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Curriculum on Reproductive Justice Now Available

December 5, 2012 in All, Events & Resources by PNWD News Editor | Permalink

At “Justice GA” last summer, congregational delegates selected Reproductive Justice as the UUA’s current four-year Congregational Study-Action Issue. Now, a six-week Reproductive Justice Curriculum has been released to support your educational process.

Rooting UUs in our religious history and theological callings, the curriculum outlines the distinctions between reproductive “health,” “rights,” and “justice”; opens awareness of reproductive oppressions; offers opportunities to learn about ourselves and each other as sexual and reproductive beings; and equips us to move forward, out into the world, with integrity and vision.

The curriculum is available free of charge and can be downloaded from the UUA website. It was written to be used by a multigenerational group. Encourage young adults, older adults, and youth to participate in your congregation’s course and share the one-page curriculum brief (PDF).

An earlier News article also highlighted resources for congregations related to this Study-Action Issue. It can be found here.

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UUA Health Plan Open Enrollment Ends Nov. 30

November 26, 2012 in All, Denominational News by PNWD News Editor | Permalink

REMINDER TO UUA MEMBER CONGREGATIONS and related UU organizations, from the UUA Office of Church Staff Finance and Peter Henrickson, PNWD Compensation Consultant:

Open Enrollment for the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Heath Plan began November 1 for all eligible staff and will continue through November 30. Eligible staff may join the plan effective January 1, 2013, even if they have not taken advantage of past enrollment opportunities.

For currently participating employees of Subscribing Employers or for Subscribing Individuals, there is nothing to do to continue coverage for 2013. Current participants will be carried over and be billed the 2013 rates. Participants are free to change plans (from High Deductible to Standard PPO, for example) by notifying the UUA Health Plan office.

For more information, see the UUA website. This page offers details on 2013 Rate and Benefit Changes, including impacts of the Affordable Health Care Act and other specific changes being made in 2013.

If your congregation is not currently participating in the UUA Health Plan, please consider enrolling your staff in your denominational health plan with outstanding benefits, consistent with Unitarian Universalist (UU) values, managed by Unitarian Universalists, and benefiting UUA-related participants and not the insurance industry.

The Affordable Care Act is adding a lot of uncertainty for all employers—uncertainty about benefits, about rates, about state-based insurance exchanges. The UUA Health Plan is committed to the long haul, however the ACA plays out. As we enter our seventh year, membership continues to grow, and our reserves are strong. Over the 2012 and 2013 policy years, out net rate change has been zero. During our first six years, rates have increased only 21%, at least 30% less than the small group market average. Unlike commercial health insurance, the UUA Health Plan is here to serve ONLY the interests of our participants and their UUA-related employers.

Please consider joining the more than 300 congregations that have become part of the UUA Health Plan movement Health care with UU values managed by the UUA and benefiting UU congregations and their staff.

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UUA Nominations, Election Prep Underway

November 26, 2012 in Denominational News, Uncategorized by PNWD News Editor | Permalink

PNWD Congregations may have recently been contacted with requests to submit nomination forms for candidates running for UUA President or Moderator. Candidates for these elected positions are required by the UUA bylaws to submit a minimum number of nomination forms by February 1, 2013.

Peter Morales, UUA President

Please note that by submitting this form, congregations are not bound to endorse a candidate – they have indicated only support for a candidate’s name to be placed on the ballot for the GA 2013 elections. Multiple candidates may be nominated by any one congregation.

 

The Rev. Peter Morales is running for re-election to a second 4-year term as UUA President. You may wish to review his Candidate’s media kit.

 

 

The UUA Board of Trustees has nominated two persons to consider for a six-year term for the UUA Moderator position according to bylaw section 9.5(a):

Jim Key

 

Jim Key – You may wish to review the UUWorld profile
 or the Candidate’s Website.

