September 2025: Words to Lead By |
Essays and Resources to Engage Your Spiritual Leadership |
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Where Somebody Knows My Name |
“Whether they are raised in indigenous or modern culture, there are two things that people crave: the full realization of their innate gifts, and to have these gifts approved, acknowledged, and confirmed….”
~Malidoma Somé (Author, Teacher, from the Dagara people of Burkina Faso)
The choir took to the chancel, lining up three rows deep, the bell sleeves of their crimson choir robes swishing to a stop when the Music Director sounded the pitch key on the piano. The harmonies lift up to the rafters - and lift up hearts and spirits all around. Every singer stands tall and proud, every face is smiling as they sing, from the young teen in the front row through every generation on up represented here. In the days that follow, I won’t remember the song they were singing; but the Spirit they sang down is with me still.
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In September, our handful of summer-only UU communities pack away their chalices for another year, while most of our 230-ish New England congregations re-gather after a summer hiatus. Most of us celebrate our return to the worship year with a Water Communion. It’s a special day, seeing congregational friends again, catching up on vacation adventures, the health of aging parents, and the summer’s zucchini crops. Children carefully shepherd baby food jars of water from swimming pools and lakes to a shared bowl, while stories of the water’s sources spill through the shared microphone detailing the loves, the losses, the inches grown, the miles traveled while we were apart.
This year, I spent Opening Sunday at one of our churches that would be called ‘small,’ but it seemed to me that between the people attending virtually and the many full pews, surely the whole entire membership was together that morning. In the space allotted in the service for joys and sorrows, members lined the aisle from the chancel to the church door, each waiting their turn to share joyous news or ask for prayers, and many of them shared some version of, Wow! You all look beautiful; I have missed you. It’s so good to see you all! . . . |
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New to leadership? Check out these resources! |
The UUA’s LeaderLab is a searchable database of short articles and videos on many aspects of congregational life and leadership. |
Southern Region Leadership Experience (LE):
Primer |
The Primer section is a self-paced experience with recorded lectures, supplemental materials, and one live processing session. The Southern Region will have other offerings later in the year to build off this section. The topics covered in the Primer LE are UU Theology, Covenant, and UU History.
The Primer section of the Leadership Experience builds your foundation in and connection to Unitarian Universalism. This section is for newer members who would like a grounding in our shared faith AND for long-time members who would like to deepen their relationship with our shared faith as well as gain a fuller understanding of what it means to be an every-day Unitarian Universalist. All ages are welcome for this online offering; it is a wonderful augmentation to Coming of Age, Youth, Young Adult, and membership development programs in your congregation.
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Exploring New Models for
Faith Development and Religious Education:
A Summit on Faith Formation in this Moment |
Come shape the future of UU faith development! All who've benefitted from and care about UU faith development are welcome: parents, youth, adults, lay leaders, volunteers, and religious professionals. This October summit will focus on the faith formation needs of this current moment and your particular context - both big picture models and specific activities and topics. Come share what you know, learn from each other, and help us map the landscape of innovations that are working in UUism.
- Friday, October 3 from 7:00 to 9:00pm ET
- Saturday, October 4 from 12:00 to 4:30pm ET
- Sunday, October 5: pre-created resources for your congregation's Sunday service and community engagement
More information is available. Registration is required and available on a sliding scale. The registration deadline is Sunday, September 28. |
RE Kickoff:
Connections and Context for RE Teams |
Available online now! This is self-facilitated and asynchronous.
This easy-to-use RE Kickoff Retreat can be self-facilitated and is a great way for RE leaders to get aligned on your program’s core purposes and priorities. Dig into the latest thinking on what’s working – on Sunday mornings and throughout the week – in programs that are inviting, engaging and affirming for children, youth and families. Close with building a plan for your RE Team’s work in the year ahead. |
Supportive Adults for Youth Ministry
In-Person Training |
Want to grow a community of spiritually grounded, safe adults for youth in your congregation? Lifespan Faith Engagement invites you to a one-day immersive gathering for those curious about youth advising or becoming more supportive adults. Explore trust, spiritual depth, and inclusive facilitation through hands-on activities and conversation. You’ll leave with tools to lead youth group gatherings and deepen intergenerational community.
Optional pre-work, in-person training with UUA and local leaders, and a follow-up worship integration are included. Snacks, supplies, and encouragement provided. Email youth@uua.org for more information and to book a training. |
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Ministerial Resources Reminder |
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Unitarian Universalist Association, New England Region
24 Farnsworth Street
Boston, MA
02210
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