Last updated: 01/06/2009

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Metro NY Minute -- October  2008

  
 
News From the District
A message from District Executive Andrea Lerner: "As I was preparing to write a letter to congregational leaders to offer support for you as we pass through these troubling financial times, this letter from Florida District Executive Kenn Hurto came across my computer screen – and it can hardly be improved. I thought I’d share it in its entirety – and ask you the same questions he poses: · What does an optimistic faith have to offer in times when hope runs thin or when cultural anxiety overwhelms? · Where is our center? · What values can we rely on? · Can we, will we rely on one another? · How do we minister to each other, practically, now? I invite the congregational presidents to discuss these questions on their listserve – and the rest of you to send comments to me at alerner@uua.org for compilation and later distribution. We can be a blessing to each other." Read more Acrobat Reader Required.
The 2008-09 District Directory, part of the District's online Contact Information System, is now available at a password-protected website. Contact your congregation's Minister, Board President, Director of Religious Education, or Administrator if you would like a copy of the Directory. The Contact Information System includes the Directory and a variety of other resources, including email lists and mailing labels.
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 [proposed building pictured at left] that were destroyed in a devastating fire on September 12, 2006. For a project description, click here Acrobat Reader Required.
Presentation of the 2009 District Awards and 2009 District Scholarships will be a highlight of the 2009 District Annual Meeting. You are invited to submit a nomination for one or more of four awards, and to encourage youth to apply for a scholarship. The nomination and application deadline is March 1, 2009.
More than 40 District youth and youth advisors gathered on September 27 at Community Church in New York UU (Manhattan) to write this year's District youth covenant. This covenant will be followed at all District youth events in the 2008-09 year. In previous years the District's Youth Adult Committee (YAC) wrote the covenant. Because a covenant is an agreement between all members of the community, this year the process of writing the covenant was open to all senior high youth in the District. Read the covenant Acrobat Reader Required.		  
Worth Repeating

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.

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 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 www.uua.org/aboutus/bylaws/articleii/index.shtml.
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.
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
News From the UUA
During the opening of the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, UUA President Bill Sinkford participated in a meeting of members of the US peace movement and high level Iranian officials. The meeting was organized by the Fellowship of Reconciliation, one of the oldest peace organizations in the US. The Rev. Sinkford was joined by a delegation of UUs (pictured), including Adam Gerhardstein, Acting Director of the UUA Washington Office for Advocacy, Bruce Knotts, Executive Director of the UU United Nations Office (UUUNO), Marilyn Mehr, Board President of the UUUNO, and Helen Lindsay and Marion Ward, UUs who traveled to Iran with Fellowship of Reconciliation peace-building delegations. The Rev. Sinkford was one of twelve attendees invited to address the Iranian delegation. Read more.
The UU Church at Washington Crossing (Titusville NJ) is featured in the current issue of the Annual Program Fund Quarterly, which describes how church Canvass Committee Chair Andrew Kidd and his team "established a positive and compelling case for increased giving and engaged in a highly successful and energizing face-to-face canvass process." Read more Acrobat Reader Required. Also included in the issue is a piece by the Rev. Hope Johnson, minister at the UU Congregation of Central Nassau, explaining how the congregation overcame challenges to meet its Fair Share to the UUA and its Full Share to the District. The piece originally appeared in the July/August issue of the Metro NY Minute.
A variety of resources are available from the UUA to support your congregation's voter registration effort. There isn't much time left though before the November 4 election: the voter registration deadline is October 10 in New York, October 14 in New Jersey, and October 21 in Connecticut. The deadline in Pennsylvania has already passed (October 6). Read more.
 The 7th National Midsize Congregation Conference will be held February 6-8, 2009, at the Hilton Post Oak Lodge in Houston, Texas. The keynote presenter will be Dr. L. Lee Knefelkamp, a National Scholar and award winning teacher. Dr. Knefelkamp has written extensively and presented widely on inclusive excellence, intellectual and identity development, intercultural and diversity issues, and moral and ethical development. The keynote program will focus on achieving excellence in the midsize congregation by tapping into the passion and talent of our vibrant faith communities, and by developing and including multicultural connections. Dr. Knefelkamp will also be the keynote speaker at Leading Congregations into a Multiracial, Multicultural Future, April 3-5, 2009, at the Post Oak Lodge in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The UUA offers congregations a wide variety of grants, ranging from the First Home Grant Program supporting the first-time purchase of land or facilities, to the Fund for UU Social Responsibility, to the Clara Bancroft Beatley Fund for participants in the religious education Renaissance program. For a summary of available grants, click here Acrobat Reader Required. A new funding program -- the Small Projects Loan Pilot Program administered by the director of Congregational Stewardship Services and the UUA treasurer -- is now offered as well, providing smaller, shorter term loans for three broad categories of projects: mission-oriented, environmentally friendly, and critical/emergency.
President Bill Sinkford announced on September 16 that six youth and two youth advisor positions have been added to the Youth Ministry Working Group (YMWG), bringing the total representation to ten youth, two youth advisors, and eight other adults (including young adults). The YMWG is charged with recommending to the UUA administration and Board of Trustees a new framework for UU youth ministry based on the 2005-2007 Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth and the related Summit on Youth Ministry. Read more.
 News From Congregations

The UU Church at Washington Crossing (Titusville NJ) has installed a 9.5-kilowatt solar energy system that allows it to generate about 90 percent of the electricity it uses from the sun. The congregation marked the system’s activation with a ceremonial “throwing of the switch,” on October 5. "Solar panels represent one way UUs can walk our talk, affirming and promoting our principle of respecting the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part,” says Pamela Shadzik, board president. Read more Acrobat Reader Required.

  
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.

Jef Gamblee will be ordained by the Community Unitarian Church at White Plains (NY) on January 25, 2009, at 4:00 p.m.
The Rev. Forrest Church, Minister of Public Theology at the Unitarian Church of All Souls (Manhattan), was featured in a September 28 article of the New York Times titled "His Death Postponed, a Minister Repeats His Farewell Sermon." Read the article.
 The UU Congregation of Queens (Flushing NY) is holding its annual Revival October 17-19. This year's guests include Nick Page (pictured) as Revival Music Director, the Rev. Alicia Forde, the Rev. Wendy Pantoja, David McClean, the Rev. Evan Keely, Kyle Reeves, Melanie Mashburn, 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." For more information or help with carpooling, contact the Rev. Maher at ian@uucqueens.org or 718-353-3929.
The Rev. Addae Lee Watson, minister at the First Universalist Church of Southold (NY), celebrated a name-changing ceremony on August 1. Her new name is the Rev. Addae Ama Kraba. The ceremony took place in the presence of the Traditional Elder's Council, community, and family members in the village of Elmina, Ghana, West Africa. The name Ama Kraba was given to her by Nana Kwesi Tandoh IV and is the name of his late great grandmother, a queen in her own right. As in the African tradition, his kingship derives from her matrilineal source.
 CHANGE IN DATE: The First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn (NY) is celebrating its 175th Anniversary on January 31-February 1 (previously reported as 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.
The Unitarian Church in Westport (CT) is sponsoring a workshop on Communicating With Compassion: Foundations of Nonviolent Communication on October 18-19. The workshop facilitator is Jerry Koch-Gonzalez, long-time social change activist, diversity and organizational consultant, founder of New England NVC, and co-founder of the Institute for Peaceable Communities. Read more Acrobat Reader Required from the Rev. Margie Allen, Associate Minister at Westport. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here.
The Fourth Universalist Society (Manhattan) now offers a Taize-style worship series, consisting of song, spoken verse, and quiet reflection by candlelight. All are invited to participate from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. on October 22, November 19, and December 17 in the sanctuary at 160 Central Park West.
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.
 At the UU Society in Stamford (CT), September was a busy homecoming month. The Book and Bake Sale was a great success, netting a total of over $1000. The Society continues to host popular Welcome Dinners: A recent Welcome Dinner drew nearly 50 people, many of which met before hand to make an array of different lasagnas.
Other Noteworthy Items
 Bill Moyers Journal, airing on PBS on September 12, included a piece on media-driven hate speech and focused in part on the recent shooting at the Tennessee Valley UU Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. View the video or read the transcript.
The UU Musicians Network (UUMN) is a membership organization whose mission is "nurture, educate, and inspire UU music leaders to create dynamic and transformative music ministries." Granted Professional Organization status by the UUA in 2004, the UUMN provides, among other services, district liaisons to help congregations support a vibrant music program. The liaisons in the Metro NY District are the Rev. Dr. Ed Thompson, Minister of Music at the Unitarian Church in Westport (CT), and Marorie Herman, Music Director at the UU Congregation of Princeton (NJ)
Meadville Lombard Seminary a UU seminary based in Chicago, Illinois, is holding a Prospective Student Conference on November 12-13, 2008. Visit and learn about degree programs (Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religion, and Doctor of Ministry) as well as the new Community Partnership Program for first-year students, a practicum that engages students in both community and classroom from the start of their seminary life. Learn, too, how you may attend Meadville Lombard even if you cannot move to Chicago. Visit our website for details about our degree programs, the Community Partnership Program, the world-class faculty, and how to register for the conference. Or contact Erika Chavez, Director of Admissions, at echavez@meadville.edu or 773-256-3000 ext 250 for more information.
 Registration is now open for the 2009 UU Civil Rights Living Legacy Pilgrimage, scheduled for February 11-18, 2009. The trip will begin and end in Birmingham, Alabama, and will include bus travel with stops at sites and visits with Civil Rights veterans in Marion, Selma, and Montgomery, Alabama, as well as Meridian and Philadelphia, Mississippi. More than a tour of past history, this Living Legacy Pilgrimage is being planned by a team of people who participated in Meadville Lombard's Southern Civil Rights Tour last March and found themselves deeply moved to the point of envisioning something more. Leaders in the UUA will be among the participants, but the Pilgrimage is open to anyone. Registration deadline is December 15. For more information, contact Glenn Johnson, Thomas Jefferson District at 800-549-0751.
Upcoming Workshops and Meetings
Visit the District's Calendar and Events page for these and other events:
 
bullet 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.
bullet 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. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here. 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 a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Michael Tino.
bullet Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) Fall Conference: October 24-27, Albuquerque NM.
bullet Elementary OWL Training: November 7-9, UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset NY. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here. For more information, contact Andrea Lerner.
bullet Jr/Sr High OWL Training: November 7-9, UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset NY. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here. For more information, contact Andrea Lerner.
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Adult or Young Adult OWL Training: November 7-9, UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset NY. For a flyer, click here Acrobat Reader Required. To register, click here. 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.
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Rock N Run: December 26-28, First Unitarian Society of Westchester, Hastings-on-Hudson NY. For more information, contact Corinne Hallander.
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Anti-Racism and Social Action Con: January 16-18, 2009, First Unitarian Society of Plainfield (NJ). 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.