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Metro NY
Minute -- December 2008 |
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News
From the District
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 District
Executive Andrea Lerner shares a timely message. In his
book, The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen's
Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear, Paul Loeb includes an essay
titled
"The Small Work in the Great Work" by the Rev.
Victoria Safford, minister of White Bear UU Church, in
Mahtomedi, Minnesota. Here's an excerpt:
Our mission is to plant ourselves at the gates of
hope--not the prudent gates of Optimism, which are somewhat
narrower; nor the stalwart, boring gates of Common Sense;
nor the strident gates of Self-Righteousness, which creak on
shrill and angry hinges (people cannot hear us there; they
cannot pass through); nor the cheerful, flimsy garden gate
of "Everything Is Gonna Be All Right." But a different,
sometimes lonely place, of truth-telling about your own soul
first of all and its condition, the place of resistance and
defiance, from which you see the world both as it is and as
it could be, as it will be; the place from which you glimpse
not only struggle but joy in the struggle.
The Spring 2009 Chalice Lighters recipient will be the
UU
Legislative Ministry of New Jersey, which will use
funds collected to hire part-time staff. The Fall 2008
Chalice Lighters recipient 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. For a
project description,
click here
 .
As of December 2, 2008 $9,278 has been collected.
Read more
from Bill Slezak, District Chalice Lighters Coordinator.
The District Anti-Racism and
Diversity Committee is sponsoring an Anti-Racism in
Worship workshop on January 31, 2009, at the First
Unitarian Society of Plainfield (NJ). For more information,
contact the Rev. Wendy
Pantoja.
Mark Bernstein, Growth Consultant
for the Joseph Priestley District, will support the Metro NY
District's growth efforts through a cooperative arrangement
among the Metro NY, Joseph Priestley, St. Lawrence, and
Ohio-Meadville districts.
The Middle Atlantic Regional Large
Church Conference is planned for March 6-7, 2009, at All
Souls Church, Unitarian, in Washington DC. Join other lay
leaders, clergy, and staff from the four-district region
that comprises the Metro NY, Joseph Priestley, St. Lawrence,
and Ohio Meadville districts. An outstanding keynote
speaker, workshops, and connections between large and
large-midsize congregations are part of what is planned.
Additional details are forthcoming. Midsize III
congregations (350+ members) aspiring to be Large (500+
members) are also welcome.
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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.
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.
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 December 15.
Click here to submit a proposal.
Calling all young
adults! Come to the
Young Adults Winter Retreat and
spend Presidents Day Weekend (February 13-16, 2009)
in community with fellow District young adult UUs at
Frost Valley YMCA Camp in Claryville NY! Stay three
nights in a beautiful 40-person, environmentally
friendly lodge with a wood-burning fireplace. Meet
new friends, re-connect with old ones, and just
relax in the Catskill mountains. Participate in arts
and crafts, hiking, or snow tubing -- to name a few
activities -- or take some time for personal
reflection. Nightly worship lead by a District young
adult religious professional and an open-mic night
are also in store.
Registration includes all meals
and is $200 as of December 1 and $250 as of January
1, 2009. Registration ends February 1, 2009
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
UU
Service Committee news
Small Talk newsletter for small UU
congregations |
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News From the UUA
 In
response to the passage of Proposition 8 in California, the
UUA has filed a petition with the California Supreme Court
asking the Court to invalidate Proposition 8. The UUA
was joined in the petition by the UU Legislative Ministry of
California and other religious leaders and faith
organizations.
Read more. The UUA has also produced a video
that uses images gathered from UUs across North America who
have advocated for marriage equality or been joined in equal
marriage. The video also celebrates the role of UU clergy in
officiating at these services.
See the video.
Be sure your congregation files for certification by February 2 (8:00 p.m. ET). Visit http://dyn.uua.org/congregation/ to file for certification. The certification filing process is used to report congregations' official membership numbers, which determine the number of member delegates allowed at General Assembly and at the District Annual Meeting and which determine Fair Share contributions to the UUA and Full Share contributions to the District. Only certified congregations can send delegates to General Assembly and to the District Annual Meeting, and only certified congregations can vote on the draft Statement of Conscience on Peacemaking. The UU Congregation at Shelter Rock (Manhasset NY) and the UU Fellowship of Huntington (NY) are sponsoring on February 28, 2009, a Peacemaking Forum in preparation. See the story under News from Congregations.