Tamara Payne-Alex

Tamara Payne-Alex
 - You may wish to review the UUWorld profile or the Candidate’s Website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several other positions will also be determined by vote of congregational delegates to GA 2013 in Louisville, KY, this summer. You may wish to review information on the UUA Website related to these elections. In addition to President and Moderator, these positions include:

      • Financial Advisor
      • Seven Trustees-at-Large
      • Presidential Nominating Committee for 2017
      • Commission on Appraisal
      • Commission on Social Witness
      • General Assembly Planning Committee
      • Nominating Committee
      • Board of Review

The Nominating Committee is nominating one or more persons for these elective offices and this information will be made public by December 10th.

Additionally, any qualified person may choose to run by petition.  For those planning on running by petition for one of the Board of Trustee positions, the petition must be specified: 1) a term of office – either one year or three years for elections in 2013, and 2) a nominated candidate to run against.

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 the positions available and the process for running by petition.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact  Tom Loughrey, Secretary, at secretary@uua.org.

 

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UU World Magazine Audio Articles

November 15, 2012 in All, Denominational News by PNWD News Admin | Permalink

The UUA is pleased to announce that audio versions of six articles of the UU World Winter issue are available for online listening or downloading. 

UU World is a quarterly publication of the Unitarian Universalist Association that is provided free as a benefit to voting members of congregations. The magazine descends from a long line of Unitarian and Universalist publications going back almost two centuries: Universalist Magazine was founded in 1819 and the Unitarian Christian Register in 1821.

If you are not receiving UU World, check with your congregation. Updates to the UU World subscription list can be made directly by your congregation’s administrator (find out how by clicking here). If you are not a voting member of a UUA congregation but would like to receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

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Submissions Wanted for Anthology of Leadership Meditations

October 1, 2012 in All, Denominational News by PNWD News Editor | Permalink

Section Banner: Skinner House Books: an imprint of the Unitarian Universalist Association

Skinner House Books, the imprint of the Unitarian Universalist Association, invites members of UU congregations to submit original poems, prayers, or short prose pieces for consideration for a collection of meditations for congregational leaders. The anthology will be edited by Kay Montgomery, UUA Executive Vice President.

This collection is intended to foster the understanding of congregational leadership as an avenue for spiritual growth rather than an administrative chore. The ideal meditations would be both inspirational for and affirming of the work of all kinds of leaders—both professional and volunteer, lay and ordained. They would help support UU leaders through a kind of “literary ministry,” addressing issues common to many in leadership positions, and acknowledging some of the challenges as well. Overall, this collection will hold up the role of church leader as vital to healthy congregational life and honor those who serve in this capacity.

Kay Montgomery, UUA Executive Vice-President

Pieces may be serious or funny, tender or frank. They should be suitable for both private reflection and public worship. Prose meditations should be between 200 and 650 words. Poems should be no longer than 54 lines.

In your cover letter, please identify your affiliation with Unitarian Universalism. If your work has been published, please give details.

Submit your submission electronically, no later than November 15, 2012, to:

Betsy Martin, Skinner House Books
bmartin@uua.org

Please include the meditations in a single, attached document.

Please type “meditations for leaders” in the subject line, and be sure to include your contact information in the body of the message.

If your work is accepted, you will be notified after January 7, 2013. Please address any questions to Marshall Hawkins, Editor, Skinner House Books, at mhawkins@uua.org.

 

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Program Proposals Requested for GA2013

September 27, 2012 in All, Denominational News by PNWD News Editor | Permalink

The GA Program Development Group is now accepting program proposals for the 2013 General Assembly.

Congregations, UU leaders and related groups are invited to apply for one or more of approximately 80 available 75-minute program slots available for the 2013 General Assembly.

Building on the experience of Justice GA, the General Assembly Planning Committee, the UUA Board of Trustees and the Administration seek to create a General Assembly in 2013 that moves our Association “From Promise to Commitment.”

