UUMA News The Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers’ Association

November 2005—February 2006

From the President Inside this Issue:

he ten members of your UUMA Executive Ministry Days/PLCC 2 T Committee (the Exec) are eager to let you know From the Editor 3 what we’ve been up to, and to learn of any concerns, From Good Offices 3 questions, or opinions you may have. And so we have a website, the UUMA chat, an email list for sending out And We Remember . . . 4 important news, and a quarterly newsletter. We offer each Administrator Column 7 Chapter a visit from an Exec member who will give a Sermon Awards 8 report and respond to questions and concerns. At this New UUMA Focus Group 8 year’s GA we will return to having Ministry Days (after several years of Professional Days in conjunction with The Power of Effects 9 LREDA), featuring – in addition to the CENTER presentation and worship, 50 year Address 10 including remarks by the 25- and 50-year ministers – more chances for interaction: CENTER-Fold 12 CENTER workshops; collegial conversations: a conversation with Bill Sinkford; and our annual meeting, which we expect to make more interesting starting this year. News from the Dept. of 14 Ministry & Professional Leadership And the minutes of Exec meetings are posted on our website. This only happens, though, after they have been approved at the next meeting about three months later. 25 year Address 16 To keep you more up to date, Executive Notes are now posted on the UUMA News from the UUA 17 Members’ website. There you’ll find a personal account (by me) of some of the matters that were most on the Exec’s mind at our January meeting – like responding Continuing Education 18 to the UUA’s recommendations to search committees regarding reference checks. at Starr King For instance, to further enhance our connections with the Chapters, we decided every St. Louis and G.A. 19 Exec member would be liaison to several chapter presidents, and every Chapter president and one other chapter leader will be invited to a Leadership Assembly and Personals 20 dinner on the Monday before GA this year. A lighter look... 22

The Exec’s next meeting will be in April in New Orleans, as we planned a year ago. New and Upgraded 23 Members I hope the year is going well for you, your ministry, and your UUMA Chapter. Ken

Having trouble finding what you need on uuma.org

UUMA Main Page (Blue) Members Only Section (Green) · Executive and Chapter Leadership · Password protected page containing Contact Information membership directory. · Order UUMA Publications Online · Alias and Online List-Serves · Ministry Days Registration · Newest Version of UUMA News · Guidelines and UUMA News Archives · UUMA Executive Committee Notes · Links to Conferences and Resources · Member Services · Information about Sermon Awards · Request a Membership Card · CENTER Pages · Chapter Leadership Service · Online Membership Renewal · Good Officers Page

- 1 -

Winter 2006 UUMA News

2006 Ministry Days - WANTED - June 19-21, 2006 Renaissance Grand Audio-Video Go-To Person St. Louis, Missouri for Ministry Days

Register Do you … Online Have a passion for all things techie? Today A flare with the camera? Go the extra mile to get it on tape? Know where the plug to the Microphone goes?

Mark Your Calendar: Your association needs you !!

March 1 Registration Opens It takes a lot of time and some specialized knowledge. May 19 Early Registration Closes It has been a lot of work but also a lot of fun! May 19 Grant Application Deadline - Craig Roshaven, AV 2000-05 June 12 RSVP for Student Breakfast June 9* Pre-Registration Closes Contact Randy Becker at [email protected] ——— or the UUMA Office if you can help with AV in St. Louis June 19 Onsite Registration June 20 CENTER Day June 21 25/50, Berry St, Annual Meetings * All Pre-Registrations must be postmarked June 9, 2006 P.L.C.C. A Brief History The Professional Leadership Coordinating Council (PLCC), started out as an initiative of the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group (MPL). During GA 2003 in Boston, leaders of the UUMA, UUMN, LREDA, AUUA and MPL staff met at a breakfast meeting to discuss strategies for working together. Similar breakfast meetings were held at GAs in Long Beach and Fort Worth, with an all-day, mid-winter meeting in-between in Boston. (Another all-day meet- ing is planned for this winter.) At Ft. Worth in 2005 representatives from SCM (Society for Community Ministries) were added to the committee. The meetings are a way for professional church leadership to consider how we might bet- ter work together. Our representatives on the committee have been Ken Sawyer, Mary Katherine Morn and our UUMA administrator Janette Lallier. The UUMA has been a supporter of this initiative, especially after we made attendance to our pre-GA events exclusive to UUMA members, spouses and aspirants. At last winter's meeting the PLCC created a committee to develop programming for GA 2006 called the PLCC imple- mentation committee, made up of two members each from the UUMA, LREDA, AUUA, UUMN and SCM. It is devel- oping two workshops for GA 2006 and a reception for participants from all the organizations. Judy Tomlinson and I serve as the UUMA representatives. (Look to upcoming UUMA Publications for more information on these events.) Hopes It is the hope of the UUMA that these conversations and workshops will help all religious leaders in their work to- gether. Thoughtful awareness of communication strategies, funding, credentialing, mentoring, planning, and use of dis- trict services are just the beginning of improvements we can all achieve by working together. The UUMA also hopes that by bringing concerns about religious leadership to conscious awareness, we can creatively consider the similarities and differences of employment in church organizations. - Wayne Walder, CENTER, UUMA Exec

- 2 -

UUMA News Winter 2006

From the Editor . . . This is the last printed issue of the UUMA newsletter I will edit. My three year term on the UUMA Exec comes to an end in June. There will be one more web-only issue posted on my watch (deadline May 1, posted in early June), but since I'm of the print generation (only half converted to e-communication) I'll take my leave here.

It's been a pleasure, a privilege and a challenge to serve my colleagues in the capacity of Publications portfolio holder. I was recruited for what I was told were my editorial and writing skills, and promptly presented with a job description that included web site management, Professional Days AV and electronic registration, and responsibility for sev- eral email chat lines, and "aliases." Fortunately my Exec colleagues hired an administrator who was web savvy, and my prede- cessor in this position generously offered to stay on as the point person on the AV end, and became a tech guru for all of us wh o had to make decisions about matters e-laborate.

Without the skills and general good humor of Janette Lallier and Craig Roshaven I would have had to beat the bushes for any number of recruits among you to get this job done. It has been a pleasure to work with them both (in many cases to simply watch them work and breathe a sigh of relief). A similar tip of the hat to Linda Hart and Andy Backus who have moderated the UUMA chat, largest and oldest of several electronic conversations among our members, and to Christine Robinson who created and helps shepherd the "covenant" chat. I have received numerous inquiries and a small handful of complaints about these means of com- munication, and have always felt completely comfortable saying: "these are the folks in charge; I trust their judgment."

Outside of the specifics of this portfolio, the role of Exec member has been an eye opener. The volume of issues on which we are asked as a board to reflect, opine and decide is staggering. In many cases taking a stand that represents the best interests of our membership, involves both research and soul searching, and sometimes making a decision based as much on your respect for and trust in your colleagues' judgment, as in any firm view of your own.

It's been an honor, and a hoot.

- Roger Brewin Publications and Online Communication Email: [email protected] Phone: (773) 881-4028

as might be helpful” before requesting the member “to file a formal report” of grievance (see Article X, By-Laws; also From Good Offices Guidelines, section III. D.) We are hopeful that things don’t get to the point of formal grievance. The Advisory Committee is Susan Manker-Seale charged with examining our current procedures and suggesting a better path toward nurturing “the highest ethical and profes- Greetings! I have three things to tell you sional conduct among UU ministers,” to quote the purpose of (which is to get you to keep reading). One, we the draft Panel. are creating an Advisory Committee on Ethics and Collegiality to review the issues confront- The second thing I have to tell you is that our By-Laws state ing us in our collegial relations. This is in re- that “each chapter may nominate one or more Good Offices sponse to colleagues wanting more options before resorting to persons from within its ranks. Such appointments shall be for filing a grievance, as well as needing to explore venues for pur- three years and shall be ratified by the Executive Commit- suing right relations. At least six years ago, some of you cre- tee.” (Article VIII, section 2) Our Guidelines say to elect at ated a proposal for a Panel on Counseling and Discipline, which least two. We are trying to review the Good Offices nominees, has been funded every year ($500), but was never voted into but frankly, we don’t necessarily know who you really are. We being – at least not to our knowledge. We are putting the Advi- have to rely on the members in each chapter to take these ap- sory Committee into next year’s budget with enough money to pointments seriously, and I know most of you do. But there actually meet once, and we also hope to get funding from other have been problems and we are hoping to hone this area so that places. The Advisory committee will be advised to look into ALL Good Officers are colleagues in whom we feel we can the panel idea as well as the over-all picture. confide and gain advice when our ministries are threatened and we are most vulnerable. We also hope the Good Offices Per- Currently, when you are in conflict, our By-laws and Guide- sons will be able to work with all of us on ways to create lines encourage you to first talk directly with the colleague in healthy ministries. question. If that doesn’t produce an appropriate response, you contact your Chapter Good Officer for consultation and options. In that light, I would like to recommend that every chapter re- When those are exhausted, you are invited to write a letter to the President of the UUMA who may then “launch procedures (Continued on page 7)

- 3 -

Winter 2006 UUMA News And We Remember...

2005. In addition, she was the Assistant Minister at the Church BOARDMAN HARRINGTON of the Larger Fellowship in Boston from 1994 to 1995. GASTA SCHUG HAMMOND SCHULMAN After earning her Master’s degree from the University of HANEY WEEKS Chicago, she taught English and humanities at colleges in Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. She was also a The Reverend Michael Boardman [1937-2005] part-time news and feature reporter with the Philadelphia Enquirer as well as several county newspapers in Pennsylvania. The Reverend Michael Boardman died December 9, 2005, surrounded by his family, of progressive supranuclear palsy and Surviving Ms. Gasta are her daughters, Rachel of New York and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Berea, KY. He was 68 Catherine of Washington, D.C.; her twin brother Jack Dedman years old. and his wife Shelby; her sister Dale Wilson and her husband Josef Wilson; her sister Jean Dedman; and a large extended Mr. Boardman was born on May 20, 1937 in Dover, New Jersey. family. Her husband Carl Gasta predeceased her in 1980. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Starr King School for Messages of remembrance may sent to the family in care of her Ministry, and an AB at University of California. In 1963 he sister: received Preliminary Fellowship, with Final Fellowship on October 18, 1966. Ordained on November 17, 1963 by the UU Ms. Jean Dedman Congregation of Whittier, he then went on to serve the 1907 Lombardi Avenue Massachusetts congregations of First Parish of Sudbury, First Nashville, TN 37215 Parish in Brookline, First Parish Church in Weston and The Eliot Church of South Natick. A memorial service was held on Thursday, October 6, 2005 at The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville, TN. The Surviving Rev. Boardman are his wife Barbara D. Prairie, his Reverend Gail Seavey officiated. daughters Katherine Edwards of Brookline, MA and Shelia Boardman of Framingham, MA, and two granddaughters š{› Hannah and Rebecca Edwards. The Reverend William D. Hammond [1915-2005] Messages of remembrance may be sent to: The Reverend William D. Hammond died November 17, 2005 Ms. Barbara Prairie after a long illness. He was 89 years of age. 314 Jackson Street Berea, KY 40405-1720 Mr. Hammond was born on December 17, 1915 in Kalamazoo, [email protected] Michigan. He received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Missouri. He also attended the University of Chicago Divinity A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 12, 3:00 at School and Meadville Lombard Theological School. the Eliot Church in South Natick. Participants include the Rev. Adam Tierney-Eliot, the Rev. Terry Burke, the Rev. David He was ordained on May 7, 1939 in Missouri. He served Miller, the Rev. Maddie Sifantus and Stephen James. congregations in Asheville, NC. The UU Church of Asheville named him Emeritus Minister. Mr. Hammond also served at People’s Liberal Church, Michigan – Ohio Valley District, UU š{› Church of Minnetonka, and Grosse Point Unitarian Church.