Election of a new UUA president will take place at General Assembly next June. The Rev. Dr. Laurel Hallman and the Rev. Peter Morales are both candidates. Complete information about the candidates is available online, including a new transcript and video of a Candidates Forum recorded in Worcester MA on October 18. Participate in open discussion about the election by joining the UUA-sponsored election listserve.
Ethical Eating was selected by delegates at General Assembly 2008 to be the 2008-2010 Congregational Study/Action Issue. Resources are now available, including the Ethical Eating Study Guide. The guide provides a suggested “Menu Plan” that maps out nearly two years' worth of options for congregational programming. The format allows each congregation to tailor its study to its particular interests and needs. Stage two of the Guide will be released in December: a Worship Guide with sermon excerpts, readings, and hymn suggestions.
News From Congregations
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 The
UU Congregation of Monmouth County (Lincroft NJ)
ordained Rosemarie Newberry on November 2 as a UU
minister. Rosemarie has been a member of the congregation
since 1994 and will now serve as the congregation's first
endorsed Community Minister. In her role as a Community
Minister, Rosemarie will continue her work with
developmentally disabled men and women at the New Lisbon
Developmental Center. Community Ministers are qualified in
ministries such as counseling, chaplaincy, social justice,
or education in religious studies. Endorsement by a
congregation includes a pledge of continuing relationship
and affirmation that the work is recognized by the endorsing
body as ministry.
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Milestones and Transitions
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. Susan
Karlson will be installed by the Unitarian
Church of Staten Island (NY) on April 26, 2009,
at 5:00 p.m. |
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The UU Legislative Ministry of New Jersey (UULMNJ) will hold its second annual meeting on February 7, 2009, in Montclair. This meeting will build upon a successful planning meeting held in November, at which the Rev. Alison Miller inspired and challenged participants to determine what they are called to do to bring UU principles to bear in the public policy arena. The annual meeting will include the election of UULMNJ's first board of directors and workshops to strategize on priority issues and develop a congregational core action model. The UULMNJ is grateful to be called for the Spring 2009 Chalice Lighters and is looking forward to visiting congregations throughout the District.
The Unitarian Church in Summit (NJ) is celebrating its centennial, which included a service with remembrances of the many important events that occurred at the church followed by a fun-filled block party. More importantly, congregational leaders have formed a Centennial Celebration Committee with the goal of raising $100,000 to be used to provide or enhance educational opportunities for underserved children and youth in America and throughout the world. For the holidays, the church is selling Centential Fund donation gift cards
to support the fundraising effort.
Peggy Schlechter, Director of Religious Education at the UU Congregation of Central Nassau (Garden City NY), offers Sharing Our Gifts, a UU lesson for the home in a video format. Peggy describes a project parents can do at home to make gift-giving part of children's spiritual journey.
The UU Congregation of Danbury (CT) voted last May to join the New Sanctuary Movement, an interfaith coalition in support of immigrants. The congregation was the first church of any denomination in Connecticut to join New Sanctuary Movement. Danbury has become a lightning rod, both amongst restrictionists and pro-immigrant activists. The Social Action Committee of the congregation has been among the most prominent of the activists. Read more
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The UU Congregation at Shelter Rock (Manhasset NY) and the UU Fellowship of Huntington (NY) are sponsoring on February 28, 2009, a Peacemaking Forum in preparation for the vote on the draft Statement of Conscience on Peacemaking taking place at General Assembly next June. The Rev. Dr. Paul Rasor, Director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at Virginia Wesleyan College and author of Prophetic Nonviolence: Toward a Unitarian Universalist Theology of War and Peace, will be the featured speaker. Opportunities for discussion and for developing peacemaking action plans will also be part of the program. Registration is not required but please RSVP for the lunch count to Elaine Corrao at 516-627-6560 ext 133.
The Unitarian Society, A UU Congregation (East Brunswick NJ) hosted the 33rd annual Community Thanksgiving Service on November 25. The congregation is in the process of renovating its sanctuary, and the new (comfortable) chairs and colorful linoleum floor were appreciated by the nearly 150 guests from the wider community who attended this interfaith service. People received a warm and inclusive Unitarian Universalist welcome!
The South Nassau UU Congregation (Freeport NY) hosted the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 23, a memorial service commemorating all transgender people who have died this year due to hatred or discrimination based on their gender identity.
