Here is the full text of the Denominational Affairs Committee Survey of UUSE-UUA touchpoints, compiled in September 2024

Sunday Worship UU West Hartford with Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, UUA President Sunday, October 20 Worship Service: 10 AM with Rev. Dr. Adam Robersmith Can’t make it in person? Join us online: https://www.youtube.com/@theuniversalistchurchwesth5818/streams Our worship services are live-streamed on YouTube every Sunday at 10 AM EST.  Click the link above to view a live service or to browse previously recorded services.

Sept 20th 2024 Over the past three weeks the Discernment Task Force has been meeting with members of the congregation to discuss what, in their view, a good discernment process would look like. Members of the Task Force have met with members of the Policy Board, the minister, and the director of Children and Youth Ministries (CYM). We also reached out to folks who were active in raising concerns about the new Article 2 and the UUA. In addition, we met with folks who reached out to us, following our E-Blast (August 29) seeking input on what a good process would be. In addition, we identified additional folks to ensure different demographics were represented, for example a range of generations, people with children, people without children. We engaged with 35 people, of whom 33 agreed to share their views. NEXT STEPS Sept 23 The Task Force will meet to identify themes that emerged from our conversations with stakeholders. The congregation can expect a brief report – via a dedicated eblast, via the CYM weekly email, on UUSE’s Facebook page, and as an insert in the Sunday order of service -- regarding the main themes that emerged. Oct 6 The Task Force will have a four-hour meeting to design a process of congregational engagement based on the input received. The congregation can expect an overall description and timeline of opportunities for congregational engagement soon after this meeting -- via a dedicated eblast, via the CYM weekly email, on UUSE’s Facebook page, and as an insert in the Sunday order of service. Second half of Oct and November: likely time frame for congregational engagement events. Late December/Early January: Report to the Policy Board Discernment Task Force Members: Trisha Corey-Lisle, chair; Desiree Holian-Borgnis; David Lacoss; Sage Nitzan; Sylvia Ounpuu; Sid Soderholm; Monica van Beusekom; Lynn Dove, Policy Board Liaison Summary of mission of UUA Discernment Task Force: The UUA Discernment Task Force will design and implement a process by which UUSE members and friends can: 1) listen to each other’s concerns about the UUA and Unitarian Universalism; 2) determine together the institutional relationship we wish to have with the UUA; and 3) determine what changes to the UUSE constitution, if any, will enable us to formalize that relationship. #specialEBlast-9-20-24

Congregational lay leaders and associate lay volunteers come together to share experiences, support one another, and reflect on the blessings and challenges of lay leadership. Click HERE for more information.

The NAUA is at the beginning stage of evolution and states that their hopes are to continue to expand further as a service organization for all Liberal Religion.  https://naunitarians.org/ The NAUA is not a denomination.   The NAUA indicates that members can be both members of the UUA and of the NAUA.   Membership can include Individuals as well as whole Congregations.    All are welcome to NAUA "We welcome all people committed to liberal religion and embrace the principles of freedom, reason, and tolerance in pursuit of their individual paths.  You do not need to be a Unitarian or a Universalist to join."

Excellent summary of the new UU Shared Values, thanks to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia (Maryland) I especially like the Timeline,which was very educational. https://uucolumbia.net/article-ii/

Welcome to this month’s Words To Lead By from your New England Region UUA Staff! View this email in your browser.

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