The Reverend Joy Dedman Gasta [1937-2005] Surviving Mr. Hammond is his wife Grace Lindquist and their three children Donald & Thomas Hammond residing in The Reverend Joy D. Gasta died of cancer on Sunday, October Michigan and Gail Hammond-Stone residing in Arkansas. 2, 2005, surrounded by her family in Nashville, Tennessee. She Messages of remembrance may be sent to Ms. Grace Lindquist, was 68 years of age. 230 Foster Street, Littleton, MA 01460.

Ms. Gasta was born May 20, 1937 in Old Hickory, Tennessee. A service was held on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at the First She completed her undergraduate studies at Berea College and Parish of Groton, MA. The Reverend Elea Kemler officiated. earned a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School. In 1994 she received Preliminary Fellowship and Final Fellowship in 1998. Ms. Gasta was ordained October 29, 1995 by the First š{› Universalist Church of Norway and the First Universalist Church of West Paris, in Maine. She served both congregations, Norway and West Paris, from 1995 until her retirement in June (Continued on page 5)

- 4 -

UUMA News Winter 2006

(We Remember… Continued from page 4) in 1936, received Fellowship in 1938, and was ordained in 1939 in Chicago by the Peoples Liberal Church. The Reverend Robert William Haney [1934-2005] Dr. Harrington served congregations in Hobart, Indiana (First The Reverend Robert William Haney died on Sunday, August Unitarian); Chicago (Peoples Liberal Church and Beverly 14, 2005. He was 70 years of age. Unitarian Fellowship); Darien, Connecticut (Unitarian Fellowship); and Community Church in New York City. In Mr. Haney was born October 1, 1934, in Fall River, June of 1944 he began his service at Community Church as Massachusetts, the only child of William G. Haney and Juliette Junior Colleague to then-Senior Minister John Haynes Holmes. A. Fauteux Haney. Upon his retirement in 1982 he was named Minister Emeritus by the congregation. In 1952 he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Government Studies from Harvard College and a Master of Divinity from Harvard Donald Harrington will be remembered for his leadership in the Divinity School in 1959. He received Preliminary Fellowship areas of civil rights, social justice, theology and politics. As a in 1959 and Final Fellowship in 1965, and was ordained theologian, Harrington promoted the thought of Henry Nelson January 10, 1960 by the Society of the First Church in Boston. Wieman and was a co-founder of CASIRAS, the Center for the Advanced Study In Religion and Science. In 1952, he was Mr. Haney served First and Second Church in Boston from among the co-founders and first co-chairs (with A. Philip 1960 to 1981 and the Theodore Parker Unitarian Church in Randolph) of the American Committee on Africa, whose West Roxbury, Massachusetts from 1981 until his retirement in support for the African National Congress and leadership with 2001. He was named Minister Emeritus by the Theodore economic sanctions helped to make possible the election of Parker Unitarian congregation. Nelson Mandela as President of the Republic of South Africa in 1994. He was an instructor at Emerson College from 1965 to 1975 where he taught interdisciplinary classes in Religion, Denominationally, Harrington served on the last Board of Philosophy and History. Trustees of the American Unitarian Association and the first Board of the Unitarian Universalist Association. His sermon, Mr. Haney published Comstockery in America: Patterns of “Unitarian Universalism—Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” Censorship and Control in 1960 through Beacon Press. For the at the service of merger in 1960, articulated an inclusive vision Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, he produced the exhibition guide of the Church Universal. He served as a member of the Boards The Historic Silver of the First and Second Church of Boston. of the Unitarian Service Committee, the Universalist Service He also wrote many reviews for the Christian Science Monitor Committee and the UU Service Committee. He was also active and several other religious periodicals. in the International Association for Religious Freedom, whose magazine for young adult members he founded and edited in Mr. Haney left no living relatives, but names long-time friends 1938. In 1968, with co-leadership of his Black Chairman of the Arthur and Lynda Lidsky of Belmont as his survivors. Board of Trustees of The Community Church and others across Messages of remembrance may be sent in care of the continent, Harrington helped to found BAWA, (Black and White Action), to support those in the association who wished The Reverend Lilli Nye to have racially integrated programming and activities. The Theodore Parker Unitarian Church UUA recognized him with the Holmes-Weatherly Award in P. O. Box 544 1983. West Roxbury, MA 02132-0001 Harrington was the author of As We Remember Him—The A memorial service was held Saturday, September 17, 2005, at Jewish Jesus, Religion in an Age of Science, Outstretched the Theodore Parker Unitarian Church, West Roxbury, MA. Wings of the Spirit —a UUA Meditation Manual (drawing upon The Reverends Lilli Nye and Carol Strecker officiated. the writings of Henry Nelson Wieman), and Modern Humanity in Search of a Myth. š{› Dr. Harrington married a fellow seminarian, Vilma Szantho, The Reverend Dr. Donald S. Harrington [1914-2005] who had completed her theological studies in Transylvania and was a postgraduate student at Manchester College, Oxford The Reverend Dr. Donald Szantho Harrington died at his home University. She was the first woman to be ordained to the in Szepsi – St. George, Romania on Friday, September 16, ministry in Central Europe. Vilma Harrington died in 1982, 2005. He was 91 years of age. shortly after Donald Harrington’s retirement. In 1984, he married Aniko Szantho, the niece of Vilma. Dr. Harrington was born July 11, 1914 in Newton, Massachusetts. He received an A.B. from the University of Surviving Dr. Harrington is his wife, the Reverend Aniko Chicago, a B.D. from Meadville Lombard Theological School, Harrington, two children, Loni Hancock of Berkeley, California a S.T.D. from Starr King School for the Ministry, a D.D. from Meadville Lombard, and a second D. D. from Ecumenical (Continued on page 6) Theological Faculty, Cluj, Romania. He was licensed to preach

- 5 -

Winter 2006 UUMA News

(We Remember . . . Continued from page 5) Church Unitarian Universalist, The Woodlands, TX. and David Harrington of Santa Fe, New Mexico; three stepchildren, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Mr. Schulman was a prolific writer of books, pamphlets, and Messages of remembrance may be sent to Mrs. Harrington who articles on topics from Blasphemous and Wicked: The Unitarian is staying with her daughter at: Struggle for Equality, 1813-1844 (1997) to the pamphlet he edited titled, Ralph Waldo Emerson Speaks. In addition, he was 3 Schelbert Road a sought after lecturer. Three such lectureships are: Berry Street Newfoundland, PA 18445 Lecture, 1981; Minns Lecture, 1982; and the Billings Lecture, 1983. Mr. Schulman also served in the Military in the U.S. š{› Navy, World War II and the Korean War.

The Reverend Philip C. Schug [1914-2005] Frank Schulman is survived by his wife of 52 years, Alice Southworth Schulman, and they have four grown children. The Reverend Philip C. Schug died on November 18, 2005 after Notes of condolence may be sent to Alice Schulman at: a long illness. He was 91 years old. 5 Marsh Millet Ct. Mr. Schug was born on August 25, 1914 in Hartford City, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 Indiana. He received a B.D. from the Chicago Theological Seminary and a B.A. from the North Central College. A celebration of life service was held Sunday, January 8, 2006, at the Emerson Unitarian Church in Houston. Reverends Terry Ordained in 1944 at the Unitarian Church of Urbana, Illinois, he Sweetser, and Rebecca and Mark Edmiston-Lange conducted the served congregations in San Antonio, Texas ( First Unitarian); service. Urbana, Illinois (Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana); and Lincoln, Nebraska (Unitarian Church). He retired in 1983. š{›

Surviving Mr. Schug is his wife Mary Schug and their two The Reverend Herbert Gillespie Weeks [1918-2005] children Mary Margaret Belk and Theeta Ann Paynter. Messages of remembrance may be sent to Mrs. Schug at: The Reverend Herbert Gillespie Weeks died Monday, October 17, 2005 in Auburn, Maine. He was 87 years of age. 222 King William San Antonio, TX 78204-1300. Mr. Weeks was born May 1, 1918 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He received a Bachelor of Arts from St. Lawrence There will be no service, his remains will be scattered in his University in 1942 and a Bachelor of Divinity from St. Lawrence daughter's vast field of bluebonnets in New Braumsuls, Texas Theological School in 1944. near San Antonio. He was ordained July 6, 1944 in Henderson, New York by the š{› New York Universalist Convention. He served congregations in Guilford-Sangerville, Westbrook, Waterville, West Paris, and The Reverend Dr. Frank Schulman [1927-2006] Bryant Pond, Maine; and Milford and North Adams, Massachusetts. He retired in 1986. In 1987, the First The Reverend Dr. Jacob Frank Schulman passed away on Universalist Church in West Paris, Maine named him Minister January 4, 2006 from cancer. He was 78 years of age. Emeritus.

Dr. Schulman was born March 26, 1927 in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Weeks served on the Boards of the Massachusetts He had an outstanding academic life with degrees from the Universalist Convention, the Connecticut Valley District, and the following prestigious institutions: B.A., from the University of Northeast District. He enjoyed working with youth and served as Oklahoma; S.T.B., from Harvard University; D.Min. from an advisor to the New England Regional Committee of the Meadville Lombard Theological School; and a M.A., D.Phil., and Liberal Religious Youth for five years. He was also on the B.D. from the University of Oxford. Mr. Schulman was ordained faculty for Youth Weeks of Star Island and Ferry Beach. in the Unitarian ministry in 1954 at the Arlington Street Church, Boston, Mass. In addition, Mr. Schulman served many Surviving Mr. Weeks is his wife of 60 years, Evelyn Gerrish congregations: Arlington Street Church, Boston; First Unitarian Weeks and their children Arlyn H. Weeks of Portland, Maine and Church, Worcester, Mass; First Unitarian Church, Youngstown, E. Jonathan Weeks of Waterville, Maine. Messages of Ohio; The Emerson Unitarian Church in Houston; The Unitarian remembrance may be sent to Mrs. Weeks at Church of Horsham, West Sussex, England; and Huntsville, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Texas. 429 Turner Street Auburn, ME 04210-6023 His last position before retirement was as Chaplain and Dean and Fellow in Theology at the Harris Manchester College, Oxford A service was held on Friday, October 21, 2005, at the First University. Mr. Schulman was also named Minister Emeritus at Universalist Church (UU), Auburn, Maine. The Reverend Dr. the Emerson Unitarian Church of Houston and at All Souls Jodi Cohen Hayashida officiated.

