UU@UN Spring Seminar, Young UUs Project, GA2023 Registration, and more
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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,
I love the winter holidays, especially in Unitarian Universalist congregations. In the congregation I served most recently, we lit the candles of the season: a Yule log at the solstice, the Advent wreath on the Sundays leading up to Christmas, and a menorah at Hanukkah. Members of the congregation who held these traditions dear often did the lighting. The services we co-created during this season were moving and deep, rooted in the wisdom of centuries.
The massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School took place during Hanukkah a decade ago, and just before the winter solstice. The community I served with my husband was in shock, angry, and reeling from grief. That Sunday, we turned to the Hanukkah story and the rhythms of the earth for comfort.
The ancient stories met us in our grief. The tale of the temple’s violation and re-consecration resonated deeply. The miracle of the oil was a balm to our spirits after the unthinkable had occurred. And as we neared the longest night of year, the earth counseled: the darkest time is a turning place.
As I wrestle with the evil present in society today, these teachings still serve me. They acknowledge how deep our pain is. They remind us where hope can be found, even as we face unflinchingly the perils of our time and respond with compassionate action.
In a time of rampant antisemitism and rising Christian nationalism, progressive faith communities matter. It matters that we foster respect for religious diversity, explore the life-giving messages offered in many traditions, and reject hateful interpretations. It matters that we share our values and understanding across the generations.
This year, as we kindle the lights of the season, may we do so with a spirit of appreciation and care for our fellow human beings. May we reach out to those who have been impacted by the rising tide of hateful rhetoric.
Thank you to all those who work for peace and justice, all those who co-create a more loving world.
Warm wishes of the season to you,
Rev. Lauren Smith
Director of Stewardship and Development
The UUA will be closed for the winter break starting at 2 pm on Monday, December 19, and will re-open on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
Stewardship and Development staff will be available via email (development@uua.org) and phone (888-792-5885) to assist with year-end giving questions from 9am - 5pm Eastern Time between December 20-23 and December 26-30, and from 9am - 4pm Eastern Time on December 31.
Remember the last day for making a 2022 donation is Saturday, December 31. We suggest you make year-end gifts online to avoid any mail delays. Thank you!
Recent news from the UUA and President Susan Frederick-Gray
- Embracing Possibility in Times of Change: Worship Resources for Congregations in Transition Now Available
- UPLIFT: World AIDS Day is December 1st (Blog post, November 28)
- From the UUA President: Our LGBTQIA+ Siblings are Sacred, Whole and Divine (Press release, November 21)
- UUA Files Coalition Amicus Brief to Support Trans Youth Seeking Gender-Affirming Care in Alabama (Press release, November 17)
Holiday Blessing from Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray
Thank You for Giving Tuesday Support
Our thanks go to all those who made gifts on Giving Tuesday this year. Fifty-three of you chose to join the Faithful Sustainers, becoming monthly donors whose first twelve months of gifts will be matched. We appreciate your dedication and year-round generosity!
Remember to Make 2022 Gifts Ahead of Year-End
Typically make a donation to the UUA at this time of year? Don't forget to do so, especially if you plan to mail a check, initiate a gift from a donor advised fund, or make a stock transfer. The USPS is quite busy at this time of year, and it's a good idea to allow for extra time for mailing and processing. Remember, any gifts made via IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution must clear your IRA account by December 31, 2022.
Contact the Legacy Gifts Office with any questions about planned gifts, including estate gifts, at (888) 792-5885 (select option 3) or legacy@uua.org.
2023 UU@UN Spring Seminar is April 1-3 in Minneapolis
The Unitarian Universalist Office at the United Nations (UU@UN) is excited to announce that the 2023 Intergenerational Spring Seminar will take place April 1-3, 2023, with the theme "Demilitarization & Abolition: Resist Policing and Empire."
Previously held in New York City or online, this year's Spring Seminar will be held in-person in Minneapolis, MN, with online participation options.
Why Minneapolis? The past few years of online-only Spring Seminars have shown us that we can connect with the UN, and with issues of global concern, from anywhere in the world. For 2023, we wanted to try holding the event closer to the middle of the continent, in the hope that a more geographically diverse community can attend. And given this year's theme of Demilitarization & Abolition, we want to learn from movement leaders in Minneapolis who have been on the front lines of resisting police and empire.
More details will be available soon, so please save the dates.
Young UU Project Offers Support, Connection
Have you heard of YUUP?
The Young UU Project began in 2020 as a way for young UUs to keep in touch with each other and their faith during the pandemic, and is held by Lifespan Faith Engagement staff.
The purpose of YUUP is to be a national community care network and multi-directional communication channel that centers BIPOC, trans/non-binary and neurodivergent youth and offers a transition zone for young people moving into emerging adulthood.
Anyone (youth, caregivers, religious professionals, lay leaders, everyone!) can tap into the social ministry of YUUP by following them on Instagram @yuup.uua and signing up for the YUUP newsletter.
YUUP also has a community sphere just for youth, those who bridged in 2022 and support adults. These "Third Monday Meetups" are where youth swap ideas they can take home to their local communities. In August they swapped Favorite Check In Questions. In September they swapped favorite youth group games, which will soon be released on Instagram and in the newsletter.
