Dear Friend, 

My son left for sleepaway camp over the weekend, his second experience at Camp Unirondack in New York. I was sad and nervous, driving away from camp last year. Would he have a good time? Would they take care of him?

When I first spotted him on my return a week later, I had my answer. He was at ease, talking with friends, and clearly in no rush to load up the car and head back to Massachusetts. And as the following year unfolded, it became clear that his time away had been transformative. I’m still a little nervous this year and I miss him quite a bit, but I’m mostly excited that he gets to spend time away with loving and supportive people.

We are living through a time of great change in Unitarian Universalism, especially when it comes to our ministry to children, youth, and families. Immersion experiences—camps, conference center retreats, service and learning trips and congregational outings—provide especially important ministry as we navigate the shifting landscape of Sunday mornings.

Some of my sweetest UU memories stem from experiences like these.

I remember multi-generational worship in the Stone Chapel out on Star Island. At night, conferees snake up the rock toward the chapel holding lanterns that are hooked on the old stone walls. The kids gravitate to windows and perch in the deep sills. We sing together, we sing and speak, accompanied by foghorns in the distance, enveloped in lantern light, and refreshed by the salty Atlantic breeze.

Have you ever watched a food dye tablet spread its color in a cup of water and vinegar? The memory of worship at Star moves that way in me, as expanding ease and well-being. And I know the peace, adventure, and acceptance my children have experienced at Star and at camp are core to their understanding of Unitarian Universalism.

Experiences like these can be expensive—though they don’t have to be. There are a host of lower-cost options. When the cost is higher, please consider using Faithify, our UU crowdfunding tool, to keep immersion experiences accessible for all.

It’s a wonderful way for congregations and other UU organizations looking for creative ways to minister to our communities. Funding opportunities associated with ministry to children, youth and families have a high success rate and Halcyon Westall, our Faithify Project Manager, is a helpful resource when you’re setting up a campaign.

May your summer include adventure, joy, and ease. And here’s hoping you will experience something that will bless you as memory when the weather cools and winter sets in.

Thanks, as always, for all that you are, give and do. Thanks, especially, for the ways you co-create beauty and connection for the communities in which you move.

Recent news from the UUA and President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt

• The Unitarian Universalist Association Condemns U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision on the 303 Creative LLC vs. Elenis Case (Press release, June 30)
• The Unitarian Universalist Association Applauds U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Protect Voting Rights in Moore v Harper Case (Press release, June 27)
• Unitarian Universalists elect first woman of color, openly queer president (Religion News Service, June 25)
• The UUA Applauds Supreme Court Ruling Upholding the Indian Child Welfare Act: Decision will help to maintain sovereignty of Indigenous communities (Press release, June 15)

Thank You for Your Support!

Welcoming the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, UUA President!

It is with great enthusiasm that the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) welcomes the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt as the tenth UUA President. We also note that this is Rev. Dr. Betancourt’s second “first day” as a president of the UUA. She was appointed co-president for an interim period in 2017 and provided guidance and care during a significant moment in our history. This time, she will be in the presidential role for a six-year term and we are eagerly anticipating her leadership, working together to continue to advance Unitarian Universalism and live our values deeply in the coming years.

At the installation ceremony of newly elected UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt (seated), her family, friends, colleagues, and GA attendees participate in a laying on of hands ritual to offer their blessings and support. Surrounding Rev. Dr. Betancourt, from left: Rev. Mykal Slack, Rev. Sherman Logan, Kathy Burek, Sam Ames, Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray, and John B. Newhall. © 2023 JOHN BENFORD/UUA

The Rev. Dr. Betancourt's presidency comes with a number of historic firsts – she is the first openly queer person and first woman of color to be elected UUA president. She has served Unitarian Universalism for more than twenty years as a religious educator, minister, scholar, and member of the UUA national staff and many volunteer committees at the regional and denominational levels. She most recently served as Resident Scholar and Special Advisor on Justice and Equity at the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.

Continue reading the UUA's welcome message on UUA.org. You may also be interested to read UUWorld's Q&A with the Rev. Dr. Betancourt. 

And don't miss her acceptance speech from GA2023!

Remember the UUA Disaster Relief Fund is Here

July has brought torrential rains to Vermont and parts of Massachusetts and New York. UUA Congregational Life staff have reached out to congregations in affected areas to offer support in the wake of damaging floods, particularly in Montpelier, VT. 

Now is the time when the UUA Disaster Relief Fund can provide help to our UU congregations in need. Some are facing extensive water damage. Others have members without homes, with more rain in the forecast and infrastructure compromised.

Your support for the Disaster Relief Fund will go to grants to UU congregations and organizations for their disaster response efforts. Congregations may also apply on behalf of community partners, such as local food pantries and community organizations, who have limited access to other sources of relief. 

Common Read for 2023-2024 Announced

Reporting Back from GA 2023

General Assembly 2023 took place from June 21-25 in Pittsburgh, PA, and online. UU delegates from all 50 states and Washington, DC traveled to Pittsburgh for in-person participation. All in-person attendees were required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and to wear masks indoors. In total, 2,593 delegates from 715 congregations participated in voting democratically on denominational business.

