October 2025: Words to Lead By |
Essays and Resources to Engage Your Spiritual Leadership |
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Norwell, MA Held a Joint Leadership Retreat |
A few weeks ago on a warm fall day, 42 people from eight congregations (not all of them served by a minister) gathered at our host congregation in Norwell, MA. They brought with them snacks and seltzers to share and the room buzzed with good energy. The kind that comes from meeting new people and realizing they’re facing similar challenges to you, and that they have similar commitments. Where you feel less alone.
The program moved from the big questions of what we are called to do in this moment and what these congregational leaders felt their congregations could do to “meet the moment” into more detailed sharing of challenges and ideas in key areas of congregational life. We ended with small groups that went deeper into specific areas wherein leaders felt they had something to share and learn together. A few collaborative ideas have emerged. And even if none of these ideas happen, these leaders now know they have neighbors they can call on.
This moment is a hard one. For all of us and all our congregations. It’s also a moment where our values and commitments are needed. We hear stories every day of how all of you are doing amazing and inspiring ministry. And stories of what’s hard. It’s both real. . . |
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Congregational Property & Casualty Insurance |
See below for an update from Hugh Dennis, Deputy Director of Church Staff Finances and Director of Insurance Plan Services:
Please join me for the chance to discuss congregational P&C Insurance on either Wednesday, October 22 from 1:00 to 1:45pm ET - OR - on Wednesday, October 29 from 5:00 to 5:45pm ET. During these meetings, a joint discussion with our broker partner will focus on updates regarding our carrier alternative transition plan and timeline. We will include time for Q&A. Registration is free and required - register for 10/22 or register for 10/29. |
Congregational Data Webinar |
Each year, leaders in our congregations faithfully fill out an extensive questionnaire detailing the varied metrics we track in our lives together. From worship attendance to membership growth, religious education enrollment to budget numbers, join UUA staff from across several departments to hear the stories this data tells — and the questions it raises — about the moment Unitarian Universalism is in.
The webinar will be 90 minutes in length and will include Q+A.
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Congregational Leaders Conversation |
The next live session is on Tuesday, October 28 from 7:30 to 9:00pm ET with Rev. Dr. Deborah Pope-Lance, Healing Congregations After Misconduct: Empowering Congregational Leadership. Registration is free and required. Please note, only one registration is required for the series. |
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Cool Congregational Happenings |
- Democracy in America is in Crisis: Peter Rousmaniere’s play "Discord in Concord: Emerson vs. Fuller" premiered in the North Universalist Chapel (YouTube) in Woodstock, VT and was followed by a lively discussion. Email Peter Rousmaniere with any interest in bringing this short play to your congregation.
- Peter Mayer is in concert at UU Church of Worcester, MA on Saturday, October 25 at 7:00pm ET.
- Emma's Revolution is playing various shows in NER congregations into November. Check out if there is a show near you: Saturday, October 18 in Concord, MA; Thursday, October 23 in Auburn, ME; Friday, October 24 in Kingston, MA; Saturday, October 25 in Brattleboro, VT; Saturday, November 1 in Westport, CT.
- King's Chapel unveiled a statue to honor people enslaved by its forbears. Read more on WBGH.
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Find out what the UU Congregation of South County in Peace Dale, RI was up to over the summer with their Arts and Justice summer program, complete with an Aesop Fable. NER shared this story on Facebook. |
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Unitarian Universalist Association, New England Region
24 Farnsworth Street
Boston, MA
02210
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