Fundamentals of Immigrant Justice: Contexts and Histories: Thank you for everyone to attended our first session. If you were unable to attend and would like to join in our next session, which will be held next on March 25, you can register here. Registering will ensure you will get reminders for the remaining three sessions.
Zoom Accounts: We’ve shared an update about UUMA Zoom accounts, including recent UUA changes and what they mean for members. If you currently hold a UUMA Zoom license, please review the update and renew by March 31 to avoid losing access.
Something for the Journey
Rev. Duncan E. Teague, UUMA Board of Trustees Vice President
It is March, and this month helps me narrow what themes in worship we will use. March is Women’s History Month; therefore, I have the opportunity to delve into the contributions women have made despite the challenges of current and historic sexism and other oppressions.
I have an alumna friend from Candler School of Theology who has spoken and sung at Abundant LUUv in the past. This last Sunday she did so again. Reneé Edwards is the kind of guest and friend who humbly arrives prepared, and then delivers in her authentic and powerful way. Reneé spoke on the famous Audre Lorde writing with the line, “Your silence will not protect you.” She used her own life with a testimony of having been the shy—and at one point silent—girl who would run even from visitors at home. She has found her voice, I assure you. She has found her freedom and ministry in both her amazing singing voice and her pulpit voice.
When we met, Reneé was not identified as a liberal religious, though she was heading our way. She was ministering with her music as a choir director and doing so in many settings. I heard two concerts under her direction with a choir of incarcerated women serving their sentences at a detention facility here in the Atlanta area. It is interesting that she was good then, but not yet delivering vocally what she since has become known for—power. That power now has her singing not only at our congregation—which she now claims—but also at “Finding Our Way Home” and other Unitarian Universalist gatherings, as well as other events.
After worship last Sunday, while going to our fellowship room for sacred coffee and carbohydrates, she turned to me and said in a relaxed affirmation, “These are my people. I have found my people here with the UUs.” This joy that I felt about her statement, I hope you experience as a minister who has welcomed other friends into our midst, whether they can sing like Cynthia Erivo or not. Sadly, we UUs still must be found, and often we are not so easily discovered. Keep asking friends who are in the process of discovering their religious freedom (and their voice) to play with us.
Something for Formation
MFN Formation Conversation: Spring Mix: Aspirants and Candidates are invited to a time with a mix of topics and a chance to mingle with others on the formation path! We’ll have a brief presentation to share upcoming MFN initiatives, learn from a panel of colleagues who have recently entered preliminary fellowship and then gather in small groups of folks who are interested in different vocational paths in congregations and community ministries/chaplaincy. A low key time to meet, mix and mingle with colleagues who JUST might become your next study group pals, discernment partners or even friends! Join us on Wednesday, April 1 (not a joke) at 4:00-5:30pm ET/3:00-4:30pm CT/2:00-3:30pm MT/1:00-2:30pm PT.
MFN Formation Conversation: UU Mosaic for Clergy – Program Launch for UUMA Aspirants & Candidates: In response to the recommendations of the Commission on Institutional Change’s (COIC) 2020 report, Widening the Circle of Concern, the UUA has created and curated anti-racism resources and programs to further support the anti-racist transformation of congregations and communities. This session will introduce the fall 2026 series designed specifically for clergy in formation. Facilitated by Betty-Jeanne Rueters-Ward and the Rev. JeKaren Bell, the Mosaic for Clergy offering will include elements of theology and contextualize leadership roles in co-creating an explicitly anti-racist Unitarian Universalism. This webinar will include time for a creative jam to imagine the beloved community and there will be an opportunity for Q and A that in turn will inform the content of the 6 sessions. Participants in this formation conversation will receive a priority code to sign up for the full program. Join us on Wednesday, May 6, 7-8:30pm ET/ 6-7:30 pm CT/5-6:30 MT/4-5:30 PT.
Something from the UUA
Side with Love: Do you receive emails from our UUA colleagues at Side With Love? They are launching UU the Vote 2026: Ignite Solidarity, Reimagine Democracy this coming Wednesday March 25. Register here.
UUA Debt Reduction Grants: The UUA debt reduction grants are intended to assist UU ministers reduce the loan amount for theological school. Financial information for 2025 and current loan statements will be required as a part of the application process.
Applicants must 1) hold ministerial fellowship with the UUA that is current and in compliance with MFC Rules, and 2) be in active service in ministry or in between positions. To learn more details about this and apply, click here or go to this site: https://www.uua.org/finance/compensation/aid to learn more about this grant and other UUA aid assistance programs. Please email csf@uua.org with your questions. The deadline is March 31, 2026, and awards will be distributed by early July.
Coming Soon: Property and Casualty Insurance Launch: We are in the process of finalizing arrangements with a new property and casualty insurance partner carrier! With a mid‑April rollout anticipated, further updates and opportunities to learn more will be available soon. You can look forward to competitive premiums, broader coverage options, and enhanced customer service! ~ From the Church Staff Finances team
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.
When we met, Reneé was not identified as a liberal religious, though she was heading our way. She was ministering with her music as a choir director and doing so in many settings. I heard two concerts under her direction with a choir of incarcerated women serving their sentences at a detention facility here in the Atlanta area. It is interesting that she was good then, but not yet delivering vocally what she since has become known for—power. That power now has her singing not only at our congregation—which she now claims—but also at “Finding Our Way Home” and other Unitarian Universalist gatherings, as well as other events.