In addition to electing the new president for a six-year term (see above introduction of the Rev. Dr. Betancourt), delegates contemplated new proposed bylaws for the association. Delegates voted to advance recommended changes to Article II, which last underwent a wholesale revision in 1987. A final vote on the revised Article II will take place at General Assembly in 2024. More information on the Article II process can be found here.

UU delegates overwhelmingly voted for social justice resolutions (Actions of Immediate Witness) that support health equity, ending the planned “Cop City” training center in Atlanta, Georgia, and protecting the rights of Dreamers, those who have received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status. A complete write-up of GA business with election results is available, including recordings of General Sessions. 

Read more about GA 2023 here: Unitarian Universalists Elect Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt to Serve as President of the UUA. Or check out this UU World article: GA 2023: Highlights and Recap. And remember, if you attended this year's GA, you have access to the On-Demand Library through September 15. 

Worship Recordings from Pittsburgh

More interested in the music and worship elements of GA than denominational business? Public recordings are available, including the flagship worship services listed below. 

Service of the Living Tradition: "Toward Our Metamorphosis into Who Knows What"

Synergy Bridging Worship

Sunday Worship: "Ever Willing: Becoming the People Our World Needs" 

Faithify Year-End Report

Unitarian Universalists and our partners have been changing the world through our love and we've funded many ministry projects with Faithify crowdfunding campaigns. Congregations are still reeling from the isolation phase of the pandemic, but as we moved into spring of this year, Faithify saw a huge uptick in campaigns posted and backers answering the call. Here are just a few statistics about this year (July 2022 - June 2023.)  

UPLIFT Trans and Non-Binary Monthly Gatherings are on Break in July and August

The UPLIFT gatherings and pastoral space are on break for the summer so that our team can recharge and take time to plan for the coming year. We will not have a gathering in July or August--and we're looking forward to being back together in September! If you're looking for resources for trans UUs, check out this page, which talks about programming, education, and crisis support.

Upcoming Events in July and August

Midsummer Respite & Reflection: Playback Theatre for Religious Educators

Thursday, July 27 | 1 pm - 3 pm ET / 10 am - 12 pm PT

Gather with fellow religious education professionals for some mid-summer community care! It’s July, and before the run-up to your new program year begins, we offer you a chance to pause, breathe, and name in the community the “roses, thorns, and buds” of the past few weeks, months, and years. We'll be joined by the River Crossing Playback Theatre troupe to help hold this space for checking in and even sharing a few stories, which we will witness “played back” in movement, music, and storytelling (online!). Register here.

Co-sponsored by the Faith Development Co-Lab, a joint project of the UUA’s Lifespan Faith Engagement & Congregational Life teams.

Green Sanctuary 2030 Orientation

Wednesday, August 2 | 7 pm - 8 pm ET / 4 pm - 5 pm PT

Hosted by Rachel Myslivy. Get to know the new Green Sanctuary! Join the monthly orientation session to get a better understanding of the program and learn how your congregation can engage in ongoing climate action. Green Sanctuary 2030: Mobilizing for Climate Justice can transform your congregation through climate justice! Sign up now. 

Stop Cop City: National Action for UUs

Thursday, August 3 | 7 pm - 8 pm ET / 4 pm - 5 pm PT

"Cop City" is a $90 million militarized urban warfare training complex, proposed by the Atlanta Police Foundation, in partnership with the Atlanta City Government and a committee of more than 40 corporate donors. The planned site is in the heart of a predominantly Black neighborhood and will destroy 381 acres of remaining green space in Atlanta. The 2023 Action of Immediate Witness Stop Cop City calls on all UUs to join ongoing organizing efforts to put a stop to this project. This event will provide background on Cop City and why all UUs around the country need to take action to stop cop city and other efforts to increase militarization of public safety. Sign up now. 

UUA Board of Trustees August Dates

Meeting: Monday, August 14 | 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT

The next Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Board of Trustees meeting will take place on Monday, August 14, 2023. We invite you to join the Board as it meets to discuss and make decisions about all facets of Unitarian Universalism. Please consult the board packet of the meeting (when it's available) for more information. Register to attend here.

Open House: Tuesday, August 15 | 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT

One way the UUA Board of Trustees serves the more than 148,000 members and over 1,000 member congregations of the UUA is through open communication and transparency in its own work. To further encourage this open dialogue, the Board hosts monthly Open Houses. All are invited to attend and participate. Bring your comments, questions, and suggestions, and chat about the Board’s work and the Unitarian Universalist (UU) issues that matter most to you. Pre-register to attend.

Seasons of Giving is the monthly e-newsletter from the UUA's Stewardship and Development Office. Questions can be directed to Suzanne Murray at development@uua.org or (617) 948-4392.

Check UUA.org and UUWorld.org, as well as UUA regional websites, for the latest updates.