Something For the Moment 

• Ministry Days Watch Parties: Thank you to all who attended our brainstorming and information session on Ministry Days Watch Parties. We continue to hear rumors about folks planning gatherings around Ministry Days. In the hope of doing our best to support these gatherings, if you, or one of your local colleagues, are thinking of hosting a party this June and you were unable to attend, you can watch the gathering here.  If you have thoughts you would like to add, please email Janette.  If you are interested in applying to host a party site, please complete this application by February 15. 

• UUMA Peer Coaching Program. Are there skills you are looking to develop in your ministry? Are there new learnings you would like to integrate into your ministry setting? Are you discerning the evolution of your call? Then, it might be time to try Coaching. No matter how long we’ve been serving, we never have every art of ministry perfected. Peer clergy coaching can provide clarity, encouragement, structure, and accountability to help you grow. For more information or to sign up, click here or email coaching@uuma.org.

• How to Read Our Contract and Why it Matters: Offered by members of the Good Offices Contract/Call Negotiation Support Team. This session will be especially helpful for people who will be in search this year, but all colleagues who would like to build their skills in reading their contract are warmly invited. Click date to register: Thurs Feb 8, 2-3pm ET/ 1-2pm CT/ 12-1pm MT/ 11am-12:pm PT/ 9-10am HT

Something for the Journey

Allison King, UUMA Lifelong Learning Assistant

When I started with the UUMA over 6 years ago, I had no idea how long I would stay. I’ve had many administrative support jobs over the years, and it always felt to me like it was something I was doing “for now.” My “real” life is in music, and it has been a lifelong dream to make 100% of my living in music. Anyone who has ever tried to do that can tell you that it is the rare individual who manages to do it, let alone do it out of the gate. There are always periods where you’re not doing what you want to do, when you supplement your income by taking work in areas other than your heart’s desire – you know, the proverbial “day job.” 

I can’t really say at what point my work with UUMA transitioned from my “this is what I do for money” into “this is what I do.” Somewhere along the way, being part of the family that is the UUMA staff felt important and meaningful. Learning to do new things to help our processes flow more smoothly or efficiently became a joy. Knowing that the little things that I do had an impact on someone’s learning or experience of collegiality became deeply satisfying. I’ve rarely had a job where, at the end of the day, my thoughts are “shoot, time to go!” instead of “thank god that’s over.”

I may never truly discern the depth of the impact you all have had on me. I feel that I have grown immensely as a person, and I can see how my approach in certain situations is different than it would have been 5 years ago. I try to walk in the world leading with compassion rather than reaction. You all taught me that. My new chapter will be combining both of my works – my administrative support skills, and my life as a UU musician, as I move into the role of Executive Administrator for the Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries. It’s exciting and a little bit terrifying, but I feel ready for the challenge. I got that from you, as well. 

The gratitude that I have for all that the UUMA has given me is immeasurable. I especially want to thank the Executive Team for their compassionate and gentle leadership, and for creating an engaging work environment. Thank you to my delightful colleagues for being supportive and caring, celebrating triumphs together, and offering love and comfort in times of loss. I will miss being with all of you.

Thank you all for giving me the tremendous gift of you. My heart is full.

Something Extra

• Is Your Whole Staff In Their Professional Organization? We all know a strong staff is essential to the success of any congregation or organization.  The UUMA works hard to support and resource you so that you can minister well, but did you know there are UU professional organizations for many types of religious professionals? And more, do you encourage your congregation to support professional membership for all your staff?  We invite you to take a moment to read this article: Is Your Whole Staff In Their Professional Organization
   
• It’s Benefits Tune-Up Month: Show Your Staff the Love! Thoroughly understanding the rules and requirements of UUA benefits can be a challenge for the staff and lay leaders who administer them. In February, the UUA asks congregations to “Show Your Staff the Love” by completing the Benefits Tune-up Workbook. You’ll find the Benefits Tune-up Workbook and Tip Sheet on this page. Thank you for sharing these resources with the appropriate staff and lay leaders.
   
• Two upcoming Trainings for Good Offices People: 
  Direct Address: Resources for Discernment and Support: Led by our Good Offices Right Relationship Team Tuesday, February 6, 1-2pm ET/ 12-1pm CT/ 11am-12pm MT/ 10-11am PT/ 8-9am HT
  
  Learning to Support Colleagues Whose Lives are Touched by Addiction: Led by Nathan Detering and Lane-Mairead Campbell  Friday, March 8, 12-1pm ET/ 11am-12pm CT/ 10-11am MT/ 9-10am PT