Introduction to Digital Security Practices: The UUMA is pleased and grateful to host Larry Stritof, UUA Director of Information Technology Services for a general introduction to digital security practices. This training for ministers will include basic actions you can take on your own behalf and in your congregational context and will include time for Q&A. Register here and join us Friday, Feb. 28 at 3pm ET/ 2pm CT/ 1pm MT/ 12pm PT.
UUMA App: Have you downloaded the UUMA app onto your mobile device? If not find directions to do so here and have a membership directory in your pocket!
Zoom Accounts Available: If you already have a UUMA Zoom account and haven’t renewed please renew your account today to avoid a service interruption. If you don’t have an account with us and are ready to set one up you can purchase a new account here. Every zoom purchased through the UUMA supports our budget and allows us to provide our teams, committees, chapters and volunteers accounts when needed. Scholarships available!
Something for the Journey
Michelle Favreault, MFN Program Manager
The drive includes a steep, steep hill, a bumpy last mile and then it’s like the air changes. I leave the car and lift the metal gate and arrive to the sound of the trickling water that flows past blooming lilies and the orchids I’m always surprised to see growing bushy and straight out of the ground, even after all these years in Northern California. This holy place holds memories of so many gatherings with colleagues. Laughing, learning, lamenting…
I’m at the San Damiano Retreat center and thinking back on my formation timeline: those lessons exploring congregational sparks for growth in the dark basement classroom, eyerolling about systems theory in a circle of other eldest siblings under star filled skies. Gathering across an imaginary line in the musty library, invited to talk about serious things, NOW, with urgency – because we may not have time to ease into a narrative approach to leadership. This weekend, I’m with an interfaith group and my UU heart is tender with memory. A decade ago, with beloved teachers (now gone), I was leaning into leadership with stumbles after getting those first trifocals that made the earth too close and the sky too far. I look back to see my constant roommate arriving and we catch up before the bell rings and the song rises and we are welcoming new folks with intention. It wasn’t always possible for students to attend collegial gatherings. I had to wait until internship to tiptoe into a very different culture (then) with cocktails and competition. I am glad for change. I am here. Now.
Today I’m the only UU gathered with a team of spiritual directors sharing stories of resilience and hope. We sing “Gathered Here” with gusto and the Carrie Newcomer song “Writing A Better Story” which was part of the soundtrack that Larry shared in our UUMA Mentoring program. Over the past five years so many of our collegial gatherings have been on Zoom and I appreciate that. AND I am very glad to have the memories of places and people AND the opportunities coming up to be with new friends and beloved colleagues at Ministry Days in Baltimore (registration will open in March). Planning to be with folks in New Mexico at the 2026 Institute for the Learning Ministry (you can still put down a deposit here). Witnessing the newest students of ministry and the long tenured story tellers sharing laughter with love at the center in our community. Gathering amidst the troubles, but finding power as spirit draws near. May you have a moment to remember, plan and be with colleagues in a place where your heart sings.
March 4&6 and 11&13:Recovery, Regulation and Resilience. How are you managing All The Things? What trauma-informed practices are supporting you and your people in these end times? Let’s share resources and practice in real time!
March 18 & 20: Learning Together on pause while your Learning Manager attends Finding Our Way Home
March 25 & 27: Book Discussion: Hospicing Modernity by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira. Julica will send out a snippet for reflection in advance in the weekly and will provide a brief summary/launch for the conversation, you don’t need to read the whole thing to come discuss some ideas in it.
Something Extra
The Unitarian Sunday School Society (USSS) is ready for some new board members! Change (our corner of) the world Apply for USSS Board and give away grant fund money, support fabulous faith-formation projects, connect with excellent people, establish a new connection-building model of granting, and decolonize wealth. Deadline: March 3, more information can be found here.
DRUUMM Internship: DRUUMM is seeking a new part-time ministerial intern for the 2025-2026 program year. This transformative opportunity invites passionate and justice-driven seminarians, students, and religious professionals to gain hands-on experience in community ministry, pastoral care, and leadership development within our thriving Black, Indigenous and Communities of Color in Unitarian Universalism.
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.
