Something For the Moment 

• 2024 Celebration of Ministry: In addition to time for social connection and important collegial conversations, Ministry Days will include multiple opportunities to worship together.  We are excited to share that our Celebration of Ministry Service: “A Foyer of Blessing” will be led by Rev. Nathan Detering, Rev. Otto Concannon and Soren Austenfeld. The Celebration of Ministry service is a cherished tradition and always a wonderful time for drinking in inspiration and wisdom about living a life in ministry.  Sign up to take part in this and all our other wonderful Ministry Days offerings when registration opens on Monday, April 1.
• Invitation from Soren Austenfeld, Music Director for 2024 Celebration of Ministry & Service of the Living Tradition: Join Musicians of the Living Tradition in low-latency virtual collaboration for Ministry Days or GA! Visit the Ministry Days Choir page for details.
• Exploring Veterans Administration Chaplaincy: Working as a staff chaplain in the Veterans Administration system is a wonderful opportunity for UU clergy. Come, learn all about VA chaplaincy! We will cover training requirements and opportunities, the diversity of positions, and the joys and challenges day-to-day of serving veterans and their families.” Presenters: Chaplain Rina Shere, Chaplain Liz Murphy and Endorser Sarah Lammert. Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 7-8:15pm ET/ 6-7:15pm CT/5-6:15pm MT/ 4-5:15 PT/ 1-2:15pm HT

Something for the Journey
Rev. Nic Cable, UUMA Board of Trustees, Vice President

Dear Colleagues,

As the refulgent spring returns to the Northern Hemisphere, the UUMA Board sees tremendous possibility for renewing and deepening the bonds of covenant that are at the heart of our shared Unitarian Universalist faith. However, while spring may be a beautiful time for nature itself, many of us may feel pretty exhausted and weary about the path to summer still before us. With the ordinary challenges of ministry (and especially with the extraordinary ones), it can be hard to imagine tending to the relationships among us as colleagues, let alone with colleagues from other organizations. You may be just trying to get through the week. And I understand that, our UUMA Board understands that. This is why the Board is trying to do our part to ensure the bonds of fellowship and collective liberation remain centered; so even when you feel on empty, you can know that you are not alone.

Recently, we sent a letter to our colleague and UUA President, the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, expressing our gratitude for her leadership and service. In our letter we also wrote about a few important topics as they relate to our UUMA membership. Our questions and comments related to a range of topics including:

• clarifying the roles and responsibilities of Regional Congregational Life Staff, 
• seeking input from the UUMA and our members on changes to the transition process for called ministers, 
• appreciation for and encouragement of the ongoing UUA staff work (and collaboration with UUMA staff) on improving sample letters of agreement and, 
• the need for the reestablishment of continental youth programs.”

Sofía wrote back with appreciation and hope for us to further connect on these topics. As your UUMA Board, including the Executive Team, we are grateful for our ongoing work with the UUA to ensure a bright future for Unitarian Universalism.

With Gratitude,
Rev. Nic Cable UUMA Vice President

Something Extra

• Collegial Conversation: Building Good Relationships Between Parish and Community Ministers: A panel of colleagues in the parish and community will come offer us their reflections on building good relationships with one another when they are called/affiliated/connected with the same congregation.  There will be time for you to share your thoughts and to ask questions as well. Click the date to register: Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 7-8:30pm ET/ 6-7:30pm CT/5-6:30pm MT/ 4-5:30 PT/ 1-2:30pm HT
• We’ve held conversations this year on a number of topics including AI in Ministry, the Ministry of Spiritual Direction and Building Good Relationships Between Active and Retired Ministers.  Click here to find notes and recordings of prior sessions in our resource library.

Something for Formation

MFN Formation Conversation: Show Me the Money!
(our apologies – we posted an incorrect registration link last week)

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 4-5pm PT/ 5-6pm MT/ 6-7pm CT/ 7-8pm ET

This program will introduce 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?