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Dear Friend, 

Six months ago, many of us looked forward to a return of some sense of normalcy in our communities. Vaccinations were up and infection rates were way down.

The UUA counseled congregations to plan for multi-platform functioning this fall, and I looked forward to gathering in our sanctuary again. I've longed for the sweet kinship of a congregation gathered for reflection and connection.
 
Instead, there is more uncertainty. It’s hard to know what the year ahead will bring in our congregations, in the struggle to restore our democracy, in the rulings of the supreme court, and in the environment.
 
Through it all, though, we can turn to one another. Early in her presidency, the Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray said often: This is no time for a casual faith. This is no time to go it alone. May we all be generous with on another in the coming year—kind, supportive, collaborative and brave.
 
I’m grateful for the dedication of UU volunteers David Overton and Wendy Erisman from the First UU Church of Austin, TX, who wanted to help congregations raise money. With the help of congregational leaders and UUA staff, David and Wendy compiled an expansive report on best practices in congregational fundraising.

If you are also one of the stalwart volunteers who helps with congregational stewardship campaigns, thank you! Your gift of time sustains and strengthens our faith. May you discover wisdom that helps your community thrive.

Video: Thank you from Susan Frederick-Gray

Navigating Pandemic Realities

The UUA recently issued updated guidance for gathering in light of the COVID-19 delta variant, which includes the following:

1. For all indoor gatherings, regardless of size, vaccination status, or area transmission risk: Require good ventilation, well-fitted masks, physical distancing of at least 6 feet, reduced occupancy, no singing, and no food, nor drinks.
    
2. Require well-fitted masks for all large outdoor events, for any outdoor event where unvaccinated children or other vulnerable people are included, and for outdoor gatherings of any size in counties where transmission is Very High or Severe (per the COVID Act Now data).

While the UUA doesn’t have a single, clear directive like we did when we recommended all congregations stop meeting in-person in the spring of 2020, we recognize that our recommendations have been helpful to our congregations navigating difficult decisions in a precarious and changing context. Here's the LeaderLab page for newest guidance.

Guiding Principles

Disaster Relief Update

Priority is given to immediate and intermediate disaster relief needs such as building repairs, food, water, shelter, sanitation, health care, and needs related to return to school and work. Priority is also given to proposals that support vulnerable people and communities. 

Side with Love Launches Action Center

Our justice campaigns—Creating Climate Justice, UU the Vote, LGBTQ ministries and Love Resists—are joining together to skill up our community, take action to advance our values, and build grassroots power to confront injustice on the national and local levels.

The Action Center is a place to harness the power of our faith to contend with the systems of oppression that create multiple, intersecting crises. Learn about upcoming Action Center events as well as Skill Up training opportunities. Get started today. 

New Titles from Beacon Press and Skinner House Books

Explore the roster of new releases from the UUA's two publishing divisions, Beacon Press and Skinner House Books, including these two titles: 

Join the UU Book Club

How do we, as individuals and communities, search for truth and meaning, strive for justice and action, navigate our spiritual journeys, and live out our values?

Justice and Spirit: The Unitarian Universalist Book Club is a place where all who are interested in spirituality, religion, and social justice, whether Unitarian Universalist or not, can discuss books that relate to these crucial questions. We hope to foster deep, meaningful conversations and a welcoming and loving environment. All are welcome.

Science Communicators on Instagram

Do you spend any time on Instagram? Here are a few helpful sources shared by UUA staff that offer informative updates about the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Yale School of Public Health, @YaleSPH (see graphic)
• The Unbiased Science Podcast, @unbiasedscipod
• Dr. Stacy De-lin, MD @staceydelin_md
• Nini Munoz, PhD @Niniandthebrain

How do breakthrough cases happen? Think of vaccines like bug trappers, not zappers. "A lot of people think of vaccines like a bug-zapper that blocks the bug completely. But it's really more like a bug trapper that has an insecticide built in. It lets the bug in but prevents the invading bug from harming you," says Dean Sten Vermund. Yale School of Public Health on Instagram @yalesph.

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.