First Existentialist Congregation

UU World profiles First Parish in Bedford, MA which the UUA named as a “Breakthrough Congregation” this year for its sustained growth. Membership has doubled since the Rev. John Gibbons started there twenty-three years ago and is projected to break 400 this year. Read how they made real growth happen in their congregation.

In Maine, Maryland, and Washington, there are measures on the ballot that would authorize same-sex marriage. In Minnesota, marriage equality advocates are working to get out a “No” vote next month on a legislative measure that was passed to prevent same-sex marriage. In all four states Unitarian Universalists are deeply engaged, hoping for outcomes that favor marriage equality. Learn more about their important work in this article from UU World .

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO)! For 50 years, the UU-UNO has worked to support international human rights, climate change policies, security and peace building for women, and many other issues. We invite you to attend our anniversary celebration in New York City on November 3rd, 2012. Tickets are on sale now through Oct 20th. Buy your ticket before Sept 30th and receive a discounted rate. Celebrate in your congregations and come celebrate with us!

The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, issued a statement applauding the legalization of same-sex marriage in Delaware. It begins, “Yesterday, the governor of Delaware signed the marriage equality bill that made Delaware the 11th state to ensure equal rights for its citizens. I applaud the great efforts of all who helped secure this victory.'

The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, issued a statement applauding the legalization of same-sex marriage in Rhode Island. It begins, “Today, we celebrate marriage equality in Rhode Island. I want to thank and applaud all who worked tirelessly to secure this victory. Rhode Island now joins nine states and the District of Columbia where same-sex marriage is the legal right for all committed couples.”

The Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees held their quarterly meeting in Boston, MA, from April 18 to 21. UUA Secretary Tom Loughrey has prepared a letter sharing important news from that meeting. The letter reads, in part, 'Our Association faces many challenges. We are in a sea of change. Our congregations are all more or less engaged in the question about how our congregations and other U.U. communities can make a real difference in the world today. It is the Board's role to make sure the question is being engaged not just in our congregations and local groups but in our Association as well.'

CBS News profiles Unitarian Universalism in a new documentary called Religion & Spirituality in a Changing Society to explore the dramatic changes in Americans' religious behavior. They interview UUA President the Rev. Peter Morales and profile First Parish Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist to better understand what Unitarian Universalism offers to meet the spiritual needs of a growing population of individuals who have no religious affiliation.

In 2011, Nancy Shaffer was diagnosed with what would be a fatal brain tumor. With clarity and honesty, she committed herself to writing about her search for meaning over the last year of her life so that others at end of life would not feel alone and pastoral care givers could understand better how to help. While Still There Is Light is now available through the UUA Bookstore.

The Rev. Peter Morales, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), issued a statement addressing the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) proposed membership standards resolution. It begins, “The Boy Scouts of America has announced a proposal for revising its discriminatory membership policies. The proposed resolution would remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone, but would continue to perpetuate the discriminatory membership policy for all adult scout leaders.”

Sadly, we are once again witnesses to senseless violence. New images of suffering, panic, and heroism burn themselves into our memory. Shock mixes with grief, disbelief, compassion and anger. Monday's bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon occurred just blocks from the Unitarian Universalist Association headquarters. As far as we know, all our staff are safe. Our prayers go out to the families of those who were killed and to all who have been injured.

In The Interim: Strategies for Interim Ministers and Congregations , edited by Barbara Child and Keith Kron, is available now at the UUA Bookstore. In this practical and insightful volume, interim ministers and other congregational leaders provide a road map for a transformative and fulfilling interim period. Interim ministry poses unique challenges and opportunities for both congregations and ministers. Much more than a 'caretaker' ministry, an interim ministry can help a congregation navigate and get the most out of a time of transition.

UU World reports on Two Who Dared: The Sharps' War , a documentary film depicting the heroic work of Martha Sharp, a social worker, and her husband the Rev. Waitstill Sharp, a Unitarian minister. At the request of the American Unitarian Association, the Sharps left their comfortable home in Massachusetts and risked their lives in war-torn Europe to rescue thousands from the Holocaust.

Your Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees made the decision to move our Association headquarters from its long-time home on Beacon Hill to a new home in Boston's Innovation District. We did not make this decision lightly. We did so knowing the heart of our Association is always in our covenanted communities. The administration made a compelling case for workspace suited to this collaborative age. This move will strengthen our Association spiritually, financially, creatively, and technologically.

In a message from the Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), he shares that the UUA's Board of Trustees authorized the purchase of a new headquarters for the UUA at 24 Farnsworth Street in Boston's Innovation District and the sale of our current Beacon Hill properties. This is truly a historic moment for our Unitarian Universalist movement.

Your Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees made the decision to move our Association headquarters from its long-time home on Beacon Hill to a new home in Boston's Innovation District. We did not make this decision lightly. We did so knowing the heart of our Association is always in our covenanted communities. The administration made a compelling case for workspace suited to this collaborative age. This move will strengthen our Association spiritually, financially, creatively, and technologically.

UU World reports on the Rev. Chris Antal, a Unitarian Universalist military chaplain, who has established the first and only Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Kandahar, Afghanistan which offers weekly worship services on the 25,000-person military base.

The Huffington Post published a blog post by Tim Brennan, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Unitarian Universalist Association, about the issue of divestment from companies in the fossil fuel industry and its effects.

UU World profiles the Unitarian Church of Sharon, MA which the Unitarian Universalist Association named as a Breakthrough Congregation this year. The congregation has more than doubled its membership over the last twenty years. It made room for full-time professional ministry, chose generosity over scarcity, and created a church that is accessible to everyone. Read the full article.

Falling Into the Sky , edited by Abhi Janamanchi and Abhimanyu Janamanchi, is the 2013 Unitarian Universalist Association Meditation Manual. Comprised of forty remarkable writings from Unitarian Universalist ministers, leaders, and lay people, these meditations are full of vivid vistas of imagination and reflection.

At the 2013 General Assembly in Louisville, KY, the UUA will be holding elections for many positions including Moderator. Our elections of people to serve the members and congregations of the Association are at the heart of our fifth principle of our faith and our trust in the democratic process. Please take the opportunity to learn more about each candidate by watching these moderator candidate election videos.