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Metro NY Minute -- September  2008

  
 
News From the District
Frances Sink has joined the District staff as Right Relations Consultant on a part-time basis. A clinical psychologist, Frances brings many years of lay leadership experience to her professional work. Most recently she served on the faculty of the 2008 UU Leadership Team Institute. A member of the Unitarian Church in Westport (CT), Frances is a student at Yale Divinity School and a Candidate for UU ministry. Join Frances and Robert Latham on September 13 for the Committees of Ministries and Conflict Management Workshop. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here.
Twenty-three District congregations welcome new staff this year Acrobat Reader Required. A total of 28 new ministerial, religious education, music, administrative, membership, and social justice professionals begin service. Congratulations!
The Fall 2008 Chalice Lighters called congregation is the UU Congregation at Rock Tavern (NY). Funds collected will be used to help rebuild the congregation's facilities that were destroyed in a devastating fire on September 12, 2006. Four congregations submitted an Intent to Apply for Spring 2009 Chalice Lighters funds. Grant Managers will be assigned to assist in developing their applications, tied to a long-term growth plan.
Are you interested in presenting a workshop at the 2009 District Annual Meeting? The Annual Meeting planners would like to hear from you. The 2009 District Annual Meeting will be held May 1-2, 2008. Workshops should fit the theme "Turn Outward in Faith," focusing on the fourth system -- the Serving System -- in the congregational systems model advanced by Larry Peers. To quote Larry: "Service to others is a powerful way for an individual to grow spiritually. The congregation is attentive to providing support and recognition for individuals to grow through serving others -- and using one’s gifts, talents, or passion in meaningful and powerful ways. This is tied with your community presence: What you do within your congregation and how you serve others in the broader community extends your presence beyond the walls of your congregation." Click here to enter your workshop proposal. 		 
Worth Repeating

The first youth event of the 2008-09 year will be Covenant Con on September 27 at the Community Church New York UU (Manhattan). Attendees will create a covenant to be followed by youth at all District events. In previous years the District's Youth Adult Committee wrote the covenant, but, to be more inclusive and accountable, the process is being opened up to the wider community. All youth and advisers are encouraged to attend. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here.

The UUA Office of Young Adult Ministries is sponsoring a training and networking workshop for young adult and campus ministry professionals. The workshop will be held at the UU Church at Washington Crossing (Titusville NJ) on October 10-11; participants are advised to arrive on the evening of October 9 and depart on October 12. Paid staff in young adult or campus ministry at the congregational, local, district, or other levels are invited to attend. For a flyer and registration form, click here Acrobat Reader Required. For more information, contact Nancy DiGiovanni.
The First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn (NY) is excited to announce the inaugural year of First Acoustics, a monthly folk music festival. The first concert will be held on October 25, featuring Livingston Taylor. Future acts include Holly Near, Olympia’s Daughters, Christine Lavin, and Leon Redbone. Season and single concert tickets are available online or through the church office at 718-624-5466.
More Good Stuff to Check Out!

Worship Service Providers available to District congregations

RE-Sources for religious education leaders

Job opportunities around the District

InterConnections for lay leaders

Action Campaigns of the UUA

UUA Monthly Mailing to all congregations

uuworld.org, UUA's online magazine
A highlight of the 2009 District Annual Meeting will be the presentation of the 2009 Annual Awards Acrobat Reader Required, and you are invited to submit a nomination for one or more awards. The nomination deadline is March 1, 2009.
Did you know? A variety of employment opportunities at District congregations are posted online. Current listings include:
bullet Director of Religious Education, UU Fellowship of Briarcliff, Croton & Ossining (Croton-on-Hudson NY)
bullet Director of Religious Education, First Unitarian Society of Rock County (Pomona NY)
bullet Religious Education Assistant, Unitarian Society of Ridgewood (NJ)
bullet Youth Advisor, Community Unitarian Church at White Plains (NY)
bullet Choir Director, First UU Fellowship of Hunterdon County (Baptistown NJ)
bullet Accompanist, UU Congregation at Washington Crossing (Titusville NJ)
bullet Music Director, UU Fellowship of Briarcliff, Croton & Ossining (Croton-on-Hudson NY)
bullet Youth Program Director, Unitarian Church in Westport (CT)
 
Also included are links to opportunities listed by the Liberal Religious Educators Association, the UUA, and 18 other districts. If you would like to post a job announcement, visit http://uumetrony.org/district/jobform.htm.

Showcase your congregation at General Assembly 2009 in Salt Lake City UT June 24-28, 2009! The District can sponsor up to two Congregation Showcase events and is now soliciting proposals. The deadline is January 1. Click here to submit a proposal. The GA Planning Committee also is soliciting proposals for featured presentations, workshops, worships, lectures, presentations, and performances. All applications must be received by October 15. Click here Acrobat Reader Required for application guidelines.
News From the UUA
October 12 is Association Sunday, a UUA initiative created "to recognize and support, both in spirit and financially, the national work of the Association." Congregations are asked to take a special collection on that day, and to sign up with the UUA Stewardship and Development Office by emailing associationsunday@uua.org, by calling 617-948-6544, or by signing up online. As of September 5, 29 District congregations have registered so far. This year's theme is Growing Our Spirit. Funds will support projects according to the priorities identified in a survey of UU. More than 1,828 UUs responded to the survey. Resources for planning an Association Sunday are available online.
The Commission on Appraisal has completed its draft proposal for changes to Article II of the UUA bylaws, which defines our Principles and Purposes, and is seeking comments until October 16. Visit http://www25.uua.org/coa/ to read the proposed changes and to submit comments. While the seven Principles remain essentially unchanged, the Committee made substantial changes to what are known as the Sources. The current Article II is available at http://www.uua.org/aboutus/bylaws/articleii/index.shtml.
In a full page advertisement Acrobat Reader Required in The New York Times , the UUA affirmed its commitment to having "our doors and our hearts" remain open following the tragic violence that erupted in Knoxville on July 27. The text, signed by UUA President the Rev. Bill Sinkford, said, in part, "We will not give in to fear. We will meet hatred with love. We will continue to work for justice. Unitarian Universalists stand on the side of love. We invite you to stand with us." Read more. To contribute to a fund to place more ads, click here. To contribute to the Knoxville Relief Fund, click here.
 Delegates to General Assembly 2009 in Salt Lake City UT will elect a new president, moderator, and financial advisor, as well as members of decision making boards, commissions, and committees. Get to know the candidates by visiting the UUA election website and by joining the UUA election-l email list, a neutral place for open discussion. To subscribe to election-l, click here.
Skinner House Books announces new titles, including: A Child’s Book of Blessings and Prayers, by Eliza Blanchard --a rich treasury of graces, poems, prayers, and blessings drawn from around the world; Wrestling with Adulthood, Ken Beldon, Editor -- eleven men talk openly about their own experiences becoming adults, including relationships with parents, children, and spouses and partners, as well as the search for a calling. Sonata for Voice and Silence, by Mark Belletini -- weaving words, music and silence into a tapestry of delight; Uncommon Community: One Congregation’s Work with Prisoners, by John Speer -- the story of the Henry David Thoreau UU Congregation of Fort Bend, Texas, and their prison letter writing campaign that became so much more to the prisoners and the congregation.
The Green Sanctuary Program, previously managed by the UU Ministry for Earth, is now part of the UUA. In July, Robin Nelson was appointed Program Manager for Congregational Stewardship Services. Part of Robin's responsibilities is the Green Sanctuary Program. Says Robin, "The UUA is excited to take on the responsibility of managing the Green Sanctuary Program and we look forward to working with congregations to restore the Earth and renew Spirit." Read more Acrobat Reader Required.
The UUA's investment fund has a new name. In his plenary address to the 2008 General Assembly, Treasurer Tim Brennan announced that the UUA's investment fund had a new name: the UU Common Endowment Fund. Brennan said that the new name more accurately characterizes the Fund as a shared resource. Formerly known as the General Investment Fund, the UU Common Endowment Fund (UUCEF) is a professionally managed, diversified investment fund offered by the UUA to manage the assets of congregations, districts, and other UU-related organizations.
The Committee on Committees of the UUA is accepting applications to fill a lay person vacancy on the Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC), the Committee on Socially Responsible Investing (CSRI), and the Committee on Social Witness (CSW). Links to further information about the MFC, the CSRI, and the CSW and to the online application form can be found at www.uua.org/committees. The application deadline is September 12.
 News From Congregations

The First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn (NY) is celebrating its 175th Anniversary on November 1-2. Saturday's events include an evening of theater, dinner, and music. On Sunday, UUA President Bill Sinkford will give the sermon at a celebratory afternoon worship service. For more information, contact Rob Petrillo, Director of Congregational Services, or visit www.fuub.org.

