July 22, 2026

Something for the Moment

Ministry Days 2026 Wrap Up: Thank you to everyone who joined us at Ministry Days 2026. We know the structure being a little different was a delight to some and a frustration for others. We would LOVE to get whatever feedback you want to share by using this short form. 

Ministry Days Summer Access: If you were unable to join us for Ministry Days it isn't too late to catch up on the recordings! You can purchase access to Ministry Days before they are released to the full membership. Purchase here. Access isn't automatic and will take up to 2 business days to process. If you registered for Ministry Days remember you already have access through the Zoom Events link you used to attend the event. 

Berry Street Essay: An unedited version of the 2026 Conference at Berry Street is avaliable to the public and can be accessed here. We want to extend our gratitude to this year's essayist Rev. Sara LaWall, Respondant Rev. Jami Yandle, Berry Street Scribe, Rev. Connie Simons and the whole Berry Street Executive Committee for their work on this year's essay. We are also so grateful to the UUA tech team for helping us make this year's essay possible. We are offering one more opportunity for a community discussion about this years essay. Join us on August 11 at 4-5:30pm ET / 3-4:30pm CT / 2-3:30pm MT / 1-2:30pm PT.

Something for the Journey

Michelle Favreault & Julica Hermann de la Fuente, UUMA Program Managers

Many of us have had a conversation in ministry that includes “well, I didn’t learn THAT in seminary!” The subjects seem to range from plumbing and permits for building projects, to why didn’t I ever have a class on how to lead in a pandemic/fascism surge, to what does competent cross-cultural supervision actually look like. The UUMA staff looks forward to sharing a new curriculum map with you soon, so that you are able to identify which learning areas could use some attention in your continuing education goals.

Beyond classes and learning opportunities, we also want to provide you with the containers and culture that allow you to be in a posture of learning and growth. The change in our mission statement (from “excellence in ministry” to “…because we need one another”) illustrates this well. As we mentioned in our newsletter last time, we are excited to create a culture where mentorship is something we are comfortable seeking and offering continuously, in the many seasons of our ministries.

Come check out the new page on our website that describes how we envision mentoring for all (and how we distinguish it from coaching) more in depth. Here you will also find a link to a form to request support. We welcome feedback about whether this page is clear and how it can be improved. We appreciate your grace as we roll out this new framework; later in the fall we will also be re-releasing the Find a Minister tool which will help in this endeavor as well. For now, please use this link to request mentorship and coaching support, and stay tuned for opportunities to serve as a coach or mentor as well.

Aren’t we lucky to have our work be something that includes built-in opportunities to give and receive, and to strengthen our collegial ties? Isn’t it wonderful that an important component of our vocation includes a sense of call that can be strengthened when we make meaning together about why and how we do what we do? May we leverage our mentorship program to return to the well of collegial strength and accountability for the benefit of our souls and the many souls we tend. Amen.

Something for Formation

MFN Formation Conversation: Aspirant Welcome and Community Introduction

Join MFN Manager, Michelle Favreault for a welcome session for new (and returning) aspirants on Monday, August 17 at 3:00-4:00pm ET/2-3:00pm CT/1-2:00pm MT/12-1:00pm PT. 

This MFN hosted conversation will explore our programs for discernment support, collegiality and supplemental education at the UUMA…because we need one another.

Michelle will offer an overview of the resources and opportunities available to colleagues preparing for vocations in Unitarian Universalist Ministry. With attention to our UUMA communication platforms and the guidelines for the practice of ministry, we welcome your questions, insights and dreams for the next season of our collective care.

Something Extra

Canadian Unitarian Council is Hiring: The Canadian Unitarian Council is hiring for the Congregational Life staff position, a full-time, two-year contract role (35 hours/week, with the option to extend or become permanent). This is a time of significant transition for the CUC, and the person in this role will work with the Executive Director to help reimagine congregational support and staffing for the future. The deadline to apply is July 23. Learn more about the position here.