Adult readers - We need your help connecting youth to this community! Please point them to uua.org/YUUP to connect at whatever their capacity is.
Presidential Search Committee Nominates The Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt
The Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) Presidential Search Committee is pleased to announce the nomination of the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt for UUA President, for the 2023-2029 term. Rev. Dr. Betancourt is an experienced leader and theologian in Unitarian Universalism, including formerly serving as a professor at Starr King School for the Ministry and as Interim Co-President of the UUA in 2017. She currently serves as Resident Scholar and Special Advisor to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.
Review the Nomination Process section of this announcement for more information on how the PSC made its determination, and for information on the process for running by petition in accordance with the UUA Bylaws.
General Assembly 2023 Registration Now Open
Join us June 21 - 25, 2023 online or in-person in Pittsburgh, PA. General Assembly 2023 will be a multiplatform event, with registration options for in-person and/or virtual participation. In-person registration includes access to events scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh, as well as everything available to virtual registrants. Full virtual registration includes access to the GA app, as well as all on-demand programming, live webinars, and live-streamed events.
New this year: Join our First Timers Caucus. If this will be your first in-person GA, use the promo code WELCOME to reduce your Adult in-person registration by $100. One hundred spots are available. (Cannot be combined with other financial support promo codes.)
In-person registration is $400 for adults, and $300 for high school youth, emerging adults (18-24), and retired and candidate ministers. Full Virtual Registration is $250. Register now and use the payment plan to pay over time. Financial support is also available. In-person registration rates will increase on March 1 and again on May 1.
Give the Gift of GA
This holiday season, why not make a gift to a fellow Unitarian Universalist? Gift certificates for General Assembly Registration are available in any amount. 2023 Gift Certificates are non-refundable and must be redeemed by June 30, 2023. Unredeemed funds will be applied and acknowledged as donations to the financial support of GA participants. Find out more and purchase gift registrations here.
You're Invited: UU Ministry for Earth Winter Solstice Service
Let’s celebrate sacred possibilities! UU Ministry for Earth is excited to invite you and your communities to our second annual Solstice celebration, “Evergreen: A Winter Solstice Service.” Join us for an evening of music, reflection, meditation, and spiritual grounding hosted on Zoom Wednesday, December 21 at 5 pm PT/ 6 pm MT/ 7 pm CT/ 8 pm ET.
Even in heartache times, we can connect and be galvanized for the present we live in, and the future we seek. Join Rev. Elizabeth Nguyen and amazing musicians as UU Ministry for Earth honors the sacred call of the season. Movements for justice need moments of deep presence and connection. Let’s connect and be present for work today and to come. We hope to see you then! Please register to attend.
UUA Common Read Discussion Guide Now Available
The UU Common Read discussion guide for Mistakes and Miracles offers a series of four 90-minute, online gatherings. Participants are guided to engage deeply with the stories of others in UU congregations who have chosen a faithful path toward Beloved Community and struggled along the way. The final session guides strategic planning to move forward toward antiracist, antioppressive, multicultural community, from wherever you are.
If you plan to facilitate this Common Read and/or promote the discussion series in your congregation, please start by reading the section, "Using This Guide."
About the 2022-2023 Common Read
Co-authors Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin—a white minister and a lay person of color—explored five UU congregations' journeys toward Beloved Community. In Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism (Skinner House Books, 2019), they shared the joy, disappointment, and growth these congregations found.
Today, UU congregations are grappling with a charge to dismantle white supremacy in ourselves, our communities, and our world. As we enter a Common Read of this book, many will welcome its report with a ready spirit to meet the urgent need for multiculturalism and antiracism work in our congregations and our movement.
Upcoming Events in December and January
International U/U Young Adults - December Gathering
Sunday, December 11 | 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, December 11, 2022 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 to attend.
UUA Board of Trustees December and January Dates
The UUA Board of Trustees holds monthly videoconference calls (using Zoom) and four major meetings per year. Agendas, meeting packets, minutes and reports are available online. The Board also 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.
- December Meeting | Monday, December 12, 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT. Register for the December meeting here.
- December Open House | Tuesday, December 13, 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT. Register for the December Open House here.
- January Open House | Tuesday, January 10, 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT. Register for the January Open House here.
- January Meeting | Thursday, January 19 - Saturday, January 21, 2023. Times TBD. Registration link will be available here soon.
Green Sanctuary 2030 Listening Session
Wednesday, December 14 | 7 pm - 8 pm ET / 4 pm - 5 pm PT
Hosted by Rachel Myslivy. How can we improve the Green Sanctuary 2030 process? Join this informal discussion to share your thoughts and shape the future of the program! Register here.
UU the Vote 2022 Farewell Celebration
Friday, December 16 | 4 pm - 5:30 pm ET / 1 pm - 2:30 pm PT
Join UU the Vote one last time in 2022 to celebrate our accomplishments in this election cycle, share uplifting stories, and bid farewell to our UU the Vote Campaign Manager, JaZahn Hicks.
Coming in February... UUA Legacy Giving Webinar for Congregations
Saturday, February 11, 2023 | 1 pm - 3 pm ET / 10 am - 12 pm PT
The UUA’s Legacy Gifts Office offers a number of services, including an online workshop to assist congregations in creating legacy giving programs. The webinar on Saturday, February 11, 2023 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.
