENOMINATIONALAFFAIRSANDEVENTSINOURAREA

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SEPTEMBER11,2017

MONEYMATTERSLEARNINGCOMMUNITYDate&Time:SecondMondayofeachmonthfrom7:00pmto8:30pmTypeofevent:WebinarSponsor:CentralEastRegionoftheUUABeginninginFall2017,CongregationalLifestafffromtheCentralEastRegionwillhostamonthlygatheringofleadersandvolunteersengagedinkeepingourcongregationsfinanciallyhealthyandsustainable.Allarewelcomebutthetargetedaudienceincludesfinancecommitteemembers,stewardshipteams,treasurers,administratorsandboardmembers–anyonechargedwithcollecting,spending,stewarding,orsolicitingfundsonbehalfofthecongregation.PatriciaInfantewillconveneandfacilitatethemonthlysessionswhichwillincludetimeforintroductions,ashortpresentationanddiscussiononarelevanttopic,andaroadmaptoresourcesforfurtherlearning.We’llendwithampletimeforyoutobringyoursuccessstoriesandquestionstothegroup.Plannedtopicsincludeplanningforapledgecampaign,year-roundstewardship,changestotheAnnualProgramFund,financialsoftware,staffcompensation,howtouseFaithifyandothers.Wehaveinvitedguestpresenterswhoareamongthebestequippedinourdenominationtoprovidethemostcurrentandusefulinformationavailable.Congregationsofallsizesandmeansarewelcome–weallhavemuchtolearnfromoneanother.Thetopicforthefirstmeetingis“FallCalendarfortheAnnualPledgeCampaign.”Wewillgooversomeofthetasksyoushouldbeworkingonnowtoensureawell-plannedandeffectivepledgedrivein2018.MonthlytopicswillbepostedinadvanceontheCERFacebookpageandinourregularnewsletter.Pre-registrationisnotnecessaryandthereisnochargeforparticipating.Meetingswillberecordedandarchivedforviewinglater.Wewillmeetonlineusingthezoomplatform.JoinfromPC,Mac,Linux,iOSorAndroid:https://zoom.us/j/6097929042OriPhoneone-tap(USToll):+14086380968,,6097929042#or+16465588656,,6097929042#OrTelephone:Dial:+14086380968(USToll)or+16465588656(USToll)MeetingID:6097929042

SEPTEMBER21,2017

BOARDBASICSWEBINARSERIES3Date&Time:Thursday,September21,2017from7:30pmto9:00pmTypeofevent:WebinarSponsor:CentralEastRegionoftheUUAAreyouservingonaCongregationalBoardandwouldliketolearnmore?ThiswebinarseriesisaprimerinwhatitmeanstoserveonaCongregationalBoard,howhealthyBoardsfunction,andwhatarewaysyourcongregationcanfunctionbetter.OurpresentersareRev.DavidPyle,UUACentralEastRegionalStaffandGovernanceProgramManagerandBethCasebolt,UUACentralEastRegionalStaffandOperationsManager.Thisseriesisathree-partseriesthatwillmeetonAugust24,September7and21,2017at7:30pm.Connectioninformationwillbeinyourconfirmationemailafteryouregister.RegisterNowhttps://uua.wufoo.com/forms/k307yrk1t0spmm/


The following timely resource comes to us from the Beacon Press, one of the two UU publishing houses - this one directly under the umbrella of the UUA.

THE EVENTS IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA ARE A FRIGHTENING AND DISHEARTENING REMINDER OF HOW HATE AND INTOLERANCE IN THE US

RESURFACE WHEN BIGOTS FEEL EMPOWERED TO ACT ON THEIR PREJUDICE. CORNEL WEST DESCRIBED THE RALLY THAT TOOK PLACE ON

AUGUST 12 AS “THE BIGGEST GATHERING OF A HATE-DRIVEN RIGHT WING IN THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY IN THE LAST THIRTY TO THIRTY-FIVE YEARS.”

WATCHING THE VIOLENCE UNFOLD LEFT US FEELING SORROWFUL AND HORRIFIED.

We at Beacon Press believe in promoting anti-racism, religious pluralism, and respect for diversity in all areas of life.

We work to lift up the voices that speak to urgent social issues. In today’s politically fraught climate, we find ourselves face-to-face with these issues, which is why Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II has rightfully declared that, “now is the time for a Third Reconstruction. We who believe in freedom insist that we are going forward together, not one step back.”

The level of hate seen at the rallies in Charlottesville has a history and a context that need to be understood. As president of the Unitarian Universalist Association Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray said at the peaceful counter-protests in Charlottesville, “White supremacy is not new in this country, but its renewed boldness is.” To that end, discussions about it need to continue in order for us to work toward inclusiveness and social justice. That’s why we’ve put together a list of resources for your perusal.

This list includes resources from the Anti-Defamation League, Teaching Tolerance, Political Research Associates, Facing History, and our own authors and staff; it’s by no means exhaustive. We’ll keep adding to it to empower a reimagining of justice and the societal transformation necessary to dismantle white supremacy and structural violence.

We hope you find these helpful in our uncertain times.

Resources

To help understand what happened:

What Is the “Alt-Right”? TEACHING TOLERANCE

Trumpvangelicals Are Using Faith to Bring Us to the Brink of Nuclear War REV. DR. WILLIAM J. BARBER II AND REV. DR. LIZ THEOHARIS, ThinkProgress

Alt Right: A Primer about the New White Supremacy ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE

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The “Free-Speech” Hypocrisy of Right-Wing Media KEEANGA-YAMAHTTA TAYLOR, The New York Times

CTRL-Alt-Delete: The Origins and Ideology of the Alternative Right POLITICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES

Contemporary Antisemitism and Youth FACING HISTORY

Charlottesville: Race and Terror VICE NEWS TONIGHT ON HBO

There Is No Post-Racial America TA-NEHISI COATES, The Atlantic

These Are Donald Trump’s Racist Troops BRIAN BEUTLER, The New Republic

To help understand the historical and societal scope of hate in America:

The Reconstruction Era and the Fragility of Democracy FACING HISTORY

Holocaust and Human Behavior FACING HISTORY

Why It Matters When a Town Rallies Against Hate LINDA K. WERTHEIMER, The Boston Globe

The History White People Need to Learn MARY-ALICE DANIEL, Salon

#CharlottesvilleCurriculum, #CharlottesvilleSyllabus, UC Press Edition UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS BLOG

Teachers Share Resources for Addressing Charlottesville Hate Rally in the Classroom EDUCATION WEEK BLOG

To propose solutions and individual actions:

Ten Ways to Fight Hate: A Community Response Guide SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER

The Alt-Right Curriculum LINDA K. WERTHEIMER, The Atlantic

A Working-Class Strategy for Defeating White Supremacy GABRIEL KRISTAL, In These Times

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