- 6 -

UUMA News Winter 2006

(Good Offices—Continued from page 3) our Chapters. District staff members uniformly expressed a evaluate how their Good Officers are chosen. We want to en- commitment to the goal of healthy congregations and healthy courage you to find a way to elect Good Officers that doesn’t ministries alike (rather than an adversarial model in which DEs involve rotation but that allows you to really consider the quali- side with the congregation and GOPs with the minister). One ties of the ministers you want to rely on for advice and help in recommendation (by DE’s who had done them) was to create the most difficult situations of your ministries. When our minis- covenants between District Staff and Chapters to clarify areas of tries are threatened, we want to feel as though our Good Officers possible contention, such as who is invited to the meetings and really are the ones our colleagues agree have the skills and ex- for what parts, and what to expect of each other in ministry. I perience to guide us well. And the Good Officers, as with all hope to include a little more discussion on this area within the your officers, should be active members of the UUMA. Good Officer Trainings at Ministry Days.

By the way, we learned from the survey on District Staff this fall In closing, I want to thank the Good Officers now serving. You that the acronym “GOP” is meaningless for some of you. It will be happy to know that I am asking for a budget increase to means Good Offices Person, those of your colleagues available better cover your expenses and enable you to do the work with- to you for consultation, advice and representation on issues of out worrying so much about the high cost of travel, when conflict with other colleagues and with your congregation. Yes, needed. I know from the conversations I have with people that we should stay away from acronyms. your work is invaluable, just in case you were wondering and needed a shot in the arm. The third thing is that Ken Sawyer and I met with the District Executives during their annual gathering in December (which Continue to take care, which is what our ministries are about. they kiddingly call the Big Complex Meeting, or BCM). The morning was informed by the results of the survey we had con- Love, Susan Manker-Seale ducted, to which 84 of you responded. We discussed and clari- fied the relationships between District Staff, Good Officers, and

Leadership Coordinating Council (for an update on this see the Administrator’s Column article on pg 2). It is a challenging and wonderful task to think about the ways religious professionals create an environment Hello! I hope this issue of the UUMA News were all feel honored and supported; that we work together is finds you enjoying the Winter season and an- important—how we do it is the challenge! Yet, raising my ticipating the Spring. voice in support of ministerial concerns while using the mind of Times in the office have been good, but busy an administrator, the training of an Educator and the heart of a — especially with membership renewals. musician continues to be a very special experience. About 80% of the 1500 eligible members have For a singing update: renewed as of this writing; thank you! All those members who have a membership card This season has been going wonderfully! In November, I and have renewed have received a validation sang the role of the “Mother’ in Hansel and Gretel with Op- sticker era Providence and received a very kind review. This Febru- ary, I was excited to complete my first major role as If you have misplaced your form or have just forgotten to re- ‘Santuzza’ in OP’s Cavalleria Rusticana. The show was new it is not too late. You can mail in your dues ($225 for fantastic and well received by both audience and critics. Regular and Associate Memberships and $35 for Candidate And, if interested, audio clips from my new demo CD have Memberships) at any time. You can also use the website, or call been posted on my website: www.janettelallier.com. the office. If you do not have a membership card and would like one please let me know! I continue to be grateful to pursue my singing aspirations while working for such a wonderful Association. Thank you Other Happenings: all for your continued support and encouragement. As al- With the support of the personnel committee, the UUMA is ways, if there is some support I can provide you, please drop looking into ways to make the renewal process easier. Also, me a line! we’re looking into the usefulness and effectiveness of the web Warm Regards, page—including hiring a consultant to review and advise us later in the Spring. One web update: the NEW password Janette (effective March 1st) for the Members Only Section has been emailed to all active members with the posting of this Newslet- Janette Lallier ter. Administrator [email protected] This year I have had the privilege to serve on the Professional 617-848-0498

- 7 -

Winter 2006 UUMA News Sermon Awards Please confirm all information regarding individual awards with the sponsoring organization. Visit http://www.uuma.org/main/SermonAwards.htm for more information and links. 8th Annual Albert Schweitzer Sermon Award UU Men's Network Sermon Award April 15, 2006 UFETA (Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of An annual competition for the outstanding sermon exploring a Animals) announces the eighth annual Albert Schweitzer Ser- men’s issue related to the purpose and objectives of UUMen. mon Award. The award, which carries an honorarium of $400, Visit http://www.uumen.uua.org/sermon_contest.htm will be presented to the Unitarian Universalist presenter of a sermon that best exemplifies Schweitzer's principle of Clayton Raymond Bowen Prize "reverence for life." May 15, 2006 The sermon must have been delivered before a UU congrega- An annual competition in Unitarian Universalist biblical schol- tion between April 1, 2005 and March 31, 2006. Recipients arship. Open to Unitarian Universalist seminarians and gradu- must also be planning to attend the 2006 UUA General Assem- ate students. The prize consists of a $500 cash award and publi- bly in St. Louis where they will deliver the prize-winning ser- cation of the essay in The Unitarian Universalist Christian. For mon in a special worship service. Please submit sermons by more information contact [email protected] April 1, 2006 as a hard copy and an electronic copy to: Rev. Lee Griener, [email protected]; (613) 725-1066; First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa Frederick Henry Hedge Prize 30 Cleary Ave; Ottawa, ON K2A 4A1, Canada May 15, 2006 An annual competition for essays of significant scholarship relating to Unitarian Universalist Christian Church history.

MSUU Sermon Award Open to Unitarian Universalist seminarians, graduate students April 2006 and clergy. For information contact RevRonRobin- An annual competition for the outstanding sermon on the liv- [email protected] ing, personal theology of a Unitarian Universalist woman or women; or, furthering the vision of women within the UU movement. For more information contact [email protected]

European-American Anti-racist “Toni Morrison reminds us that ‘[In] matters of race, silence and evasion have historically ruled… Transformation Focus Group discourse…Ignoring race is understood to be a graceful, even generous, liberal gesture.’ As our movement struggles with the complex challenges of racism – within Unitarian Universalism and beyond – many We members of the European-American Racism Trans- UU ministers who identify as white seek to dismantle racist formation focus group of the Unitarian Universalist attitudes and systems. Out of this motivation, a new focus Ministers’ Association come together to speak into this group of the UUMA has formed, the “European-American historic silence with diverse, sensitive and prophetic Anti-Racist Transformation” focus group, in collaboration voices. with Clyde Grubbs, leader of the Anti-Racism, Anti- Our mission is to create a European-American anti- Oppression, Multiculturalism portfolio. racist presence within the UUMA, a network by which This focus group has gathered with the understanding that ministers who identify as Euro-American may grow as racism is a complex oppression that has a profound, nega- individuals and religious leaders towards addressing the tive impact on our society, our ministries and our personal problem of racism in our ministries, our congregations and religious lives. We understand that some reject such and communities and the world at large. We do this identity-based networking as it may reinforce divisions that work in conversation and collaboration with other pro- already exist. We understand that some find more value in fessional alliances and identity-based organizations.” working for peace instead of against racism. We understand The focus group aims to articulate its first goals in Spring of that this work makes all people vulnerable to mistakes and 2006 and have its first, in-person meeting at Ministry Days emotional harm. However, we also understand that those of in St. Louis. Euro-American descent – “white people” – have a responsi- bility to be part of the healing process in racial matters. For- If you have any questions or concerns or if you would like mation of and engagement with this network is a place to to become part of this focus group, please contact Heather start. Janules at [email protected] or 301.493.8300, x204. This focus group has a working draft of a mission statement:

- 8 -

UUMA News Winter 2006

power. Sensing effects moves us to this deeper dimen- The Power of Effects sion. Effects may be cues to congregational healing yearned © Rev. Roy Reynolds January 2006 for or strengths unacknowledged. Effects mirror both pain and passion. Take passion, for example. Witness the success of some memorable moment in the life of your own congrega- Strategic planning is second nature to most of us, especially tion. Recall a time when some program or project became the me, because my first career was urban planning. I brought synthesis of incredible creativity and remarkable participation, those skills with me into the UU ministry. I also brought the well beyond everyone’s expectations. What a success! Does- ability to assess the limitations of planning, and there are some n’t that community experience stir feelings of pride and satis- significant ones if we are trying to cultivate community. With faction for good work well done? Those feelings are effects of several years of consulting ministry experience, following the creative gifts and passions of an engaged community living eleven as a full-time minister, I have become aware of a prob- its calling. Those effects resonate through and touch the whole lem in our movement that is being inadequately addressed. We congregation and beyond. They shape the character and iden- need to help all congregational leaders perceive the yearning tity of the congregation. They are like a stream flowing for- for relational integrity and authentic community. Such percep- ward, and each member is part of that stream. tion requires of us two sets of lenses: strategic and rela- tional. This short essay highlights that distinction. Effects cause goals to be met, not vice versa. Effects are the causal field – the stream, the primary concern - within which Congregational guidance is off-kilter, out of balance. As con- results emerge. So, rather than starting with goals to be gregational leaders, lay and professional, we mirror a bias of achieved through a congregational plan and budget, we church American culture. We are more rational than relational, more leaders should first ask qualitative questions, “What effects do head than heart. Our leadership training and the habits we have we want to experience through living our congregational mis- developed weigh heavily toward planning, problem solving, sion?” “What effects will further the promptings of our congre- and policy setting, which are conceptual and logical gation’s soul?” “What effect do we want our congregation to strengths. Skills that rely on perception and feelings – like em- create in the world, and in each of us?” pathy, discernment, and aesthetic imagination – remain under- utilized by congregational leaders. In our efforts to cultivate a The real power of a congregation comes through tapping and relational vision of congregations, this bias becomes a stum- unleashing the passion that pulls that community together, and bling block. forward, toward greater wholeness. By starting with goals, you cannot do that. Instead, that lure comes by imagining the im- We typically think in terms of goals when we should be notic- pact of congregational passions unleashed on the world, antici- ing effects; sensing, imagining, and anticipating effects. Take pating their effects fully realized. mission statements, for example. In crafting those statements we should not stop with asking the question, “What are we Goals are not the starting point. They enter the process after called to do?” We should go further and ask, “What effects do the effects have been noticed, imagined, and anticipated. This we want to create?” If we simply state goals, our thinking re- is “vision,” congregational vision. Community is cultivated, mains fragmented and static. We isolate elements of the con- not by focusing first on strategy, but by practices that grow the gregation (programs, activities, ministries) by abstracting them relational life of the congregation. from their rich, dynamic field of relations. We don’t suffi- As I reflect on the future of our progressive religious move- ciently think through the mission of the congregation. We stop ment, I hope that we will someday soon hear congregational short of imagining relations. Focusing on results (end points, leaders eagerly saying, “Okay, those are the goals, but what are goals) without attending to the full field of effects, is like look- the effects of those activities? Do they reflect our shared pas- ing at one scene of a movie and thinking you understand the sions and gifts? Do they address our pain and the pain in our whole film. A movie director wants that scene to be successful world? Whose lives do you see being touched by those minis- in context with the whole movie. Likewise, congregational tries of our congregation? What changes will our ministries leaders want program goals to lead to healthier, more meaning- bring about?” When we hear these questions being explored, ful congregational life. then and not until then, do we begin to honor the power of ef- Meeting goals is not, and should not be, the raison d’etre of a fects. congregation. Goals, by themselves, are not relational. Goal Rev. Roy Reynolds serves the UU Congregation of Marietta, attainment needs to align with experiences and relations that GA as their Consulting Minister. He also leads workshops and keep the members communicating with the soul of the congre- trainings on “Cultivating Congregational Wholeness.” gation, its calling, its vision and mission. That is the raison d’etre of congregations. Relational integrity asks that we reverse our thinking, and not begin with strategy. Start instead by noticing the effects of our congregational programs and practices, current and antici- pated. Notice the effects of our relations in community. Is there pain and tension? Is there dysfunction? Where? Give primacy to the soul of the congregation. Nurture its healing and keep it healthy. Congregational power is soul

