Something For the Moment 

• UUMA Nominations: As the UUMA Nominating Committee is busy preparing the nomination slate you should also be aware that Article XI Section 6 of the UUMA Bylaws outlines a process to nominate by petition. From the Bylaws: “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.” Open positions this year include: Board President-Designate, Board Secretary, and Nominating Committee Member. April 20, 2024 is the deadline to submit petitions.

• Limited UUMA Staff March 25-29: Thank you for your understanding if responses are delayed while several UUMA Staff are away from the office. If you have an urgent matter during this time please include ‘Urgent’ in the subject and email exec@uuma.org and we will do our best to respond quickly

Something for the Journey
Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer, UUMA Director of Ministries and Programs

Remember the proposal we had for developing a shared study leave symposium to discuss ministry today and in the future?  When it was clear we could not bring that into being as we hoped, we decided to do what we can by utilizing our collegial conversation time at Ministry Days for these important conversations.  To help us all prepare, we have created a “from the balcony” context statement on the current landscape and future of ministry.  It is not short – more like a longer form blog post – and will take up to 10 minutes to read.  If you’d rather listen, I’ve created an audio version you can access  on our podcast.  

Either way, we hope you will consider this statement and plan to participate in conversations, beginning during our Annual Meeting and continuing at our virtual Ministry Days.  Registration for Ministry Days will open on April 1 (and will include the opportunity to volunteer to be a facilitator for one of the selected topics if that interests you).  We really look forward to being in conversation together!  

Something Extra

• UU Ministry for the Earth Climate Justice Sermon Contest: UU congregations are invited to participate in a national UU Climate Justice Revival offering inspiring collective worship, creative learning, and new frameworks at the intersection of climate and justice. September 28 and 29, 2024. More information about the revival and the related sermon contest here:  https://www.uuclimatejustice.org/

• DRUUMM: Deepening Care & Community Paid Fellowship: As the oldest and largest UU People of Color ministry in North America, DRUUMM is dedicated to dismantling systems of oppression and creating a more just, equitable world. And now, DRUUMM is offering a unique opportunity to apply to serve as a Learning Fellow. Seminarians may utilize this to fulfill their MFC internship requirement. This Fellowship program is a one-year commitment, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. It’s designed for seminarians, students, and religious professionals who are passionate about social justice and eager to deepen their understanding of anti-racism, pastoral care, and community organizing. Click here to learn more.

Something for Formation

MFN Formation Conversation: Show Me the Money! This program introduces folks to the UUA church staff finance team as we delve into resources for your own tax planning, contract negotiating and financial ethics.  We’ll have time for questions about student loan payoffs, retirement and the many things that shift when there’s a “Rev.” in front of your name.  Who knew? Click on the date to register: Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 4-5pm PT/ 5-6pm MT/ 6-7pm CT/ 7-8pm ET.

Rev. Michelle Favreault, Ministerial Formation Network Manager, is on leave as of March 20, returning on April 4. If you need MFN support before she returns, please contact Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer.