| News and updates from the Central East Region of the UUA to keep your congregation informed.
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| Opportunities for Connection
CER Update ~ January 2020
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| Featured Resource: UU The Vote
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The stakes couldn’t be higher in the 2020 elections. All our values, our work for justice, the communities we love and the beloved community we seek to create are under attack. Our religious community must speak with moral courage and act with prophetic clarity and determination in the 2020 electoral cycle. Our UU values of interdependence, democracy, and the inherent worth and dignity of all people are direct antidotes to the fear, bigotry, and inequity that define our world. In this political moment, UUs are called to join forces with all people who want to organize our communities and our nation to #VoteLove and #DefeatHate. Let’s UU the Vote in 2020! On January 12 at 4 pm ET, there will be an online launch, where you can hear about the organizing plan for UU the Vote across the country, some of the strategies we'll be deploying, examples of on-the-ground work from congregations already engaging, and how you
and your congregation can get involved. Together we will explore how we are called to wear the mantle of our shared legacies, principles, and values as we move boldly together, making our faith relevant and effective in bending the arc of the universe toward justice in this political moment. Register to host a watch party or to attend the event.Download the congregational toolkit, find other resources, apply for
grants and learn more about this program at the UUA website.
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| Introducing CER Resource Pages: Stewardship for Congregations
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The Central East Region has a number of resource pages on a variety of topics important to congregational life. These are "top suggested resources" prepared by the program manager for that area. Each month we'll be highlighting one of the pages. Up this month - Stewardship for Congregations. This resource page is managed by Patricia Infante.
From the page: Stewardship and generosity in congregations is one of our most important ministries, and is an expression of our covenantal practice of working together towards a common mission grounded in love and justice. Many communities are finding themselves squeezed by declining membership and ever
increasing operating costs. Effective stewardship is a multilayered challenge that involves both teaching and encouraging generosity of time, talent and treasure, and, managing the resources placed within our care. Learn more at the CER website.
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| Money Mythbusters: An Online Stewardship Conference
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January 25, 2020 online from 9 am to 3 pm. This is an all day online conference featuring Elizabeth Terry, UUA Giving Specialist as the keynote speaker speaking on Money is... The program includes a panel discussion on Experiences with Covenant and Generosity and three workshop slots with two options in each slot. One low rate for as many folks in your congregation to attend! Can't attend the whole day? We will be recording the session and video will be made available to those congregations who register. Registration is now open. |
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| CER Summer Institute Looking for Volunteers!
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CERSI (Summer Institute) is looking for a few good folks to help create this summer's SI magic in California, PA from July 12-18, 2020. If you are interested in teaching in the children's program, driving a golf cart, or being a nurse, among other things, please consider filling out an application here: https://forms.gle/xuBau3H8YKdyRKUq9. These positions all come with a campership which can be applied to your CERSI fees for the week. Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2020. Questions: contact susanroscigno@gmail.com. Learn about CERSI at their website.
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| The Central East Region is Hiring!
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The Central East Region is hiring a Summer Institute Youth Program Coordinator. This person will work with the Youth Panel who plans the youth program for Summer Institute each year. The position is part time, averaging around 4 hours per week, with a 50-60 hour week during Summer Institute.
The full job description can be found on the UUA website. Please contact Shannon Harper, Youth and Young Adult Program Manager at sharper@uua.org
to learn more or ask questions.
Interested in something full time? We are also hiring for a Congregational Life Consultant to do primary contact work in the southeastern part of the region - eastern Pennsylvania, Delmarva, New Jersey area. The full job description can be found on the UUA website. Please contact Rev. Megan Foley, Regional Lead at mfoley@uua.org to learn more or ask questions.
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| General Assembly 2020 - Rooted, Inspired, Ready!
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General Assembly 2020 will take place June 24-28, 2020 in Providence, RI. This year's theme is Rooted, Inspired, Ready! GA will delve into our theological and historical roots, bringing those threads into the present day and acting in solidarity with Indigenous communities. Attendees will be inspired and trained to engage in electoral work as people of faith, living out our values in service of all our intersecting justice commitments.
Early bird registration is open! New this year: Use the Early Bird Payment Plan to pay down your GA registration over time (initial payment of $50 required; final payment due February 29). Visit the GA Registration page.
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| Better Together Blog: Are You Willing to Experifail*?
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by Beth Casebolt The holiday season, for adults at least, is often fraught with worries and stress. Do the decorations on the house look right? Did I buy the perfect present for my family and friends? Is the dinner I’m planning right for everyone? We stress over having the perfect holiday, instead of just enjoying the season and time with family and friends. We live in a perfectionistic society. If you can’t do it perfectly, don’t do it at all. That attitude stifles creativity, thinking outside the box, trying something new. Why? Because we may fail and if we fail it may get plastered all over social media so everyone will know.
Read the rest of the article
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Finding Our Way Home is an annual retreat hosted by the UUA for Unitarian Universalist (UU) religious professionals of color. Ministers, religious educators, administrators, musicians, seminarians, and UUA staff are welcome to attend. This retreat offers community building, spiritual reflection, and collegial support while connecting participants with local community organizations as partners in service, witness, and advocacy. This year it will be held March 18-21, 2020 in Long Beach, CA. Registration is now open. Learn more here.
Are you a member of LREDA, AUUMM or the UUMA? Here is your opportunity to take the Transforming Hearts Collective course with your peers. Learn more at their website.