Promises call us into relationship. The experience of making, breaking and remaking promises is the reality of our lived faith. We will gather in Louisville to examine and renew our covenant to our faith, one another, our congregations and the larger world.

To merit consideration, program proposals submitted for the 2013 GA should explore the kinds of promises our religious communities are called to make as we seek to live out our UU values; how we make them, with whom, and how we hold ourselves and each other accountable.

Equally important is the question of how might we move from the act of promise-making into the journey of long-term commitment. For example, how are we fulfilling the promises made or implied by participating in Justice GA in Phoenix last year? What new promises do we want to make? Submissions that focus on local or regional concerns and that include Louisville or Appalachia area partners are encouraged.  More detailed selection criteria can be found at http://www.uua.org/ga/programming/12741.shtml.

All submitted proposals will be reviewed by the Program Development Group (PDG). The PDG is a diverse team of UUA staff and GA Planning Committee members committed to provide excellent General Assembly programs aligned with the vision and mission of the UUA and its member congregations.

All proposals must be submitted by Thursday, November 1, 2012. Though the form is short, it still requires the clear description of a fully designed 75-minute event (workshop, worship, etc.). You also have the option to propose a 150-minute event that would occur during two workshop slots scheduled back-to-back. Proposers must assume that there will be participation of people of all abilities and of all generations in all General Assembly activities.

GA 2013 Program Proposal Form

recommended before completing proposal: GA 2013 Program Proposal Worksheet

PLEASE NOTE: All presenters at General Assembly MUST be registered – this cost is the presenter’s responsibility. Standard AV each workshop is provided (podium and microphone, an audience microphone, a projection screen, and an AV cart with an extension cord). You may bring your own additional equipment (such as projectors) or indicate on the proposal that you want to rent additional equipment at your own expense.

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UU World Magazine – Read or Listen Online

September 19, 2012 in All, Denominational News by PNWD News Admin | Permalink

UU World is a quarterly publication of the Unitarian Universalist Association that is provided free as a benefit to voting members of congregations. The magazine descends from a long line of Unitarian and Universalist publications going back almost two centuries: Universalist Magazine was founded in 1819 and the Unitarian Christian Register in 1821.

UU World‘s mission is to help its readers build their faith and act on it more effectively in their personal lives, their congregations, their communities, and the world. To this end, it strives to be not only informative but also useful, provocative, and even prophetic.

The UUA is pleased to announce that audio recordings of selected UU World articles are now available for online listening or downloading.

UU World‘s current issue and archives can be read on the award-winning online companion site, uuworld.org: liberal religion and life, which is updated with news and original content each week.

If you are not receiving UU World, check with your congregation. Updates to the UU World subscription list can be made directly by your congregation’s administrator (find out how by clicking here). If you are not a voting member of a UUA congregation but would like to receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

The Fall 2012 issue of UU World (pictured above) features a story about the religious upbringing of U.S. President Barack Obama. His grandparents and mother attended East Shore Unitarian Church in Bellevue, WA, and when the young Barack lived with his grandparents in Hawaii, he attended religious education classes at the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu.

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Tandi Rogers To Be Full-time UUA Growth Specialist

March 23, 2012 in All, Denominational News by PNWD News Editor | Permalink

From the Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, UUA Director for Congregational Life, and Janine Larsen, UUA Pacific Northwest District Executive:

Tandi Rogers

We are delighted to announce that Tandi Rogers, currently serving the UUA in two half-time positions as (1) Growth Strategies Specialist and (2) Program Specialist in the Pacific Northwest District (PNWD), will be moving to full-time as the UUA Growth Strategies Specialist as of July 1, 2012.

This move underscores our commitment to growth of Unitarian Universalism by strengthening resources available through the UUA Growth Strategies Office, which was established last year as part of the Congregational Life staff team.

