UUA News – December 2023

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Dear Friends,

As we move into the final month of 2023, with so much heartbreaking upheaval in the wider world and so much going on in our day-to-day lives, we can be grateful for the care and comfort we find in our Unitarian Universalist community. During this time of solemn reflection, gatherings, and holiday tidings, we send love and good wishes from the UUA, as we prepare to gather alongside all of you.

This newsletter includes a new video message for the holidays from UUA President the Rev. Dr. SofiĢa Betancourt, where she shares greetings and a prayer that all UUs lean into the beauty and goodness that we share in common during this season of peace. There are also some reminders, resources, and announcements included in the links below the video.

With you on the journey,

Rachel
Unitarian Universalist Association
Rachel Walden supportsĀ UUA Communications as senior manager for digital & marketing strategy. When she’s not brainstorming content with her colleagues, you’ll likely find her outside.
Image of Rachel Walden
Glad Tidings: A Holiday Message for 2023 from the Rev. Dr. SofiĢa Betancourt, UUA President
In a new holiday message, UUA President the Rev. Dr. SofiĢa Betancourt shares glad tidings and a prayer for Unitarian Universalists that this holiday season will be a time for family, healing, recommitment, and dedication to the things that bring joy and meaning to our lives. Watch and share the video with your congregation or community.
Watch the Video
The final revision of the proposed new Article II of UUA Bylaws was made available to UUs in November and some congregations have already drafted proposed amendments. For these amendments to be submitted to the Board of Trustees, they must have the endorsement of 15 certified member congregations. Consider reviewing and offering your congregationā€™s support for one of these amendments. The deadline for submitting new amendments is February 1, 2024.
Review the Amendments
We appreciate the Muslim and Jewish UU leaders who hosted and all who attended the UUA online event, “Why We Cannot Turn Away: Resources for UUs Engaging Palestine & Israel,” in November. A recording, presentation slides, and an expanded resource guide are now available for use in UU congregations and communities.
Get the Recording
What seeds are you planting for the new year? How can we center beauty and goodness and love in all that lies ahead? These questions are at the heart of a new collection of worship materials called ā€œSeeds for the New Year,” developed for the UUAā€™s WorshipWeb in collaboration with UUA President Rev. Dr. SofiĢa Betancourt. The collection will be available next week on December 15.
Seeds for the New Year
To support and affirm the ministries of UU congregations and communities, the UUAā€™s Safe Congregations team has developed a new way to report threats and destructive incidents when they occur in congregations. The teams asks that incidents now be reported through a new online form available in the Safe Congregations section of UUA.org.
Get the Form
In response to increased reports of online harassment and threats in UU congregations, the UUAā€™s Side With Love team has developed a new digital security training for congregations that will begin in January. The two-part training, which costs $100 for a congregational team of five, will cover practical steps to mitigate online harassment, fraud, and other forms of cyber attacks. Gather your team and register today.
Register for the Training
30 Days of Love will be back in January 2024 ā€“ save the date! Our annual month of spiritual nourishment, political grounding, and shared practices of faith and justice will begin on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 15) and run through Valentineā€™s Day (February 14). Stay tuned as more information and resources become available.
Get Ready for 30 Days of Love