- 9 -

Winter 2006 UUMA News

Remarks on Our Shared Ministry Rev. Ralph Stutzman (The following address was delivered June 23, 2005 in Fort Worth, Texas, in behalf of the ministers ordained 50 years ago )

When I learned that I would be the spokesperson, I wrote to the world instantaneously. Your ministry is already in a different others in the class of the 50th year of ordination to see how and world from ours. what they are doing. I can assure you, from the letters and e-mail The class of the 50th are so old we can remember back to when I received, there are curmudgeons still alive and well. popular music had melody and lyrics were understandable. The One letter I received affected this talk and relates to you. Dr. liberal arts were still thought worthy of study. Civics was a Robert Kimball former president of Starr King, has written three required course in Junior High. Now education seems little more books since retirement: two in theological poetry and one in than training for a job. More is spent on what we citizens should prose. They are not published. He says he is interested in the purchase than what we should learn. Thomas Jefferson is turning writing, not the publishing. He sent me copies of the three, and I over in his grave. will tell you, taken together, they are the most powerful and In our ministry we were naive enough to think science was on insightful theological statements I have read in 30 years. So I the side of the angels. In your world with stem cell research, wrote back and begged for some more copies. If you wish to cloning, gene splicing, science is forcing you not merely into read one or more, get in touch with me. Don’t bother writing to new ethical areas but also frightening possibilities. Protective Kimball. He is busy writing a fourth book and will not respond. laws will be passed, but there will always be some nutty scientist Besides, his wife, Lorna, says Bob is a recluse on his way to who will push the envelope. You enter a scary time. becoming a hermit. So, get out your pens and make a note of it. Write to me and I will loan you one of his books. My eldest son works for the firm that makes robot airplanes. About ten years ago in a conversation, Scott said they were used From the letters I received, I learned that about half of us are still by the military for reconnaissance. However, he claimed, it was trying to save the world; the other half are really retired and are only a matter of time until they learned how to attach rockets to savoring the world. When I retired, I decided I had done my the robot planes. And they now have ... with deadly precision. share of saving and I was simply going to savor. However, with Three weeks ago the White House announced it was drafting the election of George W. that decision has been severely plans to put weapons on satellites. It seems inevitable that the challenged. Observation: there is always something that touches U.S. will be the first to do so - in defense of freedom, of course. one’s righteous indignation. Clever names are already being thought of for such space About half of us 16 survivors are active in a U.U. congregation; weapons by the pentagon. One is “Global Strike.” Another is about half of us are not. Anita and I are now parishioners at the “Rods From God.” Arrogance is the nature of empire building. Clemson U.U. Fellowship in South Carolina where Cynthia I suppose governments have always lied to the populace. And Prescott is our very able minister. don’t think that one party does it less than another. During the About half of our 16 are in good health; about half have some Vietnam War presidents of both parties regularly lied to us. Now severe problems. Observation: Retirement works best if you more than ever election campaigns shred truth. Tawdry jingoism took good care of your body when you were young. Better still, passes for patriotism. manage to come from good stock. Using the protection of its citizens as an excuse to go to war is About half of us have sufficient funds for a very pleasant not new. We’ve been doing it since we fought the American retirement; about half of us struggle financially. Observation: Indians. We destroyed their culture in order to “civilize” them. Retirement is best if you married someone who is wealthy. Now we are doing it again. We will bring freedom and democracy, meaning western civilization, no matter how many Recently I ran across an intriguing chapter title in a book. It was, we have to kill. Of course it is more important that we bring “The Problems of the Elderly Are Frequently Serious but freedom and democracy to lands that have oil. Seldom Interesting.” So I will move on. And the civilization we bring: Coca Cola; American films; rock The social issues our group of 16 faced seem simple, clear cut, and roll; the latest fashions in clothing; violent and sexual compared to those you face. Ours dealt with racial civil rights, television programs geared to sell and sell some more. Our women’s rights, gay rights, women’s right to an abortion, the brand of capitalism is good for you! To which I say, Vietnam war. Your world is much more murky. I have no NONSENSE. I would use stronger language, but the last time I advice, but I wish to share some observations about your time in said “bullshit” in a worship service I heard about it when I got ministry. home. Cultural change and religious change always occur where trade It isn’t democracy that we are bringing to other nations. We are routes cross and ideas get shared. In my years of ministry trade bringing a false concept of secular salvation. I used to believe routes were geographical. Within the last ten years all that has that globalization would help stop war since big business would changed. With globalization, cell phones and the internet, trade be reaching across national lines. I was naive. What I didn’t routes are no longer geographical. They have become electronic. And the electronic revolution reaches to every corner of the (Continued on page 11)

- 10 -

UUMA News Winter 2006

(50 year address continued from page 10) -Can we conquer our own fears in such a way that we figure on was that humans are as greedy internationally as they do not alienate as we witness? are nationally. Perhaps only current arrogance supersedes -Can we rise above our own arrogance, our own current greed. We liberals stand between a secularism void of compulsion to do violence? human values on the one hand and an irrational fundamentalist theocracy on the other. -Can we risk trust before proof of the other’s intentions? When I was in my teens I was a member of an evangelical denomination. Their concept of a social issue was smoking, -Can we risk love when we are so enamored with dancing, drinking alcohol. That, too, has changed. Now they justice? have slithered into government and big business, captured the radio waves, and attempted to bend science to the religious The struggle for the soul, whether of the self or the nation, has teachings of a book 2000 years old. always been based on risking vulnerability. Clearly, in the first half of the 21st century, against huge odds, Final observation: Ah, what a great time to be a Unitarian you will be struggling for the soul of America. And here is Universalist minister; a great soul searching, soul growing, where it gets tricky. adventurous time. I have always felt good we put our faith into action. However, Frederick Beuchner, Presbyterian minister, wrote of being observation: In my ministry I discovered two types of social invited to the home of a wealthy, somewhat deaf, matron on activists in both our clergy and our laity. Long Island. In a pause in the conversation at the dinner table, amidst the guests, the hostess shouted down to the other end of Type one are those who confront rather than care-front. They are the table to Buechner, “I understand that you are planning to compulsive. They love the battle. They are as bull headed in enter the ministry. Is this your own idea, or have you been their righteousness as any in the religious right. Bruised feelings poorly advised?” left behind lead to additional social problems. Something is This Long Island matron had no idea of the adventure in amiss when conviction outweighs common decency. ministry. In behalf of the class of the 50th year of ordination, I wish you I think this is what Kimball is writing about in one of good adventuring. his theological poems: “...rage is bad news, is hard to live with for others and oneself, and changes nothing. ------“rage against the evils that abound and miss the harm the raging does.” ------“Admittedly, Convocation 2009 considering the state of the world, ...it is hard to be wise After our last Convo in 2002, two important recommenda- and not rage-unless tions were made by the planning committee. The first one is wiser.” was that Convo 2009 be planned by a regional group and/ or chapter of the UUMA. The second recommendation As opposed to type one social activists, those in type two operate was that a separate facilities person be appointed by the from compassion rather than compulsion. Type two are more UUMA to aid the committee with logistics. Both of these interested in solving the problem than in winning. Their recommendations have been acted upon by the UUMA religious fervor does not evolve out of their social action. Exec. Rather, their social action is an overflow of their faith. Rather than hammer the opposition, they seek what Henry Nelson Recently the UUMA appointed the Rev. Kate Walker as Wieman called creative interchange. the facilities person for Convo 2009. The Exec also chose The struggle for the soul of America begins with the struggle for a planning committee regionally located in Eastern Can- the soul in ourselves. You will recall in Karen Armstrong’s ada. It is chaired by Rev. Brian Kopke. The committee is book THE BATTLE FOR GOD, she writes that in its early stages and will begin by selecting a location and fundamentalism, whether Islamic, Jewish, or Christian, springs a theme. from fear. And the basic fear in fundamentalism is fear of Convo 2009 will again be a large participatory event with a annihilation. At the other end of the spectrum, we liberals hoped-for registration of between 500-600 UUMA mem- currently fear the annihilation of our ideals. bers. So, here’s the point in the form of questions: - Wayne Walder

- 11 -

The C.E.N.T.E.R.-fold

The CENTER DAY 2006 C.E.N.T.E.R. Tuesday, June 20, 2006 ~ St. Louis, Missouri Committee

Members: Faith, Trusting Our Own Deepest Experience Judy Tomlinson , Chair

Montclair, NJ (973) 744-6276 Sharon Salzberg [email protected]

Roberta Finkelstein During these times of global tension and confusion, Arlington, VA we need to rely on inner strength and on a shared (703) 522-6793 vision of possibility as we seek renewed inspiration [email protected] to create a better world. Sharon Salzberg will explore faith as this source of strength. She talks about faith, Michelle Bentley, UUA not as religious adherence or deference to an external Professional Development Director authority, but as trust in our inner capacity for Boston, MA awareness and love, and as recognition of the (617) 742-2100 interdependence of all of life. Stripping away [email protected] negative conceptions that dismiss faith as divisive or requiring blind observance of a belief system, she Wayne Walder, shows us in practical ways how to combine devotion UUMA Exec and the intellect to develop a genuine connection to Toronto, ON ourselves and the world. This talk will be an (416) 691-3230 [email protected] exploration of the qualities of trust and faith, and their role in contemporary spiritual life. Meditation Jan Johnson, practice as well as discussion will shape the Walnut Creek, CA exploration. (925) 691-7221 [email protected] Sharon Salzberg has been a student of Buddhism since 1971, and has been leading meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. She teaches both intensive awareness practice Ed Piper Port Republic, VA (vipassana or insight meditation) and the profound cultivation of lovingkindness and (540) 249-3165 compassion (the Brahma Viharas). She is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in [email protected] Barre, Massachusetts and The Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. Sharon’s latest book is Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience, published by Riverhead Books. She is the Maddie Sifantus author of Lovingkindness: The Wayland, MA Revolutionary Art of Happiness and A (508) 358-7091 Heart as Wide as the World, by Picture Perfect [email protected] Shambhala Publications; and co-author The UUMA Office and CENTER Commit- with Joseph Goldstein of Insight Joan Van Becelaere tee are looking for photographs from previ- Meditation, a Step-by-Step Course on Denver, CO ous Ministry/Professional Days. If you have How to Meditate (audio), from Sounds (303) 765-3106 a picture you would be willing to share for [email protected] True. She has edited Voices of Insight, the archives and possible web posting please an anthology of writings by vipassana contact Janette in the UUMA Office or at Gretchen Woods teachers in the West, also published by [email protected] Corvallis, OR Shambhala. (541) 752-5218 [email protected]

