Friend, you are receiving this email in gratitude for your support of the Unitarian Universalist Association through a recent contribution or as a member of our Legacy Society. You can update your preferences or unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.

Dear Friend, 

The high holy days of the Jewish calendar begin late this month. Rosh Hashanah starts at sundown on the 24th, launching a period of reflection and reconciliation that ends at Yom Kippur.

The rituals of this time speak to me. For years, in the congregations I have served, we have spoken the Litany of Atonement written by the Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs. It begins:

For remaining silent when a single voice would have made a difference
We forgive ourselves and each other, we begin again in love.

In recent years, I have turned to the sung version in the teal hymnal. There is singular sweetness in the experience of sharing it in worship. I say:

For each time our fears have made us rigid and inaccessible

And then we all sing together, We forgive ourselves and each other, We begin again in love.

A quiet descends on the sanctuary as we move through the words, remembering, settling into presence with who we are and have been.

For each time we have struck out in anger without just cause

And we sing, We forgive ourselves and each other, We begin again in love.

It goes on.

Today, as we begin the new program year, I am grateful for Judaism and all the source traditions to which we turn for wisdom, ritual and guidance. I am grateful for the Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, who served Unitarian Universalism for more than four decades. The creativity and depth of religious leaders, lay and professional, blesses us all.

This fall, as the program year begins, we turn anew to what nourishes, restores and sustains us, remembering why we are here together as Unitarian Universalists—to grow, to heal, to live into our particularity and our unity, to serve.

It has been a messy road for a while now, in our congregations and our communities. We have been through trials. We have stumbled. But, in the spirit of these days and buoyed by the dear purpose of our faith, we begin again.

Thanks, as always, for all that you are, give and do,

Recent news from the UUA and President Susan Frederick-Gray

• UU the Vote Announces 12 States Focus for 2022 Elections (September 7)
• Unitarian Universalist Association Reaches Key Milestone in Search Process for New President (July 25)
   
• Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray was a guest on Texas Impact's Weekly Witness podcast, "Episode 225: How Can Life Thrive?" (August 16)
• Susan Frederick-Gray was featured on the Interfaith Alliance's podcast, State of Belief, in the episode "Faith in the Culture Wars." (June 11)

An Ingathering Message from Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray

Disaster Relief Funds Available for Congregations, Partners

As we hear of flooding and fire in many parts of the world, it can feel overwhelming to figure out how to help. The UUA Disaster Relief Fund is here for Unitarian Universalist congregations and their partners when they are affected by natural disaster. 

Disaster Relief grants have been used for mold remediation in sanctuaries, tree removal, immediate evacuation needs, and more. Disaster relief grants to our UU congregations and organizations not only help other Unitarian Universalists; they can also support on-the-ground relief efforts through existing partnerships that congregations already have. These grants encourage congregations to build coalitions to meet the needs of their communities.

UU congregations can apply for a disaster relief grant using the online form on UUA.org.

Virtual UUA Legacy Society Reception Held

On August 17, members of the UUA’s Legacy Society gathered for a virtual reception with UUA President Susan Frederick-Gray and Director of Stewardship and Development Rev. Lauren Smith. We enjoyed the opportunity to thank our legacy donors for their commitment to the UUA and Unitarian Universalism. The group shared legacy stories, heard updates regarding the UUA, and learned about the lasting impact of legacy gifts. 

This reception will be an annual event, so if you were unable to attend, we hope to see you next year. If you are a UUA Legacy Society member and did not receive an invitation, please reach out to us  so that we can ensure that we have proper contact information for you. Contact us at legacy@uua.org  or (617) 948-6445 if you have included the UUA in your legacy planning and would like to inform us, or if you have questions about leaving a legacy gift to the UUA.

Promise & Practice of Our Faith Campaign Report Available

UUA Publications Recommended for the New Church Year

With the start of a new church year upon us, the UUA Publications Office would like to highlight the following congregational resources. We hope they serve you well as you foster multicultural and antiracist Beloved Community, navigate change and conflict, and welcome new members.

Beyond Welcome: Building Communities of Love, edited by Linnea Nelson—Through personal and collective reflections, these heartfelt essays tell stories of how it feels to be in Beloved Community while prompting readers to imagine what it will take to get us there.

