Pacific Western Region
April 2026 |
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Content
Blogpost
We Rise Together, We Rise Resilient
Rev. Tania Y Marquez
News: Pacific Western Region
9 Days and Counting: Regional Assembly is Going to Be Awesome
News: Unitarian Universalist Association
Submit an Action of Immediate Witness for General Assembly 2026
UU the Vote 2026 Launch: Download the Guide & Watch the Launch!
UU Mental Health Network
War, Empire, and How We Got Here - Resources for March Gathering
Join the UU Solidarity Initiative's Work Permit Comment Campaign
Building Beloved Community - Beyond the Binary
Thomas Scholarship
Side with Love
Congregational Leaders! Now What: The Gathering for Congregational Leaders
Congregational Leaders Conversation
Multi-Site and Shared Staff Learning Cohort
Sparks RE and Music Leadership
News: Children, Youth, and Young Adults
Green Sanctuary for Our Kids: Recording and Resources
Tending Children and Youth Safety in UU Communities
Drive On: Empowering Youth Through Transportation Access
OWL: Support Values-Based Youth Sexuality Education
News: Congregational Announcements
Pacific Southwest Assembly - Striving for Justice!
WUULF Multigenerational UU Retreat
Important Resources
PWR Chalice Lighters
Non-Fellowshipped Ministers Gathering
UUA Job Board / UUA Job and Careers
Congregational Incident Form
Community Resilience Hub
Disaster Relief Fund
UU Mental Health Network
Publications
March Publications |
Pacific Western Region Board
Co-Presidents, Bob Miess and Libby Fitzgerald
Secretary, David Sheh
At-Large, Russ Menk, Ramon Urbano
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Pacific Western Region Staff
PWR Lead
Rev. Sunshine J. Wolfe
PWR Program Staff
Rev. Summer Albayati
Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh
Rev. Tania Y Márquez
Mx. Sam K. Pearl
PWR Administrator and Bookkeeper
Hara Madera
Melanie Buck
Youth and Emerging Adult Ministry Staff
Mylo Way |
Pacific Western Region Links
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Blogpost
We Rise Together, We Rise Resilient |
One of my favorite songs at church or church related events is “One Voice” by The Wailin’ Jennys. What do I love about it? Glad you asked…the ways in which we are invited to witness the beauty of voices gathering together. If the melody and the first voice was good enough to touch us, there is a palpable force that is revealed as other voices join together. My favorite part is “This is the sound of all of us singing with love and the will to trust.”
This month of April, our Regional Assembly is taking place. On April 10th, the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento is opening its doors online and in-person to welcome UUs from all over the Pacific Western Region. Our coming together as a region alone is worth celebrating, but I also believe that our gathering is an affirmation of love, resilience, and community as an antidote to our challenging times.
Friday we begin by coming together followed by a full day of learning on Saturday and concluding with Sunday’s worship service. There will be something for everyone and we hope you will feel called to join this celebration.
We will gather to learn from one another, to connect, to ask ourselves questions about how we are called to be in the world and to find collective wisdom. We also gather as the one, big, and resilient region we are; in this coming together we will learn how our Unitarian Universalist values are being expressed throughout our region, how our communities are rising to meet the demands of the moment we are in, and to discover the ways in which, we, as a region, can nurture and strengthen our resiliency.
We are looking forward to being together, in person or virtually, and exploring what it means to rise resilient during these challenging times. Personally, as I await, with joyful expectation, the gathered community we will be, I hold in my heart the curiosity to discover what the sound of all of us will be and what songs of love, trust, and resilience we will create together.
If you have not registered yet, you still have the opportunity to do so. Come join us!
With great anticipation,
- Rev. Tania Y Márquez, PWR Congregational Life Program Staff |
News: Pacific Western Region |
9 Days and Counting: Regional Assembly is Going to Be Awesome |
Dear Unitarian Universalists of the West,
In less than two weeks, we’ll be gathering online and in-person in Sacramento for worship, workshops, connections, and joy! As you explore our many offerings and programs, consider the wisdom and skills you can bring back to your UU community: how to be in solidarity with some of the most vulnerable among us, how to attract and engage new members, how to build multigenerational connections, how to tend our spirits in the trying times we’re in.
Bring your loved ones of all ages for in-person programs; youth and adults alike can join in online.
It will be so good to have you with us as we Rise Resilient together.
