Friday, August 25, 2023

Something For the Moment 

Partial Waivers are Available: We are happy to be able to announce that we have configured our web systems to process partial dues waivers! If a partial waiver (75%, 50% or 25% off your dues) would make membership more sustainable for you please apply here. Waivers must be applied for by October 15th. 

Conference at Berry Street: Time is running out to be the next Berry Street Conference Scribe. The BSE Executive Team are now accepting applications. If you, or someone you know, are interested, please review the BSE Charter, Scribe Job Description, and complete the application by September 15th.

Time UUMA Board for Colleagues in Boston and the Bay Area: The UUMA Board of Trustees has returned to meeting in a retreat setting twice a year. This year the team will be gathering Sept 12-16 in Boston and Feb 20-24, 2024 in Berkley*. During these times the board would like to invite local colleagues, regardless of location, to gather for fellowship and conversation. Please register so we can plan appropriately.

• Reception for Members: Thursday, September 14 at 5:30pm ET
• Dialogue Session (Multi-Platform): Thursday, September 14 at 6pm ET/5pm CT/4pm MT/3pm PT
• Lunch for Local Students: September 15 from 12-2pm ET

Something for the Journey
from Rev. Leslie Takahashi, UUMA Board of Trustees President

First and foremost, my wishes for peace and moments of contentment in this often frazzling season!

As I enter into this new congregational year, I am thinking a lot about the many forms of ministry and how grateful I am for all of them. AND I am especially thinking of those of us who minister in congregational settings this time of year. For those who wish to do this kind of work, my fervent hope is that it will remain a viable channel—and not seen as unlivable or untenable as too many see it now. I am feeling in my bones the questions you are asking about the sustainability of our profession.

Your UUMA Board is about to launch a new season of dialogue sessions (this time with some intentionality around making sure that some of the times are focused on and work for those in non-congregational settings). Dates and times can be found below. We will be continuing our exploration of questions such as “Is it time for us to be able to set more boundaries on the time commitments of ministry so that we can maintain our balance and wellness in a turbulent and unsettling world?” ”How can we best support one another as colleagues—are our old forms working or not working for us? Are there other forms that would supplement what we do?” “How can we best support those who minister in places where their identities make them vulnerable?” and “What tools do we need to aid congregations and institutions in assessing what we do?” 

 That the world we minister in is changing is so clear to us all now. That we need one another is even clearer. Let me and the board know what questions are on your heart at a dialogue session, or by emailing board@uuma.org, or me at president@uuma.org. As we work to advocate what is needed to make ministry in all forms sustainable, we need to hear from you—your needs and your perspective. What are your concerns? Your questions? Let us hear from you.

Be well and stay connected.

In faith and perseverance, Leslie

Dialogue Session Dates: 

• Thursday, September 14 at 6pm ET/5pm CT/4pm MT/3pm PT

• Friday, October 27 at 2pm ET/1pm CT/12pm MT/11am PT

• Saturday, November 18 at 1pm ET/12pm CT/11am MT/10 PT
• February dates forthcoming

• Friday, April 26, 2024 at 12pm ET/11am CT/10am MT/9am PT

• Tuesday, May 21 at 8pm ET/7pm CT/6pm MT/5pm PT

  Please note: Dialogue sessions dates are subject to change and have a minimum registration of 10 members to avoid cancellation. 

Something Extra

Continuing Education Standards Survey: Don’t miss your chance to share your thoughts on our continuing education standards as we continue to build out structures in our new database and website. Please fill out this survey by September 9!