It’s Not Too Late for Coaching!: Did you miss the start of Coach Training? Our first session was energizing and deeply engaging—and it’s not too late to join. This is one of those opportunities you’ll wish you had said yes to. Register now (here: https://members.uuma.org/site_event_detail.cfm?pk_association_event=36924) to receive the Zoom link and session materials and dive into the learning with us.
Nominations By Petition: We are grateful for the care and diligence of the Nominating Committee, which is finalizing its work and expects to share a slate shortly. As we move toward our Annual Meeting, we want to remind members that, in addition to the forthcoming slate from the Nominating Committee, nominations may also be made by petition in accordance with the UUMA Bylaws:
Article XI Section 6: Nominations by petitions shall be made by a signed petition of ten or more voting members. Petitions shall indicate the office sought and must be submitted to the President not less than 45 days prior to the annual meeting, along with indication by the candidate of their willingness to accept nomination.
Anyone wishing to nominate by petition may do so by email to president@uuma.org
Oops – Calling All Chapter Leaders – The events posted in last week’s email did not work as we expected! Thank you for your graciousness as you click the below date to register for the call that best fits your schedule:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 NRSV
Much of the work the UUMA Board has engaged in this year centers around hiring a new member of the Executive Team as well as compensating them in a fair and just manner. It’s a bittersweet process: while we look forward to welcoming a new person this summer, it also means saying farewell to Melissa Carvill Ziemer, who has been so instrumental to the success of the organization during her tenure. She will subsequently start a new chapter in her ministry which we wish her the best on.
As one chapter closes, another always opens.
It’s during transitions that I think about one of my favorites of the Jewish scriptures, from the book of Ecclesiastes, that was eventually turned into a folk song by Pete Seeger and popularized by The Byrds: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Many philosophers and theologians have posited for centuries that one of the few certainties in life is change. On a cellular level, the cells comprising each one of us and every other living thing are constantly dying and being replaced by new life. Just so, every person who is born will eventually die. And, in our lives, everything that starts will eventually end somehow, even if it’s by our own death: friendships, relationships, careers, abilities, health.
And let’s not gloss over the ever-changing story of international, national, state, provincial, and local politics, which changes not only day-to-day but minute-to-minute.
Transitions seems an apt topic this time of year. Ministries are ending and others will soon begin. So many are engaged in the candidating and contracting processes right now seeking where they will next be called. And many are watching ministries end, sometimes under happy or bittersweet circumstances, other times under conditions less ideal.
At the same time, so many beloved colleagues have died this year that I might have lost track, colleagues whose ministries shaped mine and so many others. Each time this happens, it feels like a light goes out in the world, and grief seemingly envelops us.
Here’s what I want to propose: there is grief in each of these transitions: grief for what was, what might have been, what we hoped for. That’s the nature of change: nothing will ever be the same as before, so even seemingly positive transitions can evoke grief because it means our world is shaken up yet again. I’ve talked to more than one congregant who retired and now is deep in grief because they find themselves reinventing their post-career lives.
The thing about change is no one said we have to like it. What it does remind us is how much we need each other. My congregants often tell me how much the church means to them because it offers a place of refuge in a constantly changing world.
But it reminds me that we who minister need each other in these times as well. I feel off if I have to miss a cluster or a chapter meeting; I love seeing beloved colleagues. I daresay the support of colleagues is why I am still in ministry.
For everything there is a season, and the constant changing of the seasons is a reminder that we need one another, which is why I was at Institute in January and look forward to being in Louisville for Ministry Days in June. You, my colleagues, remind me of what’s important in our ministries, and hopefully I have ministered to some of you when you needed someone.
It’s a deep truth: collegiality is not optional for a minister to truly flourish in this profession that brings great hope but also regularly breaks our hearts.
Aspirants and Candidates are invited to come learn more about the UUA structure for regional staffing and explore questions about such things as
the shifting role from congregant to colleague – when to reach out/who to reach out to
being a volunteer in the liminal times (eg, serve on a board, task force, or when to exit gracefully as status/accountability shifts)
issues in finding an internship (or job) when you need to manage geographic realities
We’ll also learn about the new “ministry residency” initiative that supports Candidates applying for and entering into time limited contract ministries.
A note on Vocational Advising and Mentoring Folks in Formation: While we make plans to reschedule a webinar on the overarching themes of collegial companionship through coaching and mentoring, we are moving towards a new query/request process and honoraria structure for folks who are working with aspirants and candidates as they prepare for the MFC and discern their career in Unitarian Universalist religious leadership. If you are currently serving as an MFN vocational advisor, or are interested in learning more about volunteering with this important discernment support, a quick email to Favreault@UUMA.org will connect you with more information.
Something Extra
New Affinity Group – Clergy Couples: Are you part of a Clergy Couple? Clergy Couples is a new affinity group that you can join within the UUMA for any member who is part of a clergy couple. The couple can be made up of any combination of parish, community, or institutional ministers; those who have a clergy spouse in a different faith are also welcome. We will occasionally gather at larger meetings like the Institute, Ministry Days or General Assembly (GA) and from time to time may also have separate gatherings. Our impromptu discussions have been rich and varied. We look forward to hearing the issues you are negotiating as a couple in ministry. To join, log into your UUMA profile and click on “Groups.” Once there you can scroll down to “Clergy Couples” and JOIN. We look forward to having you – Elaine & Axel Gehrmann – Conveners
News from the UUA GA Office: Limited-time Studio Site pricing makes Louisville more accessible: If you are planning on being present at the 2026 Studio Site in Louisville, KY, to experience the UUMA Berry Street and GA programming please don’t miss out on the recently announced new cost-savings. While the $350 GA registration rate still provides virtual access to all GA content, if you plan to be in Louisville you may now select the participation level that best aligns with your circumstances. Please choose the rate that is right for you.
$300 Standard Rate: Reflects the full value of the in-person Studio Site experience and helps support production, accessibility, and hospitality.
$100 Community Rate: A reduced option for those seeking a more accessible price point.
$0 Supported Rate: Available when you stay two or more nights at the Galt House.
All those planning to attend the Berry Street in Louisville must also be registered for GA. Act Now: Register for GA 2026!
Upcoming Events
You can view our calendar events here. Please make sure you are logged into uuma.org to see our full calendar as some events are available for members only.
parish, community, or institutional ministers; those who have a clergy spouse in a different faith are also welcome. We will occasionally gather at larger meetings like the Institute, Ministry Days or General Assembly (GA) and from time to time may also have separate gatherings. Our impromptu discussions have been rich and varied. We look forward to hearing the issues you are negotiating as a couple in ministry. To join, log into your UUMA profile and click on “Groups.” Once there you can scroll down to “Clergy Couples” and JOIN. We look forward to having you – Elaine & Axel Gehrmann – Conveners