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Dear Friend, 

My three children are six, eleven and fourteen years old. Last weekend, I took them down to the library for a Latinx Heritage Month event—a few tables with crafts, music by local musicians, and story time in Spanish and English. Later, we participated in a multi-faith community clean-up project at the town reservoir, picking up micro-plastics at the water’s edge.

I have missed spending time in the community with my children these last two years. These experiences are an important part of their formation as members of a community, as citizens, and as spiritual people.

Members of our congregation are always present—sometimes as participants, sometimes as leaders. In a time when religious education programming for children and youth has been disrupted, I am so grateful for the ways our congregation impacts their lives and their values.

My husband and my mother grew up in UU congregations many decades ago. In the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, children typically entered UU Religious Education programs in a stable cohort. They moved through a linear progression of curricula and experiences designed to provide both connections and learning. That era is mostly gone, but children, youth, and families need religious community more than ever.

The world can be hard and confusing. Children and youth need places to explore and grow, places to find healing and connection. They need opportunities to serve and teach. As we emerge from the pandemic, and as we grapple with the changing realities of our children, youth, and families, we are forced to re-imagine our communities and programs.

I reflect with gratitude on the religious educators, volunteers and clergy who are finding new ways to offer essential ministry. I reflect with gratitude on the UUA staff who partner with religious professionals, lay leaders and youth to imagine a way forward—and that there are donors like you who help us continue this vital work.

The Condor & The Eagle Available for Community Screenings

UU Ministry for Earth (UUMFE) is partnering with the creators of The Condor & The Eagle (2019) for one last big community screening, and you are invited to participate! The film is playing online every 15 minutes, October 11 – November 30, 2021. There is a suggested $1-100 sliding scale donation (avg. $25); all are welcome to participate in this community screening regardless of ability to donate.

A pre-recorded panel discussion with the filmmaker Clement Guerra and protagonists from the film will begin playing after the film credits. Spanish and English closed captioning subtitles are available.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Indigenous environmental leaders embark on an extraordinary trans-continental adventure from the Boreal forest to deep into the heart of the Amazonian jungle to unite the peoples of North and South America and deepen the meaning of “Climate Justice”. The Condor & The Eagle documentary offers a glimpse into a developing spiritual renaissance as the film four protagonists learn from each other’s long legacy of resistance to colonialism and its extractive economy. Their path through the jungle takes them on a challenging and liberating journey, which will forever change their attachment to the Earth and one another.

Learn more about the film here, or find out how to host a screening at your congregation here. Donations to support UUMFE can be made online.

Emerging from COVID's second wave in India

Community leaders from our partner DISHA distributing masks in rural Gujarat (Photo courtesy Holdeen India)

India is now emerging from COVID-19's devastating second wave. After months of frantic searches for oxygen and overflowing hospitals, infections are declining. But the trauma of so much loss still cuts deep.

As the UUA Holdeen India Program (UUHIP) learns more of what happened on the ground, one thing is clear: Without the massive relief operations carried out by grassroots organizations across India, countless more would have lost their lives. UU support for our community partners in India was pivotal to their relief efforts. Medical care, food supplies, and job relief for thousands were all possible through your generous support.

UU support for our community partners in India was pivotal to relief efforts. UUHIP is deeply grateful to the UU faith community for so much solidarity at the height of the crisis. 

Giving through an IRA: Qualified Charitable Deductions

Did you know that people who are 70½ or older and who have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) have the option to donate to the UUA through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?

Sometimes referred to as an “IRA Charitable Rollover,” a QCD can help you support the UUA's mission while maintaining tax advantages. Consider these factors (and talk with your tax and/or financial advisor) when deciding whether a QCD is right for you:

To donate via QCD, contact your IRA plan administrator and specify that you want to make an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution. Advance notice helps us properly credit your gift, so be sure to notify the UUA if the funds will be sent directly by your IRA administrator. 

If you have any questions about utilizing IRA QCDs, please contact us at (888) 792-5885 (select option 3) or legacy@uua.org.

United Nations Sunday is October 24

United Nations Sunday celebrates the work of the United Nations and your Unitarian Universalist Office at the United Nations (UU@UN). Each year on United Nations Day we encourage congregations to have a service and/or event to celebrate.

The 2021 theme is All In for Climate Justice: Food Equity and Sustainability.

New Common Read is Defund Fear: Safety without Policing, Prisons, and Punishment

The UUA has chosen Defund Fear: Safety Without Policing, Prisons, and Punishment by Zach Norris (Beacon Press, 2021) as the next Common Read. The UU Common Read builds community in our congregations and our movement by giving diverse people a shared platform for reflection and a shared focus for action.

Taproot: A National BIPOC Space began October 14

The work of spiritual community is complicated in the 21st century. From busy schedules to the ever pressing tension brought on by systemic injustice, the need for faithful leadership that is grounded and resilient is imperative.

BIPoC Leaders rooted in Unitarian Universalist congregations are invited to take part in this monthly, virtual gathering as we explore these pillars in creating means by which to ground ourselves in resilient communities of care.

Upcoming dates are Thursdays November 11 and December 9. This space is explicitly for people identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPoC).

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.