While Tandi will work primarily from her home in Tacoma, WA, she will have a regular presence at UUA offices in Boston, and will travel throughout the UUA to work with congregations, districts and regions. Tandi will continue to work closely with the Rev. Stefan Jonasson, Director of Growth Strategies and Large Congregation Development.

Read the rest of this entry »

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APF fair share will be $58 for 2012/13

January 30, 2012 in All, Denominational News by PNWD News Editor | Permalink

The Rev. Peter Morales, UUA President, has announced that the requested APF “fair share” contribution will remain at the current $58 per member for Fiscal Year 2013 (beginning July 1, 2012).

President Morales noted that he has been in discernment with congregational leaders about the Annual Program Fund (APF) contributions, made by member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). The APF is the primary source of funding for the work of the Association on behalf of member congregations. The APF supports every aspect of congregational life, such as hymnals, music, religious education curricula and resources for ministers. A portion of APF funding is also provided to districts to help support local initiatives. A good summary of how APF contributions support congregations is found in the APF Brochure,  “We Build This Community Together” (PDF, 8 pages).

Treasurers and budget leaders are encouraged to download the APF Handbook (PDF, 57 pages) to more fully understand the importance of prioritizing the APF when building and managing congregation budgets.

“Our greatest strength comes from our interconnectedness and mutual support as partners in this religious community,” said President Morales. “Your congregation can make the difference in sustaining our UUA next year and into the future by fully budgeting for and contributing to the Annual Program Fund. If you have additional questions, please contact apf@uua.org or call us at 617.948.6512. Thank you for your continued support.”

 

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UUA Congregational Bulletin Available

August 2, 2011 in All, Denominational News by PNWD News Editor | Permalink

The monthly Congregational Bulletin from the UUA is now available. Contents are posted on-line at www.uua.org/communications/bulletin. Many items are targeted to particular leaders, and most offer formats suitable for posting or circulating in print.

This month, the bulletin includes:

From Administration:
An announcement offering discounted rates to stay at the Elliot and Pickett Houses (PDF) starting August 14th through December 20th.
—To post, Leaders and RE Directors

From Beacon Press:
An advertisement offering discounts on Beacon Press titles (PDF) purchased online through August 31st.
—To post

From the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF):
The CLF, a unique congregation without walls, has announced course listings (PDF) for online learning opportunities.
—To post

Order of Service Covers for your Fall Water Ceremonies (PDF)
—For ministers and administrators

From InterConnections:
An announcement. Are you receiving the latest tips and stories about vital congregations? Sign up for the monthly newsletter (PDF).
—For ministers, board members, church staff and all lay leader

From International Resources:
International News (PDF) from the UUA.
—For ministers, presidents, and publicity committees

From Joseph Priestly District:
An announcement calling for enrollment in their Jubilee Two Racial Justice Workshop (PDF) scheduled for October 7th-9th.
—To post

From Multicultural Growth & Witness:
The fourteenth Catalyst (PDF) and fifteenth Catalyst (PDF), the newsletter of Multicultural Growth & Witness regarding racial and ethnic concerns, are now available for your reading pleasure.
—To post

An announcement featuring the 2011-2012 Social Justice Calendar (PDF).
—To post

Social Justice Newsletter (PDF) calling for Congregational Study and Action Issue proposals and other news.
—For social justice task force chairs

From Skinner House:
An offer for Congregations buying ten or more copies of Skinner House books (PDF) to receive a 20% discount. Discussion guides and other supplementary materials can be found online.
—For ministers, DREs

From Stewardship and Development:
Stewardship updates (PDF) including information about the Annual Program Fund, a new stewardship blog, and news about Association Sunday.
—For ministers, board presidents, and finance and stewardship committees

From UUWorld
An offer for discounted congregational subscriptions (PDF).
—For ministers, membership coordinators, office staff and board members

From Worship and Music Resources:
Worship and Music director, Erik Wikstrom, reflects on his work (PDF) at the UUA.
—For musicians, clergy, RE directors, and lay worship leaders

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