Rev. Chris Rothbauer, Secretary UUMA Board of Trustees
I’m writing this from a hostel in the Centro Historico in Mexico City. My last day in the city was filled with watching a Revolution Day assembly around the corner from where I’m staying, a last-minute tour of the Roma District, quesadillas at an amazing vegan taqueria, and churros, because how could I come to Latin America and not find out where the locals feed their sweet tooths?
The past four days have been rejuvenating for me, even as I’m heading to San Diego tomorrow for a retreat with colleagues. In a month filled with grief over an uncertain future for the United States, it was nice to get out of the pressure cooker that our government has become, even if only for a long weekend. The pressure was doubly hard because, as a minister serving one of our congregations, I had to hold the grief of my congregants while simultaneously figuring out what this shift means for my partner and me.
Some might say this was indulgent, that the world needs my voice right now. I say that, in times like this, we all need to indulge at times if we are to make it to the other side.
The Sunday after the election, I read a quote from the late historian Howard Zinn to my congregation: “The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”
I thrive on new experiences, and I find those in travel, immersing myself in another place and culture simply for the sake of being there. In the process, I often gain a little insight into how people not like me live, the food they eat, their traditions, their most sacred values. I recognize that I am privileged in having a body and a wallet that enables me to travel, but I truly would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for immersion in other cultures.
To travel at a time like this is defiance of the bad that is around us. It’s an affirmation that, yes, I will push back against unjust systems of power and privilege, but I also have to do things that feed my soul. If I don’t, I will burn out and be of no use to anyone, let alone the people I’m called to serve as their minister.”My friends, we’re in for a struggle in the next four years. The weeks after Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election have only strengthened my conviction that our most cherished values are under attack, from unbelievably immoral cabinet choices to white supremacists feeling inspired to openly protest in the heart of America. There’s a lot to do and not enough time to do it.
But don’t forget, your most sacred duty right now is to take care of yourself in whatever way that looks like. This is especially important if you hold one or more marginalized identities, as many of us do. The world needs you and your voices now more than ever, but it will be no good if your voice is burned out to the point you question your call to ministry.
As the poet audre lorde once said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” The powers that be want us to burn ourselves out because a burnt-out minister is in no shape to resist injustice. The people you serve – whether that be in parish ministry, chaplaincy, spiritual direction, or community or institutional ministry – need you now more than ever. Self-care is how I make sure there’s a me there capable of caring for their spiritual needs and speaking truth to power.
That may not mean a trip to Mexico City, but it does mean making caring for yourself a priority, whatever that looks like for you.
Something for Learning: 2026 Institute for the Learning Ministry
Are you as excited as Julica about our upcoming Institute and lifelong learning? Then perhaps you’d like to apply to serve on the Institute program support team! At this early phase of preparing, we are seeking 9 colleagues to join our planning team. The planning team (and then subteams) will meet regularly, times TBD. As a recognition of the important work of the team members, the UUMA will be able to waive registration fees for those who are selected to serve. In addition, team members will have access and priority for travel/housing scholarship funds. Please don’t let finances be a barrier to applying.
For those of you who want to spread out payment over multiple years, remember you can now make a deposit toward the cost of Institute. Some of you have inquired about the full cost; we will have that information for you in the spring of 2025.
Something Extra
Chapter Retreats: Julica is looking for colleagues who want to offer programs at our Chapter retreats. If this is you, please email Julica to get the conversation started.
Sustainability and Spiritual Direction Funds: Are you looking for a way to support your colleagues through this tumultuous time and have a little extra money? Consider a gift to our Sustainability or Spiritual Direction funds. If either of these funds would be supportive to your in your life and ministry you can apply by clicking on the different tabs here.
UU Studies Network Convocation Call for Proposals The Unitarian Universalist Studies Network invites scholars across career stages and affiliations (from graduate students to senior faculty and independent scholars) to submit proposals for scholarly papers (20-minute presentations), organized panels of three or four papers, poster presentations, film-screenings, and workshops. Find out more here.
Upcoming Events
You canview 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.