With love,
Your PWR Regional Assembly Circle: Rev. Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe, Ritoo Chaturveti, Libby Fitzgerald, Amy Kent, Janet Lopes, Hara Madera, Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, and Ramon Urbano |
News: Unitarian Universalist Association |
Submit an Action of Immediate Witness for General Assembly 2026 |
The process for submitting AIWs is beginning!! This is an exciting time in our tradition, where congregations can participate in the work of justice, bringing in the passions and concerns of congregations across the country.
The timeline for submitting an AIW is between March 23rd and April 24th. The sooner the Commission on Social Witness receives the submission, the more time for feedback and revisions. There will be online presentations of the submitted AIWs May 17-23rd.
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UU the Vote 2026 Launch: Download the Guide & Watch the Launch! |
Elections are openings — moments when a nation pauses to imagine its future. They invite us to build community and democracy through our courage, our relationships, and the choices we make together.
Each year, UU the Vote has faced new challenges and new opportunities. Both have called us to courage, and to the holy act of creation — building new networks, new actions, and new visions of the world.
That is why we have expanded UU the Vote to meet this moment by harnessing the power of communities to ignite solidarity and reimagine democracy.
Watch the recording of the launch event for UU the Vote 2026: Ignite Solidarity, Reimagine Democracy and download our guide to begin your congregation’s work to UU the Vote in 2026! |
War, Empire, and How We Got Here - Resources from March Gathering |
March's The Gathering, happening in the midst of a severe and colonialist escalation of attacks against multiple communities in the “Middle East,” offered a multilayered conversation on interdependence, colonialism, and the need to imagine new worlds of thriving, featuring Rev. Ranwa Hammamy, Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti, and India Wood, with music by beheld.
Watch the recording and explore the featured resources, click here. |
Join the UU Solidarity Initiative's Work Permit Comment Campaign |
Submit a Public Comment to Save Asylum-Seeker's Ability to Work
The Trump administration is trying to make it impossible for asylum-seekers to live and work in the United States. The UU Solidarity Initiative invites you to join the national Work Permit Comment Campaign by organizing unique, public comments o stop this cruel and unjust rule from going into effect.
Find a Comment Guide, Coffee & Comment Toolkit to use in your congregation, graphics, and weekly action hours on our landing page, click here. |
Building Beloved Community
Beyond the Binary |
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Registration is now open for Building Beloved Community Beyond the Binary, happening April 18, 2026.
At a time when transgender rights are under sustained attack, many people are asking how to stay rooted, connected, and faithful to our values. This gathering offers a space to do that together. The day will include a keynote from Logan Grendel , workshops created by and for the trans community, and learning spaces for cisgender people who want to deepen their allyship. Spaces like this don’t happen by accident - they happen because people choose to show up.
A peak at this year's workshop titles (a full schedule with titles and description will be on the website soon):
- Origin of (Queer) Love: Exploring Your Story Thru Creative Writing
- Trans Elders; A Panel
- Keynote led by Logan Grendel
- Power, Consent & Gender: Reclaiming the Self
- Play for Resilience & Resistance
- And more...!
Please not these workshops titles are subject to change.
Attend online from anywhere or join an official satellite site if one is near you. Individual registration is now open with sliding-scale pricing. Learn more and register here!
Registration close at 9am PT on Saturday, April 18th. |
Applications will be accepted February 15 through April 15, 2026. |
Upcoming Gatherings
Opportunities/Announcements/Resources
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Congregational Leaders! Now What: The Gathering for Congregational Leaders |
Specifically for staff and board members of UU congregations to provide daytime, condensed access to the content of the Monday evening Gathering with breakout groups designed to help leaders process, reflect, and strategize for the work ahead with your peers. If you want to be in community with your peers and with Side with Love and Congregational Life Staff, LREDA, UUMA, and AUUMM, this is for you! Now What: The Gathering for Congregational Leaders occurs on the Wednesday after The Gathering on the second Monday of the month.
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Congregational Leaders Conversation |
Tuesday, April 28 4:30-6pm PT
Church in Changing Times
What can we do when our long-term lay leaders are worn out and we struggle to engage new members? How do we remain true to our center while meeting people where they are?
