New from the Wider UU

A lot is happening in the wider Unitarian Universalist movement that I thought would interest you. First of all, the UUA is moving its central offices from 25 Beacon Street to 24 Farnsworth Street in Boston. Some have expressed a feeling of loss at the departure from the historic building right next to the Massachusetts State House, but many are excited about creating a much more functional and adaptable space for moving into the future. The move is expected to happen in May.

Another new thing—the Northern New England District is moving toward regionalization—we are joining with other New England Districts to share staff resources and collaboration on many levels. I am not yet sure what this will mean for our connections with district staff, but you can find out more about it at our District Annual Meeting on April 12^th in Concord, NH. Registration is open now for this multigenerational gathering. If you would like to be a delegate for this event, talk to Clay Atkinson, our board president at clay [at] ericsonmitchell.com. You can find more information and Registration materials here.

This year, the annual UU General Assembly is happening June 25-29 in Providence, RI. It's close to us so that means we can get there by car, bus or train—no big plane fares to add to the cost. We are hoping that our youth group might be able to attend this year--they are beginning to talk about it—as well as many adults from our congregation. Registration (and application for scholarships) starts March 3^rd.

For those who are new, General Assembly is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association. UU's from all over the country worship together, witness to our values, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through a democratic process. Anyone may attend; we are also entitled to appoint 6 voting delegates from our congregation. The theme for 2014 GA is “Love Reaches Out,”
with an emphasis on how our faith helps us to grow in our capacity to serve the world with love.  

General Assembly includes fabulous programming--almost 200 choices over the 5 days.  One highlight is the annual Ware lecture, which this year be Sister Simone Campbell, a religious leader, attorney and poet with extensive experience in public policy and advocacy for systemic change. In 2012, she was instrumental in organizing the “Nuns on the Bus” tour advocating for justice for immigrants and low-income Americans. There is also an active youth and young adult contingent at GA. Scholarship and Volunteer Opportunities, Childcare, and Accessibility Services are available.

Click her for more information. If you would like to be a delegate from our church, contact Clay Atkinson. (The Board of Trustees makes the decision on our six delegates.)

Finally, the UUA has a new logo—check it out.

Fire in Winter

Winter has got us firmly in its grip, even as we are technically half-way through the season on February 2^nd. That day celebrates an old festival with many manifestations—Imbolc, Candlemas, Groundhog's Day, and now Superbowl Sunday. (Even though Superbowl seems like the farthest thing from a religious observance—or maybe not.) The Celts celebrated Brigid on this day, the Goddess of smith-craft, poetry, and healing. I always liked that combination—the forging of metal, the forging of words, the forging of whatever fiery powers create healing in people. I like what Cherrie Moraga says at the end of her poem, The Welder,

I am the welder.

I understand the capacity of heat

to change the shape of things.

I am suited to work

within the realm of sparks

out of control.

I am the welder.

I am taking the power

into my own hands.

Perhaps our A2U2 triple forge would include fiery speaking out for justice, warmth in the healing care we give to each other, and the flaming chalice of communal worship each week. Fire helps us get through the winter, and also through the winters of our souls, when hard times come into our lives. May you stay warm, and may your passion for life be rekindled by the light and fire in others.

We recently learned of the death of Pete Seeger, that fiery prophet for justice through the medium of song. He was an amazing light in our world, and (you might not know) he was a member of the UU Community Church in New York. He used music to bring people together, to connect us with the earth, to work for civil rights, worker rights, and peace, and to plant seeds of hope. His passing also reminds me of the passing of Nelson Mandela—both of them living long lives, both of them giants in our times.

I feel inspired and warmed by their light. They remind me that all of us have something to give the world, something to give to the times we live in. That is another side of the February festival—to claim our own gifts and use them to serve our world. May you find inspiration during these cold days, and may your light shine!

                                                                                    Love, Rev. Myke