- 12 -

The Chapter Presenters Program

A Presenter Program is a 6-12 hour worked out between the chapter and contact Jan Johnson to receive a list workshop for a UUMA chapter meeting the presenter of who is available (comminister or retreat. CENTER offers three kinds of · .CENTER reimburses the chapter and @mduuc.org / 925-691-7221). If you opportunities for the chapters: Chapter pays the presenter after the program would like to offer such a workshop, Presenters, Guest Presenters, and Anti- is completed and summary you may contact her to be added to Racism Anti-Oppression Multicultural evaluations are returned to CENTER the list. These workshops are not Programming. · .Reimbursement for expenses to the sponsored by CENTER, but the same presenter is a chapter responsibility funding assistance applies as it does Chapter Presenters and should be handled with utmost to other Chapter Presenters (as long · .Chosen from within our collegial dispatch. as funds are available). ranks and based on identified needs in ministry · CENTER sponsors individual Guest Presenters CENTER Subsidies Chapter Presenters for no more than · When a chapter has an opportunity Contact presenters directly, then contact three years for a speaker in your area who can Jan Johnson to apply for CENTER · .Funding available to chapters: up to address your needs (UU colleague or subsidies. Funds are limited. Subsidies $400 toward expense of bringing the someone from outside our are awarded on a first-come -first-served presenter to the retreat, and up to movement), CENTER offers the basis. [email protected] 925-691- $500 honorarium for the presenter same funding assistance as it does to 7221. · .Additional costs are born by the other presenters. chapter · A number of colleagues offer such · .Program and financial details are workshops professionally. You may

2005 Featured Presentations: Continuing Education Grants (For descriptions and contact info see the CENTER Website)

Thanks to the Continuing Education Endowment raised ¨ Leading Transformational Change in UU through the UUA’s Handing on the Future campaign, Congregations Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group offers ~ Angela Merkert and Rev. Ken Brown grants for continuing education. ¨ Creating Sexually Healthy UU Communities ~ Rev. Debra W. Haffner Individual grants are available on a matching basis with one third paid by the minister, another by the 2005 Chapter Presenters: congregation or organization, and the third through the grant. Leadership teams planning professional education ¨ Transforming Congregational Gifts into programs may also apply. A maximum of $500 is Mission and Ministry ~ Rev. Roy Reynolds available to any one participant per year. ¨ Finding a Path to Walk the Talk of Justice- Making Send applications to the Office of Professional ~ Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley and Rev. Development at UUA with a description and objectives Dr. Gretchen Woods of the program, and a breakdown of costs. ¨ Living by Heart ~ Dr. Laurel Hallman ¨ Financial Wellbeing for Ministers ¨ When You Least Expect It...Trauma Check It Out on the Web Response For Ministers And Congregations Don’t forget that CENTER has many resources available on the UUMA Web site. Just click on CENTER at ¨ Issues of Class: Implications for Ministry www.uuma.org/center to get information on having a chap- ~ Rev. Lynn Thomas Strauss ter presenter, view the most recent CENTER News, back issues of “Currents” and “Streams” (thought pieces and bib- ¨ The Human Zoo Re-Visited: Family Systems liographies), the new Resource for Continuing Education After Friedman ~ Rev. Kenn Hurto Planning, and much more.

- 13 -

Winter 2006 UUMA News

News from the Department of Ministry and Professional Leadership

Is this a good time to invest? choose Fidelity Freedom Fund 2010. The wonder of these funds is that we don't have to make any more Only hindsight can answer this question. Stock market allocation decisions. As we age, the fund managers wizards get it wrong half the time, and it's never clear shift the investments from more aggressive to more whether this is a lousy time to invest or the best of all conservative. These funds aren't ever going to be possible times, and we just don't know it yet. Still, many of skyrockets, but they are good performers in their us are saving like crazy for retirement, and only financial category. investments such as IRAs and the UUA retirement plan defer income tax on capital gain. Other good investments are one's 3. 2005 was a terrible year for socially responsible education, a personal home, real estate to be rented out or mutual funds because it was a bad year for the stocks sold later, and maybe our kid's college tuition. of technology firms and other companies these funds tend to invest in. The same is likely for 2006. While A number of financial advisors are looking at the 2006 stock we support the principle of SR investing, we have to market in a dreary light. The Dow Jones index we hear about be realistic and expect these funds not to be immune to on the radio seems to be moving sidewise, and people who larger economic forces. don't pay attention to market details can be excused for quickly moving on. 4. International funds provide an easy and healthy form of diversification. The Fidelity Diversified Still, those of us who are looking to the UUA retirement plan International Fund and the Calvert World Values have some decent choices, and it's worth considering the International Equity Fund had excellent returns over following: the past three years, and this trend seems likely to 1. Too many of us have our money in only one or two continue. Consider having at least 20 percent of your mutual funds, and we never change the allocation as assets in international funds. the years go by. This isn't wise, and except for those 5. Investing in a fund that includes both stocks and bonds using the Freedom Funds mentioned below, we should is another easy way to diversify one's assets. The be giving this more thought. Consider selecting four Fidelity Balanced Fund ranks number 2 out of 1,216 funds of different types in order not to have all your US mutual funds in this category and has about 60 money in one basket. percent in stocks and 40 percent in bonds. This could 2. Eighty-five percent of the participants in the UUA plan be a useful core fund for many participants. would improve their personal return by using the Feel free to email to me or Joyce Stewart with questions or Fidelity Freedom Fund with the number closest to their comments. Joyce is at [email protected]. To reallocate one's expected year of retirement. So if you think you are retirement funds, call Fidelity at 800/343-0860. going to retire in 2016, elect Fidelity Freedom Fund 2020. If 2009 is more likely a retirement date for you, IRS Announces 2006 Mileage Rates The Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2006 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. ~ Thank you ~ Beginning Jan. 1, 2006, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (including vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: Heartfelt thanks for many years of dedicated service and best wishes go to ¨ 44.5 cents/mile for business miles driven; Jean Hartman ¨ 18 cents/mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and and ¨ 14 cents/mile driven in voluntary service to charitable Nancy Hezlitt organizations. Ministers may claim 44.5 cents per mile in reimbursement from their professional expense accounts for miles driven in the on their retirements from the UUA performance of their ministries. Ministry & Professional Leadership Staff Group. - Ralph Mero, [email protected] UUA Office of Church Staff Finances

- 14 -

UUMA News Winter 2006

UUA Health Insurance : A progress report ~ Welcome ~ Forty-eight million Americans are without health insurance, and about 400 of these persons work for UU congregations. If The Professional Development Assistant position in the you are among that number, we want to hear from you. MPL Staff Group is now a job share.

I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made The UUA Ministry and Professional Staff Group celebrates toward a UUA health plan. The Trustees voted on January 22nd the hiring of A'ashia Short and Angela Merkert as the new to consider approving a self-funded health insurance program at Professional Development Assistants! Please join me in their meeting next April. Enrollment in such a plan would be welcoming them to this important work of the UUA. open to ministers and church staff who work at least 1,000 hours per year, plus self-employed community ministers and Duties will be shared in the following manner: staff of camp and conference centers. If approved, the plan will Angela Merkert (3/4 time from our Chicago office): Pro- be rolled out at the June 2006 General Assembly and publicized fessional Development Information, Continuing Education through all the UUA’s channels of communication. & Counseling Grants, Professional Development Training Whether this will materialize depends upon having enough per- Programs, and Leadership Assessment & Evaluation Materi- sons to actually enroll. Actuaries estimate that about 500 enrol- als. lees and dependents would be needed for the plan to go head. With sufficient enrollment, the plan could be approved in Octo- A'ashia Short (1/4 time in Boston, in addition to her 3/4 ber to begin operations in January 2007. If the needed enroll- position as RE Credentialing Assistant in MPL): General ment does not materialize in October, the proposal would be Office Support, Ministerial Death Notices & Obituaries, and withdrawn. Surviving Partners.

We appreciate the responses of colleagues who replied to the - Rev. Dr. Michelle Bentley, [email protected] insurance survey on the UUMA website. Their data, plus that from LREDA, the AUUA, the UUMN, and the Society for Community Ministries reports that over 350 ministers, educa- tors, administrators, musicians, and others who work for UU Welcome also to . .

congregations have no health insurance at all, or are in plans

where the benefits are thin and participants bear a heavy cost

for what they receive. Since it was on online survey, we are

sure there are many we didn’t hear from. Marie DePaul Why would the UUA consider the exposure of a self-funded Settlement Assistance health insurance plan? The first answer is that it will be good Phone: (617)948-6408 for congregations to have staff who are not financially terrified Email: [email protected] of an illness. Health insurance is a key feature for any organi- zation seeking to recruit and retain high quality staff, and con- gregations that offer good health insurance will be more attrac- tive as employers. Congregations should also pay lower premi- ums under a UUA plan than a commercial retail one. Health insurance will also be invaluable to ministers and other As of February 1st, it looks like the UUA could offer a standard staff. Several colleagues have been financially devastated by PPO plan with the largest national network of physicians and uninsured illnesses. An outpatient operation can easily cost hospitals, plus a High Deductible Plan with lower premiums $10,000, not including the surgeon’s fee; people who can’t pay that could be linked to a Health Savings Account. Employer- $250 for an office visit and $65 for a prescription will put off congregations would likely pay 80 percent of the premiums, treatment, and may find their conditioning worsening. Where with the remaining 20 percent paid by the enrollees. Since the any single church may find itself priced out of a rapacious mar- UUA is unable to subsidize a health plan from endowment in- ketplace, 400 congregations banding together can bargain for come, the premiums would have to carry the claims and operat- discounts and help each other by sharing risks and costs. ing costs. There is also the element of moral responsibility. The United Offering a dependable and affordable health plan may be the Church of Christ says about their self-funded plan, “We have a most significant service the UUA can offer its congregations responsibility to share each other’s burdens.” Protecting em- and those who work for them. Those who need health insur- ployees from facing illness without insurance should be a ance should write to me with a description of their situation. given. Congregations stepping up to help one another should Contact [email protected]. be automatic. Ministers can help congregations see the moral as well as the financial benefits from pooling our resources. Ralph Mero

- 15 -

Winter 2006 UUMA News

Remarks on Our Shared Ministry Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons (The following address was delivered June 23, 2005 in Fort Worth, Texas, in behalf of the ministers ordained 25 years ago )