Interested in Faithify.org but don't know where to start? Project Manager Halcyon Westall is now holding open office hours on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm ET. Bring your questions, get help with your draft campaign, or just say hello at this informal meeting on Zoom. Here is the link: https://zoom.us/j/248451027 or meeting ID: 248 451 027
UU College of Social Justice has two immersion programs for those interested:
- Are you eager to deepen your understanding of feminist leadership and root causes of migration? Are you an organizer or religious leader ready to take your work a step further? Join UUCSJ March 5-11, 2020 for our next delegation to Honduras! Learn more and register by January 6th at UUCSJ.org/honduras-por-la-vida/
- Defend the Human Rights of Migrants! At a time of deepening crisis for immigrants and asylum seekers, the UU College of Social Justice has organized an immersion experience specifically for religious professionals. This journey will help you deepen your understanding of the migration crisis and will support your justice ministry with theological reflection among
colleagues. Our spring Border Witness journey to Tucson, AZ, will be April 13-17, 2020, and will be led by UUSC President Mary Katherine Morn. Generous scholarship aid is available for religious
professionals and seminary students.
New publications from the UUA - Now available from Skinner House Books is In Time’s Shadow: Stories About Impermanence by Rev. Marilyn Sewell and Scripture Unbound: A Unitarian Universalist Approach
by Rev. Jonalu Johnstone and available for pre-order, Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Education for Older Adults by Melanie Davis.
The UUA is hiring for several positions. Find job descriptions and application information at their Job Openings webpage.
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The following events are upcoming in the region. For full details and a complete list visit the CER Calendar Page. Also, please note, if you are mailing a check to pay for your event to us, you must write the name and date of the event in the memo line. Otherwise we may not get it properly credited.
- OM Winter Youth Adult Committee Meeting ~ North Royalton, OH ~ January 10-11, 2020
- UNY Youth Leadership Conference ~ Syracuse, NY ~ January 10-12, 2020
- Pastoral Care to/with Youth Training ~ Pomona, NJ ~ January 10-12, 2020
- Resilience: Leadership Development for the 21st Century ~ Oakton, VA ~ January 11, 2020
- Jubilee Anti-Racism Training ~ Washington DC ~ January 17-19, 2020
- Activate! Shared Ministry Day ~ Buffalo, NY ~ January 18, 2020
- Money Mythbusters: An Online Stewardship Conference ~ January 25, 2020
- MNY Youth Adult Committee Meeting ~ January 25, 2020
- Fundamentals of Healthy Youth Ministry Part 1 ~ North
Royalton, OH ~ January 25, 2020
- MNY Youth Conference ~ Summit, NJ ~ January 31-February 2, 2020
- Fundamentals of Healthy Youth Ministry Part 2 ~ Cherry Hill, NJ ~ February 1, 2020
- Beyond the Binary ~ Syracuse, NY ~ February 7-9, 2020
- Winter Institute ~ Salt Fork State Park, Cambridge, OH ~ February 14-17, 2020
- OM Winter Youth Conference ~ Pittsburgh, PA ~ February 21-23, 2020
- UNY Youth Conference ~ Albany, NY ~ February 28-March 1, 2020
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The following webinars will take place in the region the next two months. For full details and a complete list visit the CER Webinars Calendar.
- Youth Ministry Advisor
Training Series: Pastoral Care to/with Youth. January 9, 2020, 8 pm ET
- Renaissance Module: Philosophy of Religious Education starts January 14, 2020, 4-6 pm ET, every Tuesday night for 5 weeks. Registration closes January 1.
- Small Congregations Series: Stewardship and Sustainability for the Long Haul, January 15, 2020, 7 pm ET, repeated at 7 pm PT
- Build a Better Board Webinar Series, Session 4, January 16, 2020, 7 pm ET.
- Sacred Spaces Webinar, January 22, 2020, 7 pm ET.
- Money Mythbusters: An Online Stewardship Conference, January 25, 2020, 9 am-5pm ET.
- Renaissance Module: Curriculum Development starts February 6, 2020, 1-3 pm ET, every Thursday for 5 weeks. Registration closes January 23.
- Small Congregations Series: Being Beloved Community, February 12, 2020, 7 pm ET, repeated at 7 pm PT
- Youth Ministry Advisor Training Series: Inclusive Youth Ministry Part 1. February 13, 2020, 8 pm ET
- Build a Better Board Webinar Series, Session 5, February 20, 2020, 7 pm ET.
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| Congregation, Cluster and Affiliate Groups News and Events
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Our congregations and clusters in the region have many exciting activities and announcements going on. For a complete listing of events, visit the CER Congregations and Clusters Calendar Page. For news from congregations, please visit our News Blog. For job listings from congregations check the UUA Job Board.
- Murray Grove Retreat & Renewal Center is seeking new Executive Director.
- MLK Day of Service ~ January 20, 2020, Thomas Paine UU Fellowship, Collegeville, PA
- First Unitarian Church of Wilmington Building Re-dedication and Minister Installation, February 16, 2020
- OM LREDA Chapter Retreat, February 20-22, 2020, Wheeling, WV
If your congregation or cluster has news or events to share, please send it to us at bcasebolt@uua.org
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| This work is made possible by the generosity of member congregations and individual donors.
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Sent to: _t.e.s.t_@example.com
Central East Region of the UUA, 100 W 10th Street Suite 1008, Wilmington, DE 19801, United States
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