  
Milestones and Transitions

Rosemarie Newberry will be ordained by the UU Congregation of Monmouth County (Lincroft NJ) on November 2 at 5:00 p.m. Note this is a change in date from previous announcements.

Twenty-three District congregations welcome new staff this year. A total of 28 new ministerial, religious education, music, administrative, membership, and social justice professionals begin service. Congratulations!
The youth group of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie (NY) coordinated Wrock for Darfur on August 23 at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie to raise both awareness of and funds for the refugees from the Darfur region of Sudan. The highly successful event raised more than $4000 and offered participants music, a Horcrux Hunt, speakers, games, local vendors, food, face-painting, and tea-leaf and crystal ball readings, among other activities.
October 4 is the 3rd Annual Leadership Development Day at the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock (Manhasset NY), a day-long program to inspire your faith and give you new tools for doing the work of congregational life. Here's what past attendees have said: "Tell more people how great it is." "Please do it again." "Let others know that this program will benefit everyone, whether leaders, chairs, or members." Register by visiting www.uucsr.org after September 10.
The UU Fellowship of Queens (Flushing NY) is holding its annual Revival October 17-19. This years guests will include the Rev. Alicia Forde, the Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, David McClean, Tom Stites, the Rev. Evan Keely (New Jersey), and more. Says the Rev. Ian White Maher, minister at the Congregation: "This is going to be a very exciting event. Great preaching, great food, great music and a great time with one another celebrating our faith and community. Unitarian Universalism DOES have a saving message for our wounded world come hear it, feel it, live it!" For more information, contact the Rev. Maher at ian@uucqueens.org or 718-353-3929.
 The UU Fellowship of Poughkeepsie is hosting the 2008 Annual Meeting of the New York State Convention of Universalists on October 10-11, featuring keynote speaker Charlie Clements, president of the UU Service Committee. Congregations have received registration materials. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. For a brochure and registration form, click here Acrobat Reader Required. For more information, contact Tom Hackett.
The Rev. William Feinberg, newly endorsed Affiliated Community Minister for the UU Fellowship of Huntington (NY), presented a well-received workshop titled Expanding the Experience of Prayer for the Patient and the Interdisciplinary Team at the 28th annual interdisciplinary seminar and meeting of the Hospice & Palliative Care Association of New York State in May.
The UU Fellowship of Huntington (NY) is one of five congregations named an Empowering Congregation by the UUA's Stewardship and Development Department for the Fellowship's outstanding contribution to Association Sunday 2007. Each Empowering Congregation donated more than $50 per member. Read more. To sign up for Association Sunday 2008, October 12, click here.
The UU Congregation of the South Fork (Bridgehampton NY) held a vigil of remembrance and solidarity with the Tennessee Valley UU Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, on the Turnpike in front of their meetinghouse on July 28, ending as the silent vigil in Knoxville was to begin. A sign held by one attendee read, "We Mourn Death in the Family, Knoxville Summer 2008."
The UU Society in Stamford (CT) hosted inspiring guest speakers over the summer, ranging from “Love & Marriage” with wedding vow renewals to a Musical Sunday by Eleanor Dennis. To kick off the 2008-09 year, the congregation will sponsor a book, video, and music sale as part of Stamford’s Arts, Crafts & Blues on September 13-14 and will also continue to host Welcome Dinners.
Other Noteworthy Items
 Murray Grove Retreat and Conference Center in Lanoka Harbor NJ will host Homecoming 2008 -- A Mid-Atlantic Celebration on September 27. The Rev. Dr. Tracy Robinson-Harris will preach on "Truth, Repair and Reconciliation: A Journey in the Spirit of Universalism." Also planned are a Pre-Homecoming Coffee House on September 26 and a Post-Homecoming Service Party on September 27-28. For detailed information and registration, visit www.murraygrove.org.
The UU United Nations Office (UUUNO) played a path-breaking role at a human rights conference in Paris September 3-5 sponsored by the United Nations' Department of Public Information. For the first time at any UN conference of this kind, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues were placed squarely on the agenda, thanks to the initiative of Bruce Knotts, UUUNO Executive Director. Read more.
Meadville Lombard Seminary is now offering courses in weekend and week-long formats that make it easier for working religious professionals and lay leaders to broaden or deepen their theological and congregational understanding. These on-campus courses were designed in a format best suited to developing religious leadership skills.
The Joseph Priestly District is seeking a new Director for Growth responsible for programs that move congregations toward health and enhance the growth of Unitarian Universalism within the Joseph Priestly District and NRG Coop region.
The Joseph Priestly District is sponsoring Leadership Day on October 11 at the UU Church in Cherry Hill (NJ). Doug Zelinski, Metro NY District Program Consultant, will present the Leadership and Growth Track. All are invited to participate. For complete details, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here or visit www.jpduua.org. For more information, contact Pat Infante.
 Alliances for Racial Justice, the fourth annual racial justice conference sponsored by the Joseph Priestly District, will be held October 25 at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. Among the events for the conference is a showing of the 2008 General Assembly Ware Lecture by Van Jones and a panel discussion. Preceding the conference on October 24 will be a workshop titled Transforming Our Whiteness. All are welcome to attend. For complete details, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here or visit www.jpduua.org. For more information, contact the Rev. Richard Speck.
Upcoming Workshops and Meetings
Visit the District's Calendar and Events page for these and other events:
 