To be assigned by one's peers to assess a quarter century in min- fore we begin to know which gains and which losses will prove istry is to be placed in something of a quandary. Our profession enduring. is an ancient art; if we claim that its nature has changed signifi- cantly in the 25 years of our practice, we risk abjuring the time- Along with this major seismic shift have come some other, not lessness of our living tradition; that connection to the prophets of incidental, reconsiderations of the place of sexuality in defining antiquity, the wise women of old, the heroes of faith in every the minister's role. It has been with great personal and vicarious age, to whose lives and work we look for our own inspiration, satisfaction that our generation has seen openly gay and lesbian identity, and credibility. On the other hand, to suggest that noth- ministers at last take their rightful place among us as honored ing significant has changed as the decades have passed calls into colleagues, helping our movement to grow into a fuller witness question the relevance of our shared vocation; if these fraught for the equal dignity and civil rights of all people. Much more years have not confronted us with the new occasions that teach painful has been the forging of a new consensus and practice new duties, what in the world – or out of it – might there be that with regard to the boundaries of appropriate sexual behavior for would? ministers. Those of us who have been around for 25 years can remember the curious combination of bravado and silence that I am indebted to those of my anniversary cohort who responded once attended indiscretions on the part of colleagues among their to my request to share their own thoughts on the lessons and the congregations; today we have more confidence in naming such meaning of 25 years at this endeavor; they have reminded me of behavior a misuse of power, and calling one another to account. both the continuities of our work and the unforeseens that we We have also come, I think, to understand more profoundly the have encountered in the course of this particular chapter of his- connection between spiritual emptiness and sexual impulsive- tory. Perhaps the way of wisdom, as so often, is to take a plural ness; in the end it is not moral rigidity that is our best protection perspective, and examine both what has changed, and what has from this failure, but rather a lively and fulfilling practice of the remained the same, about this vineyard in which we have toiled presence of the holy throughout our days. together since 1980. Another major recognition that has shaped the ministry of this The most immediately visible change in the ministry of the past generation has been that children are in themselves religious 25 years is the one that I represent; women now make up a per- beings, whose spiritual nurture is a specific vocation. With this centage of our active ministry and ministry in training much realization has also grown the perspective that adults, too – all of more nearly proportional to our numbers in the general popula- us, until we die – are works in progress, so that religious educa- tion. When I began my career, I was not exactly a pioneer – (a tion is a life -long endeavor, and attending to it is a full-scale previous) generation of women had done the path-breaking ministry with its own identity and integrity. We continue to work, and I feel profoundly the debt that the women of my era wrestle with the proposition that our commitment to congrega- continue to owe to those elder sisters – but I was still something tional polity does not mean that ministry ends at the church of a novelty, and a risk. Today it is a given that religious leader- building's threshold. How do we define, honor, integrate, and ship in our movement is exercised by both genders, and increas- hold accountable the ministries of those who directly serve a ingly without regard to gender. larger community on behalf of our values, and in the name of our congregations and our tradition? These widenings of the In this respect, our liberal churches have perhaps ridden the ad- understanding of ministry have not been without struggle and vancing crest of the wave, but it seems to me that they have em- even pain, and they continue to challenge us, yet they have also braced more than they have challenged the widespread redefini- brought us great gifts, and forced us to confront the central ques- tion of ministry that has occurred across mainline denominations tions of professional identity and vocational purpose in profound in order to accommodate the influx of women. I would contend and urgent ways. that rather than granting into the hands of female ministers the moral authority traditionally associated with the social role of There has also been a significant transition in the most basic male clergy, our culture has instead re-envisioned what it means tools that we use to perform the work of ministry. I now have to be a minister, emphasizing the non-threatening, pastoral tasks twenty five three ring binders; the early ones still contain the of care-giving and relationship maintenance, thus transforming handwritten manuscript sermons, full of crossed out paragraphs the role into more appropriate "women's work." Without con- and arrows indicating later insertions, from which I preached in scious intention, and aided and abetted by contemporary femi- those days. I'm still just distrustful enough of technology to nism's early distrust of institutional power in all forms, we have maintain the sequence of hard copies, but of course these days participated in the diminishment of the pulpit's public influence, they are spell-checked printouts of text that accommodated the just at the moment when women have come to occupy it in sig- vagaries of my creative process so intuitively that I no longer nificant and growing percentages. The outcome of these transi- tions remains unclear to me; it may be yet another 25 years be- (Continued on page 18)

- 16 -

UUMA News Winter 2006

The Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth

Process Guide For Congregations Youth Ministry Sermon Award The Process Guide for Congregational Conversations on Ministry The Taskforce on Ministry To and With Youth announces the UU To and With Youth is now available! A printed copy was mailed Youth Ministry Sermon Award! This award is designed to elicit to every congregation who signed-up. It is also available online conversation and encourage interest in strengthening youth minis- at: http://www.uua.org/TRUS/youth/processguides.html try throughout the Association. This award is open to lay and professional leadership, and the deadline is May 15. For more Congregational conversations should be scheduled for April or information, go to www.uua.org/TRUS/youth. May 2006. If your congregation is interested in this opportunity for intergenerational dialogue and feedback to the taskforce and Outreach Materials For You would like a printed copy of the process guide, please sign-up with Beth Dana at [email protected]. There are tons of resources for your outreach efforts on our web- site. We have newsletter articles, flyers, brochures, and even a A supplement to the process guide will be available online and workshop outline—for YOU! You are also welcome to forward mailed to congregations who sign-up in mid- to late-March. This this newsletter or include it in mailings. What materials do you supplement will include preliminary results of the youth survey, need to make this a success in your community? Let us know! which are a key piece of the congregational dialogue. Link Us Help spread the word to youth and adults in your community by linking us from your congregation, district, region, or organiza- Number of Committed tion's website. http://www.uua.org/TRUS/youth Congregations 227 For More Information Contact: (and rising!) Beth Dana, Youth Ministry Associate Phone: (617) 948-4352 Email: [email protected] A Tip for Congregational Conversations -or- One way to keep the conversation on track while also keeping all Jesse Jaeger, Youth Programs Director ideas on the table is to create a "parking lot." Post a piece of Phone: (617) 948-4359 newsprint and encourage participants to list issues that need to be Email: [email protected] addressed at some point, but not necessarily during this process.

Washington Office seeks Legislative News from Assistant for International Issues (with a focus on HIV/AIDS) the UUA ——————— The UUA Washington Office is seeking a Legislative Assistant for International Issues, with a focus on HIV/AIDS. This position is part of the UUA Social Justice Internship Program, What’s New on UUA.ORG? which combines service, learning, and faith development in Please visit http://www.uua.org/whatsnew.html for new order to equip young adults with the professional skills and and important online highlights on UUA.org for the month strength of character to be lifelong leaders in Unitarian of March. Universalism and working for social justice. Half of Please share the above link and relevant information with the portfolio will focus on US policy (looking at both new those who might find it useful! legislation and implementation of existing policy) related to international HIV/AIDS, with a particular emphasis on sex On behalf of the Office of Electronic Communication, education, sex trafficking, and women’s rights. The rest of the Julie Albanese, [email protected] time will be divided between projects connecting the work of Office of Electronic Communication the UU Holdeen India Program to congregations in the United States, and to international crisis issues, such as the war in Iraq ——————— and genocide in Darfur.

- 17 -

Winter 2006 UUMA News

(25 year address continued from page 16) without reflecting upon the impact of the events of 9/11/2001. even notice it. The mechanics of reproducing either printed cop- No doubt those stunning attacks, and their personal and political ies or tape recordings for those who want them, as well as post- aftermath, continue to affect us all in ways we scarcely recog- ing the text of sermons, newsletters, and other church miscellany nize, but for myself they have left two significant conscious lega- on the public website, are all but effortless and routine. It seems cies. One is an intense gratitude for the interfaith community to me quite probable that the logic of the computer's program- among whose leadership I am privileged to work in the city of ming has become a component in the structure of our thinking, in Minneapolis . Our already existing relationships enabled us as the same way that language and other artifacts of the common religious leaders to come together that day and later across de- culture shape the grids through which we know the world. nominational lines, with Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and even Whether the impact of these technologies is baleful, benign, or Muslim clergy, to respond to our city's need for public expres- indifferent is not yet clear to me, but it sure is a change from the sion of anguish, and the assurance of mutual support. Never has way I started out. If I were beginning in ministry today, I would the significance of the civic role of the collective faith commu- be much more intentional about the ways in which I set up my nity been so urgently apparent to all of us in that group. electronic information storage systems; those of us who have lived through this transition have of necessity improvised, while The second enduring impression since that irretrievable day for being subjected to the developmental growing pains and early me is that we live in a far more anxious and dangerous world unpredictabilities of a nascent technology. than the one in which I entered the ministry. I grew up in this Unitarian Universalist tradition, bred into the confident expecta- In the same way, the advent of e-mail has given us both unprece- tion of the ultimate triumph of the enlightenment. That there dented convenience, as well as a whole new source of pastoral were both superstition and arrogance to be overcome, I never headaches, and yet another arena in which to forever fall short of doubted, but neither did I ever seriously contemplate a universe other peoples' expectations of us. Time was when etiquette de- whose arc did not bend toward liberation, reason, justice, democ- manded that you cease returning phone calls at some hour of the racy, and an advancing tide of education, freedom and human evening when you might be thought to risk disturbing your inter- well-being. As I understood it, part of my task as a minister was locutor – alas, no such merciful convention attaches to answering to hasten the coming of that day, and to minimize the tragedy and one's e-mail! waste of human suffering in the meantime – but the happy end, however long delayed, was thought to be within sight. Lately, I'm Of course, it would be facetious to enumerate the historical and cultural trends that have formed the ministries of this generation (Continued on page 22)

Continuing Education at Starr King School

Online Education at Starr King Spring Offerings: Starr King School for the Ministry offers 14-week online ¨ Religious Education Through Children's Literature courses for fall and spring sessions. These classes cover such (Rev. Keith Kron) topics as Congregational Polity and an introduction to ¨ Congregational Polity (Rev. Mark W. Harris); theology for Unitarian Universalists. Online classes are well suited for students from non-Unitarian Universalist schools, ¨ Our Theological House (Rev. Paul Rasor); ministers seeking continuing education opportunities and ¨ World Religions those considering the ministry. Some courses are also open (Rev. Tawna Cooley & Other Scholars); and to laypersons involved in congregational and community work who want to ground their focus in theological ¨ Unitarian Universalist History competency and creativity. (Rev. Jay Atkinson and Dr. Roxanne Seagraves). ¨ Visit http://online.sksm.edu/ce/courses/current.htm to Fall Offerings: read about online courses currently being offered. ¨ Nonviolent Living in a Violent World ¨ Visit http://www.online.sksm.edu/ce/ to read more (Rev. Ken Jones); about the array of resources available at Starr King's ¨ Introduction to Liberal Religious Education Online Website. (Rev. Sheri Prud'homme); Please note that online courses are generally designed for ¨ Our Theological House (Rev. Roy Phillips); and Unitarian Universalist seminarians outside the Graduate Theological Union, and others where noted. Starr King ¨ Unitarian Universalist History students are required to make a special request to faculty to (Dr. Roxanne Seagraves). take online courses. For more information contact Cathleen Young, Online Education Director, at [email protected].

