Assembling with Rev Joe
June 17, 2022

How’s this for a theme? Meet the Moment: Reimagining Radical Faith Community! That’s the theme of this year’s UUA General Assembly.

I’ll be focusing on attending sessions that explore restorative practice and restorative justice. Using restorative practice as a frame for understanding what it means to be in community with others feels like a vital way not just to build and strengthen relationships within our congregation, but beyond it as well.

This is one of the key differences that I believe Unitarian Universalism is trying to make. It’s an intervention in the culture of commodity and consumerism, it’s an intervention in the dehumanizing efforts of white supremacy culture and other oppressive systems. But restorative practice is not just a negative, an attempt at resistance — it’s also a positive effort to create beloved community. It’s a positive effort to live into honoring both the inherent worth and dignity of individuals and the interdependent web of existence of which we and everything are a part.

The congregation is still looking for someone willing to represent the congregation as a delegate — we have a voice in the work and direction of the UUA and our faith, and I want to see the congregation use that voice! Sue Ward and Lucy Manning have been approved by the Board as two of our three delegates, but we need one more! Delegates can attend free! And I offer to cover your registration fee for the rest of GA with the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.

Listen to this short chat with Kari Boyd and Rev. Meg Riley. Kari is going to serve as an MC for everyone attending GA virtually, helping us stay connected and on track. And Rev. Meg is one of the Co-Moderators of the UUA, and she will be attending GA virtually as well. We are in good hands! http://vimeo.com/720652243

Lucy, Sue and I will be attending as much as we can together from the meetinghouse sanctuary. I’ll have some snacks and beverages on hand — let’s hang out and enjoy some time together! Here’s our schedule of in-the-sanctuary events:

Wednesday:
4:30-6:00 Berry Street Essay with Rev. Mykal Slack
6:30-9:00 Banner Parade and Opening Celebration

Thursday, Friday and Saturday:
12:30 – 3:30 General Session
4:45 – 6:15 Live programming and featured speakers

The BIG events:
Service of the Living Tradition. Thursday at 7:00
Synergy Bridging Worship, Friday at 7:00
The Ware Lecture with Ibram X.
Kindi at 7:00

Please join in!

Rev. Joe