Our guests this month represent two congregations that have developed innovative ways of gathering, offering alternative forms of worship and creative programming in direct response to the deepest spiritual needs of their communities. We will explore how they are answering the call for ministry that meets this moment – and invite you into conversation about what is emerging in your congregation and how you are called to respond.
Our Guests
Kelly Greene (she/her) and Paula Gribble (she/her) respectively serve as Director of Member Relations and Director of Lifespan Education for the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte, NC. The congregation seeks to embody the values of love and liberation and inspire spiritual, societal and environmental transformation.
Rev. Christina Leone-Tracy (she/her) and Rev. Hannah Roberts Villnave (she/her) are the Co-Ministers of the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, a large congregation in Appleton, WI that welcomes seekers, builds loving community, and acts courageously for justice.
Each month, leaders from across the country gather to hear esteemed guests speak on an emergent issue, hopeful development, or pressing concern in Unitarian Universalism. The presentation is followed by time for Q&A and small group discussion.
Ministers who are not fellowshipped with the Unitarian Universalist Association and are serving UU congregations are invited to gather monthly with MidAmerica’s Regional Lead.
We will share information, experiences, and resources with one another and explore questions concerning the UUA and Unitarian. |
Multi-Site and Shared Staff Learning Cohort |
Are you are religious professional – minister, administrator, educator, musician, membership professional, etc – who is serving in more than one congregation / community?
Maybe you are in an intentionally “yoked” partnership, or you just happened to pick up multiple gigs to make things work. Maybe you are serving a congregation and also doing a community ministry. Maybe they are near each other, or one is close and one is mostly digital. Or perhaps you are a board member of a congregation that has partner to share staff.
Whatever that might look like for you, we invite you to join the Multi-Site Staff Learning Community. We are gathering monthly to share learnings, ideas, resources, hopes, and to have solidarity in this important work. The group has met twice now and we’d love to welcome you into the circle if this is for you.
To register, click here and next meeting is April 14th. |
Sparks RE and Music Leadership |
The Spark RE and Music Leadership Professional Development Programs provide for Unitarian Universalist Religious Professionals learning communities where they can easily access applicable skills and tools for religious leadership. Courses are also open to interested lay leaders. Check out the lists of classes, these are great resources! |
News: Children, Youth, and Young Adults |
Green Sanctuary for Our Kids: Recording and Resources |
Learn how one congregation used the UU Climate Justice Revival Curricula for Pre-K to Young Adult to engage children and youth in shaping the ongoing work of the congregation's environmental initiatives—and how this approach has enhanced programming for all. Hear from one religious professional who joyfully shared several ways to involve the youngest members of our congregations in our climate justice ministries, including two activity plans that she created to supplement the Revival curricula.
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Tending Children and Youth Safety in UU Communities |
UUA’s Spring Religious Education Meet-Up will focus on child and youth safety, including UUA recommendations for congregational policies covering Sunday mornings, multigenerational events, and children/youth programming including youth overnights.
For Religious Professionals
An interactive gathering is offered for Religious Education Professionals and Ministers employed by UU congregations and organizations. In addition to reviewing UUA guidelines, we'll discuss the responsibilities paid staff hold in congregational systems.
- Tuesday, April 28, 10-11:30 PT
For Lay Leaders
This same material will be offered in a shorter format for lay leaders. Are you a volunteer RE coordinator, interested Board member, or a dedicated classroom guide or youth advisor? Open to religious professionals and ministers too! This gathering will review UUA suggestions for policies and practices to create a safer congregation for all ages. Select between two meeting time options:
- Thursday, May 14, 1-2pm HT / 4-5pm PT -or-
- Tuesday, May 19, 4-5pm HT / 7-8pm PT
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Drive On: Empowering Youth Through Transportation Access |
Drive On is raising funds to remove that barrier.
This campaign will provide direct financial assistance to low-income teens to cover the cost of driver’s education. Funds raised will go toward:
- Driver’s education course fees
- Required classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction
- Associated licensing costs when needed
Drive On will partner with local schools, community organizations, and driver’s education providers to identify eligible students and ensure funds are distributed responsibly and transparently.
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OWL: Support Values-Based Youth Sexuality Education |
The Community Church of New York’s Religious Education team is working tirelessly to provide parents and children an opportunity for holistic conversations about sexuality that are grounded in our shared values. In 2025, we led a well-attended Parents & Caregivers as Sexuality Educators workshop and earlier this year we completed our first OWL class for 5th-6th graders!