- 18 -

UUMA News Winter 2006

THERE'S MORE TO ST. LOUIS THAN MINISTRY DAYS ! !

Check out www.uuma.org for an evolving listing of things to do before, around, and after Ministry Days in and around St. Louis. Just go to: www.uuma.org/ministrydays/stlouis.htm

CAHOKIA PILGRIMAGE of groups gather there to celebrate equinox and solstice sunrises. Visit their website at www.cahokiamounds.com/cahokia.html The largest American city north of Mexico before the eighteenth century is known today as Cahokia. In its heyday one thousand Robert Thayer with the UU Network on Indigenous Affairs and years ago it was home to more than twenty thousand people. Its Frank Carpenter with the UU Historical Society are making a main temple mound still towers more than one hundred feet pilgrimage to this site while in St, Louis. While Cahokia is at the above the ancient fifty acre plaza – and the nearby interstate. end of one the public transportation lines from St. Louis (for in- This temple mound covered sixteen acres at its base, and was dividual visits), we believe a number of us would like to accom- made of hand-deposited earth. Over a hundred smaller mounds pany other UU’s to the site. If interested, please contact, either: for ceremonial structures and burials of generations surround the Bob, [email protected], or Frank, [email protected], temple mound. UURMAPA Annual Luncheon Cahokia, a United Nations World Heritage Site, is one of the most significant Native American sites in North America. And it Friday, June 23, 12:30 is just across the Mississippi River, eight miles from downtown St. Louis. Besides the mounds, the site includes an excellent Invitations will be mailed to all retired ministers/partners and “Interpretative Center” with extensive exhibits and dramatiza- surviving partners in March. Cost are not yet set, but may tions of the history of this center of the ancient Mississippian range from $25-$30. Ministers who retire this year and their culture. Part of the site is called “Woodhenge,” a sun calendar partners will be guests of UURMAPA. functionally similar to Stonehenge in England. It was tool for determining the season and scheduling of ceremonies. A number For more information or reservations contact Barbara Prairie at [email protected] and 859-985-0301 COMMUNITY MINISTRY AT GA 2006 DURING CENTER DAY: journey of relationship between Community Ministers and Con- MAKING AFFILIATIONS WORK gregations. Bring your stories and questions. Sponsored by Society for Community Ministries (SCM) and the UU Community Ministry Focus Group WORSHIP SERVICE What happens when a community minister enters into a relation- Sponsored by SCM ship with a congregation? How does this affect the dynamics of Continuing a tradition begun last General Assembly, SCM will the ministry and the congregation? A panel will present several offer worship to all. Worshipping in Community will bring to- different arrangements between community ministers and con- gether community ministers, lay people who consider the work gregations, leading into a discussion of ways our diverse minis- they are doing in the world to be ministry, and friends are invited tries can come together to enhance and expand the presence of to worship, sharing the grace and the challenge of being called to our congregations in our communities. Now that the MFC is ministries of justice and healing through words, music, and medi- requiring all community ministers to be in relationship with con- tation. The winner of the 2006 SCM Sermon Award will be gregations (or districts or associate organizations), there is an preaching. increase in community ministers seeking congregations with whom to be in relationship. These relationships are being formal- COMMUNITY MINISTRY BOOTH IN EXHIBIT HALL ized in endorsement agreements with congregational leadership SCM will once more have a booth in the Exhibit Hall. The curi- and covenants with entire congregations. Some congregations ous can discover the world of community ministry at the booth; are installing their community ministers in rituals similar to those SCM members can highlight their ministries and meet their col- for parish ministers. Parish-based ministers need to know what leagues. the options are when a community minister comes to them seek- ing a relationship. This workshop will explore several different ANNUAL MEETING AND RECEPTION options and allow time for questions, discussion, and creative The Community Ministry Focus Group of the UUMA Annual exploration, to help us develop this new way of doing ministry Meeting and (light) Dinner is held on the first night of Ministry together. Days (Monday, June 19 in St. Louis). The event is open to all UUMA members and aspirants in or interested in Community TENDING THE FIRE IV Ministry. Time and location will be announced in the next issue Sponsored by SCM. Panel hosted by Kurt Kuhwald of the UUMA Newsletter (early June - web only) and in an invi- Hear inspiring stories of lay and ordained UU community minis- tation sent in May to all identified UUMA Community Minis- ters who bring healing and social justice ministries to urban ters. There is no charge for this program. Questions about streets, underserved populations, and wherever healing and hope CMFG - contact co-convener Roger Brewin at are needed. Our discussion will open the complex and rewarding [email protected] or (773) 881-4028.

- 19 -

Winter 2006 UUMA News

Personals ~ š{› UURMAPA Workshop Summer Vacation Week at Star Island To all UUMA Chapters. If you have not used the service of the Again this year there will be grants for a free week on Star Is- trained Financial Educators provided by UU Retired Ministers land for UU parish ministers and family. NO MINISTERIAL and Partners Association you have missed a vital service to our RESPONSIBILITIES. ministry. These people provide information which we all need From last year's recipients: to manage our finances and live responsibly. Please consider having one of these people present a workshop, cost paid, at a “For us as a family it was a week without distractions (I am UUMA meeting this year. The names of the trained ministers not sure that has ever happened before): pure magic for all can be gotten by contacting Ralph Mero's office or by emailing of us. If there is anything extra you do today, apply for this Nancy Doughty at [email protected]. grant and then pray (if you do that) with reckless abandon that you find yourself on Star Island next summer.” - Rev. š{› Sue Kingman, Sanford, ME. Video on Black Empowerment Controversy "We were welcomed warmly by Old Shoalers and enjoyed sharing the beauty of the island with them for an entire Each District office has received a copy of "Wilderness Journey: week ... not to mention the good food, the polar bear swims, The Struggle for Black Empowerment and Racial Justice within the tournaments, and the precious porch time. I encourage the Unitarian Universalist Association 1967-70." This documen- all of our colleagues to take advantage of the grant program tary was made by a committee of the Mass Bay District and pri- and experience Star for themselves." Rev. Paige Getty, Co- marily consists of interviews with participants in the events of lumbia, MD. those years.

Contact Brad Greeley at [email protected] or Rosemarie The reverberations from the conflict among BUUC, BAC, Smurzynski at [email protected] for details. BAWA, FULLBAC, and the UUA administration continue to- š{› day and affect people who have only hazy awareness of those acronyms and what they reflect. What could have provoked a COA: Wiki-Study Guide young housewife named Denny Davidoff to confront the UUA Board? What might have been the perceived racial dynamics Have you led a workshop on the UUA Commission on Ap- that caused former LRY President Bill Sinkford to drop out of praisal's report "Engaging Our Theological Diversity"? Or Unitarian Universalism for many years? This video is an excel- maybe an adult RE class? Have you written a newsletter column lent tool for beginning to understand the dynamics of that era. It about it? How about a sermon? Do you think your product has, however, not been widely publicized and so you may need would be beneficial to UUs across the continent? to be insistent in asking your District office to find it to loan to you. If you want further background, Victor Carpenter's “Long You are invited to submit your product for inclusion in the Challenge: The Empowerment Controversy (1967-1977), pub- Wiki-Study Guide! lished in 2003, (available from the UUA Bookstore - Item 6078. $12.00) is a full exploration from a participant in the events and Rather that a single published study guide, the Commission is student of them. organizing a collection of materials by UU ministers, religious educators, and lay folks in the mold of the Internet's Wiki- Rev. Gordon D. Gibson Pedia, to which anyone with knowledge or expertise can con- Minister, UU Fellowship of Elkhart, Indiana tribute. [email protected] or [email protected]

So if you've created discussion questions, or summaries, or š{› small group activities, any anything else you think might be useful on all or part of the report, and you are willing to share your product with the rest of the UU world, please submit your Journal of Religious Humanism work to the Commission [email protected]. It will be added to the The latest issue of the twice yearly publication of HUUmanists Wiki-Study Guide on the Commission's website http:// (the membership organization for humanists with UU affilia- www.uua.org/coa/TheoDiversity/index.html tions) contains articles by our colleagues Christine Robinson on Thanks for all you do on behalf of our faith. the UU Journey beyond Humanism, and Peter Tufts Richardson, critiquing the Commission on Appraisal's report, “Engaging Our Jim Theological Diversity.” This volume also has Mike Werner's Dr. James Casebolt, Chair, UUA Commission on Appraisal take on foundation liberal religious values and Beth Staas' nomi- www.uua.org/coa/ nees from Western literature for a “humanist scripture.” [email protected] (Continued on page 21)

- 20 -

UUMA News Winter 2006

(Personals — Continued from page 20) are as ministers and find ways to communicate better. This sur- The editor guarantees at least one decent sermon idea or illus- vey is designed to collect information on our various ministries, tration in each issue. with a special focus on how ministers see their work as serving the wider community. Please take time to respond. It will help us Discount rates are available to UU ministers and seminarians in planning for the future. Single copies are available for $8, yearly subscriptions for $15 ($28 for two years). The Journal is also included with each š{› membership in HUUmanists, discounted at $35 for one year and $65 for two years. Colleagues should place discount orders through the editor, Rev. Roger Brewin at 10559 S. Wood St. New Safe Congregations Material for Ministers Chicago, IL 60643, [email protected] (773) 881-4028. and their Congregations. ¨ Safe Congregations Handbook: Nurturing Healthy

š{› Boundaries in our Faith Communities

Announcing the formation of Edited by Revs Patricia Hoertdoerfer and Fredric Muir The UU Spiritual Directors' Network (available at UUA Bookstore)

More and more UUs - ministers, seminarians and members - are What a wonderful resource this is! The issues of power, embarking on meaningful life "journeys." Many are actively leadership and developing appropriate guidelines for con- seeking guides to accompany them along the way. In recent gregations and youth groups are all addressed. Of particu- years, a number of UU clergy and lay community ministers lar interest to ministers are the materials dealing with min- have sought training in the ancient practice of spiritual direc- isterial stress, burnout, and the preserving of appropriate tion, and we are currently - eagerly - available to provide direc- ministerial boundaries. Also included are a series of 2 tion for UU seekers. In response to the growing need to connect hour and 45 minute workshops that are appropriate for seekers among us with trained UU directors, I am honored to be groups such as boards, RE committees, youth groups and answering the call to develop The Spiritual Directors' Network. staffs.