The UU Society in Stamford (CT) gained six new members on November 9, the largest number of new members in four years. For the second month, attendance at the Society's New to the Stamford UU workshops has exceeded expectations, and, on a recent Sunday, 86 people attended the service.
Other Noteworthy Items
 Looking for a great gift idea? The Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) sells a wide variety of UU jewelry and note cards. Receive a 20% discount if you mention the Metro NY District by name! Visit http://clf.uua.org/catalog/. For a flyer to post, click here
. Also visit the UUA Bookstore's Holiday Gift Guide. When you've made your choices, visit the UUA Bookstore by clicking here, and get a 10% discount on all UUA Bookstore books. The discount is applied at checkout. Look for the code nl1108; if you don't see it, call Rose Hanig at 800-215-9076.
Need a B&B for the Obama Inauguration? Members of the UU Church of Arlington in Virginia are opening their homes to fellow UUs from January 16 to January 22 for lodging during President-elect Obama's inauguration. Accommodations range from sleeping on the sofa to a private room and bath, with prices accordingly. All homes are conveniently located in the DC metro area (mainly Arlington VA, Alexandria VA, Fairfax VA) and accessible to the subway system. This is a fundraiser; all proceeds benefit the church. To request a reservation, please visit www.uucava.org and click on "UUCA Hosts4Change".
The UU Service Committee (UUSC) is sponsoring a Human Rights Youth Photo Contest open to youth aged 12 to 18. Submission deadline is April 30, 2009. For more information and flyer to post, click here. The UUSC is also sponsoring a Bright Light Challenge for Religious Educators: Creating Teaching Moments with Human Rights. Religious educators can submit ideas for fun, creative, and interactive ways for communities to celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its connections to UUSC's work. For more information, click here.
The International Convocation of UU Women, the first-ever international gathering of UU women scheduled for February 26-March 1, 2009 in Houston TX, has registered over 400 persons! Countries represented include the United States, England, Romania, India, Uganda, Kenya, Japan, and the Philippines. Visit www.icuuw.com to read bios of inspiring international speakers, join the online community, and register to attend and/or register for an exhibit table. When four people from the same congregation register, each will receive a $25 rebate at the Convocation. The first 200 UU ministers and seminary students to register will receive a $50 rebate. Youth and young women ages 14-35 can register for just $299. Reservations for exhibit tables start at just $150.
TUUL-Belt Ministry, a volunteer organization supported administratively by the District and managed by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, previously a Ministerial Intern at the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood (NJ), is one of the organizations featured in a New York Times article describing how 60 tons of high-end tile were delivered to New Orleans to help residents rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Read the article.
The Murray Grove Retreat and Conference Center announces new programs for 2009, including a UU New Years with the Rev. Craig Hirshberg; A Woman's Retreat: Honoring Your Path as a Woman, led by Margaret Moro; Self-Care: The Language of the Soul
, with the Rev. Nate Walker; Community Drum and Dance Retreat; and Homecoming Weekend.
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Upcoming Workshops and Meetings
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and Events
page for these and other events: |
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UU Ministers
Association District Chapter Post-Holiday Party,
January 4, 2009, location in Manhattan to be
announced. For more information, contact the
Rev. Tony
Johnson. |
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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..
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Jubilee 2:
January 16, January 17, January 18, 2009, sponsored by and
held at the First Unitarian Congregational Society in
Brooklyn (NY). For more information, contact
Michael
Richardson.
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Anti-Racism
in Worship workshop:
January 31, 2009, First Unitarian Society of Plainfield
(NJ), sponsored by the District Anti-Racism and Diversity
Committee. For more information, contact the
Rev. Wendy Pantoja.
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Youth Con:
February 20-22, 2009, Unitarian Society of Ridgewood (NJ).
For more information, contact
Corinne Hallander.
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Peacemaking:
Preparing for GA 2009: February 28, UU Congregation
at Shelter Rock, Manhasset NY, sponsored by the UU
Congregation at Shelter Rock and the UU Fellowship of
Huntington (NY).
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Middle Atlantic Large Church
Conference: March 6-7, All Souls, Unitarian, Washington DC.
For more information, contact
Andrea Lerner. |
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Youth Con: March 6-8,
Unitarian Church of Summit (NJ). For more information, contact
Corinne Hallander. |
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