The plan of the Religious Education team is to offer an OWL class at least once every church year for different age levels - this year we are hoping to hold two! However, these classes require a great deal of staff time and other resources, so we are asking for donations to support this vital program.
A little bit of contribution goes a long way-- your contribution helps to fund:
- Supplies
- Required books and materials
- Food & refreshements for participants
- Group celebration at the close of the program
- Efforts to get the word out and provide offerings to more children & parents
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Congregational Announcement |
Pacific Southwest Assembly |
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Now in its fourth year, this annual assembly brings together
UU's and affiliates from the 50 churches located in the Pacific Southwest who were once tethered together under the Pacific Southwest District umbrella. Like the assemblies of the past, congregational representatives participate in meaningful exchanges, informative keynote speakers and exciting workshops.
This year’s line up of speakers and workshops will be of interest to all UU’s and we hope you will join us for this not to be missed weekend. Here are just a few highlights of what we have planned:
- Themes include sustaining ongoing work for justice and opposing authoritarianism with nonviolent resistance
- Nine workshops and two keynote speakers (Click here for more information.)
- A celebration of 65 years of UU history and involvement in social change
- Socialize with secular and interfaith movers and shakers
- Be a delegate for the de Benneville Pines Annual Meeting on Saturday at 10:30am. You can sign up on your registration form (Click here or more information)
This amazing assembly is available both in person and virtually. We do hope you will attend in person; it’s so much better with friends! All programming and meals in person for just $120, $100 if you attend virtually.
Please visit our website (pswassembly.org) for full details on this action-packed weekend, including pricing, accommodation options and full weekend schedule. And register now!
For more information contact Dale Botts: dale.botts2@gmail.com, committee chair, 714.686.2791 (he/him) or info@pswassembly.org. |
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WUULF Multigenerational UU Retreat |
A week-long UU Family Camp each year at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico from June 15th-21st.
If you would like to learn more about WUULF, please visit their website by clicking here. |
Important Note: If your congregation would like to share an event in the PWR Newsletter, please email pwr@uua.org with the following: event poster (if available), brief summary of the event, and any relevant links. Please note that events listed in this section are sponsored by local congregations and have not been reviewed or endorsed by the UUA or the Pacific Western Region (PWR). |
Chalice Lighters is a program to help fund the growth of the member congregations and communities of the Region.The program provides grants to communities to help them cross a major threshold towards growth. For more information, click here to visit the website. To contact them directly, please email pwrchalicelighters@uua.org. |
Non-Fellowshipped Ministers Gathering |
Ministers who are not fellowshipped with the UUA and are serving UU congregations are invited to gather monthly with the MidAmerica's Regional Lead. We will share information, experiences, and resources with one another and explore questions concerning the UUA and Unitarian Universalism. Register now. Meets are second Tuesday of the month beginning September 9th. Details at the UUA website. |
UU Job Board / UUA Job and Careers |
Congregations are hiring, check out the UU Job Board to see what is available.
The UUA is hiring for several positions. Find job descriptions and application information at their Job Openings webpage. |
Congregational Incident Form |
The simple Congregational Incident Form provides a way for congregations to inform the UUA of a threat or disruptive incident that comes from outside the congregation itself, helping us track trends and create resources.
All forms come to Safe Congregation Program email, safecongregations@uua.org. Please let us know if you have any questions. |
If your congregation is struggling with how to respond in this moment, please check out the UUA's Resilience Hub. This is a location where we are gathering resources to help congregations build strong, connected, and resilient communities. |
The UUA has a Disaster Relief Fund for those who want to make a donation to help congregations who have faced losses due to tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires and more. Please donate if you can. Learn more about the work of the Disaster Relief Fund. We are Better Together. |
The UU Mental Health Network, is driven by a single goal; to empower the Beloved Community in honoring each individual 's unique mental health journey towards wellness..
We envision a world where the Beloved Community: is a place where all members feel welcomed, understood, and held in love; engage in respectful curiosity to understand emotional distress; welcome open, authentic, and fearless sharing about mental health; and passionately commits to mental health justice. For more information, click here. |
Pacific Western Region of the UUA Newsletter |
This email was sent to congregational leaders, committee chairs and staff.
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Pacific Western Region - UUA
P.O Box 567
Brighton, CO 80601
United States |
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