Becoming Unitarian Universalist

I believe that it is the role of our congregations to, first, help new people connect with members of the congregation, secondly, to help them understand Unitarian Universalism and deepen and clarify their faith, and thirdly, to help them put their faith into action by serving the world. If you see this as your mission with new members of your congregation, I would recommend that you become intentional about how you bring people into this incredible faith. Having a plan for what happens after someone joins your congregation can result in developing a life-long UU, rather than one that burns out and leaves us after two or three years. Whether you are from an emerging congregation or a well-developed one, I encourage you to develop a program that moves people through the steps of connecting, deepening, and serving. The following three programs make a great way for new members to spend their first year in your congregation:

Evensong- this eight-week small group ministry program designed to help congregation members make lasting connections with one another. It includes Weekly worship services designed for groups of 10 to 20. Each service includes singing, readings and discussion. Participants in this program are invited to share thoughts, experiences, doubts and religious beliefs. Evensong is a wonderful way for members to get to know each other at a deeper level and to help them clarify their beliefs.

•   Evensong 1
•   Evensong  2
•   Evensong for Families

A Chosen Faith by former UUA President, the Reverend John Buehrens, the minister of All Souls Unitarian Church in New York City, the Reverend Forrester Church. Use the online discussion guide to delve deeper into what Unitarian Universalism is all about.

•   A Chosen Faith
•   A Chosen Faith Online Study Guide

Weaving the Fabric of Diversity - this eight-week course delves into the hallmark of Unitarian Universalism social justice work with an exploration of embracing diversity: racism, heterosexism, ableism, classism and ageism.

•   Weaving the Fabric of Diversity

(Thanks to The Reverend Susan Smith, District Executive in the Southwestern Conference for these wonderful suggestions)

Plan Now to Attend UU University 2008

UU University is a invaluable gathering of congregational leaders that takes place immediately before General Assembly. The theme speaker for the third annual UU University will be the Rev. Dr. Nick Carter, President of Andover Newton Theological School. Dr. Carter will be working with us on how to lead through the borderlands of difference that naturally occur in a context of diversity: diversity of thought, diversity of opinions, diversity of theologies, diversity of any kind. I strongly encourage you to consider making UU University and General Assembly 2008 as part of your summer plans.

For a quick preview, take a minute and half watch this YouTube video:

Invitation to UU University in June 2008 

and then visit UU University on the UUA website for more information and to register.