Gathering the names and contact information of all ordained ¨ Responsible Staffing: Helping you create Safe Congrega- and lay directors who have completed or are enrolled in a cer- tions for Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults. tificate program in spiritual direction is the first step in develop- (www.uua.org/programs/ministry/responsiblestaffing) ing The Network. If you are a certified director please email me What should churches know when engaging paid and volun- at [email protected]. If you know of lay spiritual directors, teer staff? Should background and reference checks be con- please ask them to email me. After directors are identified, each ducted? How do congregations do that while still being will be asked to submit their contact information, program at- perceived as trusting and welcoming institutions? tended and date of completion, and a brief description of their practice. When all the information is gathered, the directory of ¨ Balancing Acts: Keeping Children Safe in Congregations by spiritual directors will be distributed as a resource to various Rev. Debra Haffner (www.uua.org/cde/ethics/balancing) departments and websites associated with the UUA. If all goes "Among the most difficult decisions congregational leaders well, the directory will be ready for GA and available at the face are those dealing with ethics and safety, including the Community Ministry booth. decision to allow and welcome (or not), someone with a history of sexual offenses/abuse into a congregation." Learn The departments specifically supporting our ministries are en- from the experiences of other churches which have dealt thused about this project and look forward to referring seminari- with these explosive issues. ans, candidates, and ministers to directors from within the de- nomination - directors who are better prepared to meet the Additional resources may be found on the UUA website. unique spiritual needs of our members. I look forward to creat- Rev. Elizabeth B. Stevens ing a resource to enhance the journey! UUMA representative UUA Safe Congregations Team With blessings, Rev. Jade Angelica

š{› How Ministry Relates to the Wider Community.

In the interest of understanding better how our ministries are related to the larger community and how we can, as a profes- sional organization, support those ministries that serve the wider world, the UUMA Exec and the Community Ministry Focus Group have placed online a survey -- www.uuma.org/Survey/MinSurvey.htm -- to identify who we

- 21 -

Winter 2006 UUMA News

(25 year address continued from page 18) are greater than we had imagined; we speak of this vocation not so sure any more. I'm still enough of a product of my up- with passion, commitment, and rejoicing. The privilege of bringing to believe that ignorance and suffering are bad, and standing with people at the deepest and most precious moments that individual freedom and systemic well-being are good, but of their humanity; the high purpose of lifting up our witness I'm no longer confident that they are inevitable. Indeed, my against the evils of the day, and of serving the nobler aspirations work may not be so much to herald the advance of the triumph of human endeavor; the sweet disciplines of the life of the mind of reason and good will, as it is a rear-guard action to delay as and spirit; the dearness of those colleagues from who we re- long as possible the rising flood of renewed violence, supersti- ceive, with whom we share, and to whom we entrust this living tion, oppression, and ruthless power. It's a far less blithe assign- tradition; the joyful high play of common worship; the day by ment, I assure you. day building of covenant communities and effective institutions that literally save lives; these are the gifts that never grow old, What is it, in this cultural landscape of shifting sands, that has and we learn to cherish them more and more as the years hurry held constant? My colleagues are clear that the work of ministry by. continues to be, as it has ever been, both endlessly demanding, and profoundly rewarding. It is on the one hand a crushing bur- One does not arrive at 25 years in the ministry without extraor- den of other people's projections and unreasonable expectations, dinary cause for gratitude; to those parishioners who have en- of institutional dynamics not within our control; a path at times trusted their own spiritual care and the well-being of their lonely and confused, strewn with disappointed hopes and disil- churches into our hands; to the community of colleagues who lusioned ideals, with all too little authority to accomplish what have encouraged, instructed, consoled, challenged, and kept is asked of us, and but scant appreciation even when we do faith with us; and to that creative energy which is the source of achieve the impossible. These vocational dark nights of the soul the strength and wisdom we did not know we had, as well as the are a routine occupational hazard of ministry, and I suppose endless curiosity and hunger for meaning and love that sum- they always have been. The longing to do more than we actually mons us forever onward. In the words of Dag Hammerskjold, can, the frustration with our own and others' finitude, the hunger "For all that has been, thanks. To all that shall be, yes." to be loved and esteemed all the time, are nothing new, and most of us experience them at one point or another. And yet, we consistently affirm that the rewards and satisfactions of ministry

A Lighter Look at Our Profession:

¨ A Woman went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. "What Denomination?" Asked the clerk. "Oh, good heavens! Have we come to this?" said the woman. "Well give me 50 Baptist and 50 Catholic ones."

¨ On a very cold, snowy Sunday in Febru- ary, only the pastor and one farmer arrived at the village church. The pastor said, "Well, I guess we won't have a service to- day." The farmer replied: "Heck, if even only one cow shows up at feeding time, I feed it." So the pastor preached his entire sermon to the lone farmer. He preached passionately and LONG. When he was fin- ished the farmer said, "Yes, Preacher, I would feed one cow if he were the only one to show up - but I wouldn't dump the entire load of hay on 'em!”

“The survey shows that the congregation wants to be spiritually fed and challenged by shorter sermons while adding more support and outreach groups that demand less of their time and money.”

- 22 -

UUMA News Winter 2006

New and Upgraded Members The below list contains the names of individuals who have either joined (or rejoined) the UUMA or have received a membership up- grade since the last UUMA News Printed Version (Sept 2005). Welcome!! For a complete membership directory visit www.uuma.org/members/directory.asp (member password needed) Name Membership Chapter Name Membership Chapter Margaret H. Allen ~ Regular CMW Manish K. Mishra ~ Regular CUUMA Myron D. Andes Candidate Pacific Central James B. Mitchell + Life Northeast Richard E. Benner *+ Life Prairie Star Catie C. Olson * Candidate Prairie Star Carol Bodeau Candidate Pacific Central David R. Ord ~ Regular Southwest Emilie C. Boggis ~ Regular Metro NY Andrew Pakula * Candidate Mass Bay Nancy Bowen ~ Regular Mountain Desert Wendy Pantoja * Candidate Metro NY Paul W. Britner ~ Regular Southeast David B. Parke + Life Mass Bay Laura B. Cavicchio ~ Regular Mass Bay Kenneth W. Phifer + Life Heartland Francis O. Clarkson ~ Regular Mass Bay Stephen E. Phinney ~ Regular CUMMA Bruce M. Clary + Life Mass Bay Amanda K. Poppei * Candidate CUMMA Susan P. Conrad ~ Regular Pacific Central Jeanne M. Pupke *~ Regular PNW Beth E. Cooper Davis * Candidate CMW Elizabeth A. Putnam * Candidate Metro NY Barbara Davenport *+ Life PNW Roger Pym Associate International Bruce V. Davis ~ Regular PNW Rebecca Quimada-Sienes Associate International Theadora Davitt-Cornyn * Candidate Pacific Central Jane Ramsey ~ Regular Pacific Central Deborah Derylak Candidate CMW Jean M. Rowe + Life PK Kathryn L. Ellis * Candidate Ohio-Meadville Bruce Russell-Jayne ~ Regular Mountain Desert James A. Estes * Candidate CUMMA William R. Savage + Life Iroquois Thomas Ferguson Candidate PSW Donald H. Fielding + Life Southwest Ann M. Schranz ~ Regular Pacific Central James P. Hawley + Life PSW Susan M. Shaw * Candidate Florida Deborah Holder ~ Regular Mountain Desert Dillman B. Sorrells + Life Prairie Star Laura M. Horton ~ Regular CMW Alberta-Corinne Tetzlaff *~ Regular CMW Leonard F. Howard * Candidate Southwest Michael J. Tino Candidate Southwest Larry G. Hutchison + Life Heartland Catherine L. Torpey ~ Regular Metro NY Robert G. Janis * Candidate CMW Lois E. Van Leer ~ Regular Mountain Desert Naomi King ~ Regular Iroquois Cheryl M. Walker ~ Regular Metro NY Justin F. Lapoint + Life Southeast Mark Walz Associate Southwest Gerald E. Libby * Candidate Mass Bay Patricia A. Webber + Life UUMOC Ellen D. Livingston + Life PSW Frank T. Willey ~ Regular PSW Megan Lynes Candidate Mass Bay Steven M. Wilson ~ Regular Mass Bay Robert MacDicken ~ Regular Southeast Frank T. Willey ~ Regular PSW Edward S. Michael * Candidate CMW Steven M. Wilson ~ Regular Mass Bay

Key: * Membership will be voted upon at the April Exec Meeting + Upgraded from Regular to Life Member upon Retirement ~ Upgraded from Candidate to Regular Member upon Preliminary Fellowship

Exec are posted to the UUMA website. To allow exceptions UUMA Newsletter Submission Deadlines would be to expose our web person to a potentially continuous stream of requests. ¨ When is the Deadline? May 1 for the Pre GA electronic edition (posted in June) ¨ If I’m happy reading it on line, do you have to send a print ver- August 1, for the Fall edition (posted and mailed in September) sion too? November 1 for the electronic (holiday) edition (posted in Dec) February 1 for the Winter/Spring edition (mailed/posted in No, and we’ll be pleased to save the trees, printing and postage March) costs. Just hit the button on the Newsletter page of the website that says, “Skip the printed version.” Or send an email (be sure ¨ I just missed the deadline; can you edit the posted edition to to include your full name) that says: “SKIP IT” to Janette Lallier include my item? at [email protected].

We can, but in almost every case we won’t. This is one of those Questions? Comments? Contact the editor: things that are technically possible, but humanly very messy. Roger Brewin [email protected] — 773-881-4028. Besides the newsletter, only documents approved by the UUMA

- 23 -

UUMA Office Administrator JANETTE LALLIER 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 Administrator Voice: 617-848-0498; Fax: 617-848-0973; Email: [email protected]

UUMA Executive Committee 2005-2006 KEN SAWYER First Parish in Wayland, Unitarian Universalist; P.O. Box 397; Wayland, MA 01778 President (‘07) 508-358-6133; [email protected]

MARY KATHERINE MORN UU Congregation of Fairfax, P.O. Box 130, Oakton, VA 22124 Vice President (‘07) 202-387-3411; [email protected]

MARK CHRISTIAN First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City, 600 NW 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Secretary (‘06) 405-232-9224; fax 405-232-3843; [email protected]

GAIL GEISENHAINER UU Fellowship of Vero Beach , 1590 27th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 Treasurer (‘08) 772-794-5880; [email protected]

RANDY BECKER - 31 Cunningham Lane, Park Forest, IL 60466-2094 Arrangements (‘08) 708-748-4250; [email protected]

JANE RZEPKA Church of the Larger Fellowship, 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 Chapter Visits (‘08) 617-948-6161; [email protected]

SUSAN MANKER-SEALE 3601 W. Cromwell Dr., Tucson, AZ 85741 Good Offices (‘07) 520-579-7094; [email protected]

ROGER BREWIN 10559 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60643 Publications and Online Communications (’06) 773-881-4028; [email protected]

WAYNE WALDER Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Church; 79 Hiawatha Ave, Toronto, ON M4L 2R6 CENTER (‘06) 416-686-6809; [email protected]

CLYDE GRUBBS Treasure Coast UU Church, 21 SE Central Parkway; Stuart, FL 34994 Anti-racism, Anti-oppression, and Multiculturalism (’07) 772-223-5020; [email protected]

UUMA News Nonprofit Organization Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association U.S. POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA 25 Beacon Street Permit Number 56200 Boston, MA 02108

Return Service Requested

- 24 -