bullet Workshop on Committees on Ministry and Conflict Management: September 13, Community Church of New York UU, Manhattan. For a flyer, click here . To register, click here. For more information, contact Andrea Lerner.
bullet Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) District Chapter Fall Meeting: September 18. For more information, contact Melaney Mashburn.
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Junior Youth Retreat: September 20-21, Camp Ma-Kee-Ya, Harriman State Park, NY. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here. For more information, contact Peter Green.
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Start as You Mean to Continue: New DRE Workshop: September 22-23, Xavier Center, Convent Station NJ. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here. For more information, contact Andrea Lerner.
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Administration of an RE Program: Renaissance Module: September 23-25, Xavier Center, Convent Station NJ. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here. For more information, contact Andrea Lerner.
bullet Covenant Con:  September 27, Community Church of New York UU, Manhattan. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here. For more information,contact Corinne Hallander.
bullet UU Ministers Association District Chapter Meeting: October 1, Community Church of New York UU, Manhattan. For more information, contact the Rev. Tony Johnson.
bullet Leadership Development Day: October 4, sponsored by and held at the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset NY. To register, visit www.uucsr.org after September 10. For more information, contact the Rev. Jennifer Brower.
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Young Adult and Campus Ministry Training: October 9-12, UU Church at Washington Crossing, Titusville NJ, sponsored by the UUA Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry. For a flyer and registration form, click here Acrobat Reader Required. For more information, contact Nancy DiGiovanni.
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New York State Convention of Universalist 2008 Annual Meeting: October 10-11, UU Fellowship of Poughkeepsie (NY). For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. For a brochure and registration form, click here Acrobat Reader Required. For more information, contact Tom Hackett.
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Youth Advisor Workshop: October 18, UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset NY, sponsored by the District. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here. For more information, contact Andrea Lerner.
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Presidents Roundtable: October 18, Community Church of New York UU, Manhattan, for congregational presidents, vice presidents, and ministers. To register, click here. For more information, contact Andrea Lerner.  For more information, contact Andrea Lerner.
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Jubilee 1 Anti-Racism Workshop: October 24-25, UU Fellowship of Northern Westchester, Mount Kisco NY, sponsored by the District Anti-Racism and Diversity Committee. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Michael Tino.
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bullet OWL Training: November 7-9, UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset NY. Elementary, Jr/Sr High, and Young Adult/Adult training will be offered. For more information, contact Andrea Lerner.
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Spirituality Development Con: November 14-16, South Nassau UU Congregation, Freeport NY. For more information, contact Corinne Hallander.
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Youth Advisor Workshop: November 22, Unitarian Church in Summit NJ, sponsored by the District. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here. For more information, contact Andrea Lerner.
bullet Rock N Run: December 26-28, First Unitarian Society of Westchester, Hastings-on-Hudson NY. For more information, contact Corinne Hallander.
 

Guided by our living faith, the Unitarian Universalist District of Metropolitan New York exists to be a source of connection and transformation for our congregations and our larger world.