Holding Change: The Way of Emergent Strategy Facilitation and Mediation by adrienne maree brown—In our complex world, facilitation and mediation skills are as important for individuals as they are for organizations. adrienne maree brown draws on the work of Black feminists to help anyone working to create changes in our world—individually, interpersonally, and within our organizations.

We Are Unitarian Universalists Digital Package—A multimedia outreach tool for congregations. Each digital package includes a PDF; an audio file; a link to a video; an embed code for a web page with text, audio, and video; and social media graphics.

Holding Complexity on the Inflation Reduction Act

This story comes from the Create Climate Justice blog and was written by Rachel Myslivy, Climate Organizer for Side with Love

Climate change is a complex problem. There are no easy answers and often more questions.  Holding complexity is part of the work we must do to realize a healthy and resilient future where all can thrive.

The Inflation Reduction Act puts forth the most ambitious climate action to ever pass US Congress.  With significant investments in clean energy, transportation, and environmental justice, the IRA is projected to reduce emissions 40% by 2030.  It’s historic.  It’s exciting.  It’s getting us closer to our climate goals. YES!

This legislation will have wide scale and lasting impacts for generations to come. Sadly, those impacts are not all positive or just.  The Inflation Reduction Act is an  example of the ways advocates and legislators neglect and exploit communities in the search for a win, instead of in search of justice. The IRA sacrifices communities already bearing the burden of climate change.  NO!

"...while many are celebrating wholeheartedly, I’m conflicted. I’m melancholy.  I’m torn.  I wonder: is it really a win, if it’s not a win for all of us?"

Searching for Inspiration? Check out Braver/Wiser 

Life is full of hard edges and complicated choices. Braver/Wiser gives you weekly message of courage and compassion for life as it is. Every Wednesday we deliver an original written reflection and brief prayer, grounded in Unitarian Universalism. Join the Braver/Wiser community and sign up today! Or browse the archives. 

Upcoming Events in September and Beyond

International U/U Young Adult Connections - Get Together

Sunday, September 18 | 1 pm - 2:30 pm ET / 10 am - 11:30 am PT

Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists between the ages of 18-24 are invited to gather on Sunday, September 18 to build international connections with other young adults in Canada, the UK, the United States, and elsewhere. This is an emerging space that will seek to meet and adapt to the dreams and needs of participants. This will be a 90 minute gathering via Zoom beginning at 10 am Pacific time, 1 pm Eastern time, 6 pm UK time, 7 pm Czechia time. Register here.

UU the Vote September Skill Up: Amplifying our Values & Actions on Social Media

Sunday, September 18 | 4 pm - 5:30 pm ET / 1 pm - 2:30 pm PT

Led by Audra Friend, UUA Digital Communications, Technology, and Data Specialist. Our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to be lifelong learners, and organizing traditions teach that we need to share what we know for our movements to grow. Our Squad Skill Ups are a monthly series of trainings on organizing skills to help build our UU the Vote and Side with Love Volunteer Squads and help YOU build stronger teams in your congregation and community. Sign up here. 

Green Sanctuary Team Meeting: Engaging Marginalized Communities

Wednesday, September 21 | 8 pm - 9 pm ET / 5 pm - 6 pm PT 

Hosted by Rachel Myslivy, Climate Justice Organizer for Side with Love. Green Sanctuary Team Meetings are a time to come together in conversation and shared learning with other UUs interested in congregational transformation through climate justice on the third Wednesday of the month at 8:00 pm ET. Each meeting includes a short presentation on a climate justice topic, followed by open discussion on pressing needs. This month, join Rev. Ranwa Hammamy, Congregational Justice Organizer for the Side With Love Organizing Strategy Team, to learn how to genuinely engage with marginalized communities on climate justice. Register here.

UUA Legacy Giving Webinar for Congregations

Saturday, October 15, 2022 | 1 pm - 3 pm ET

The UUA’s Legacy Gifts Office offers a number of services, including an online workshop to assist congregations in creating legacy giving programs. This webinar covers the basics of legacy giving and how to set up a legacy giving program in your congregation. We aim to equip congregations with the knowledge they need to start a legacy program. To register for the webinar, email us at legacy@uua.org or call (888) 792-5885 (select option 3). 

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.