GETTING CONNECTED TO THE LARGER PICTURE
UUA.org HAS A NEW LOOK!
Check out Unitarian Universalism’s link to the world on its newly designed website. There is a wealth of information about our
religion in an easy-to-use format. UUA.org averages over three thousand visitors a day. Nearly a third of them are people searching
for a congregation. UUA.org is one of the most important tools for introducing seekers to Unitarian Universalism. Visitors can also
read about UU principles and beliefs, find out about our symbol and our history, explore the meaning of UU worship and the practices
of congregational life, seek paths for justice and diversity, find resources for further reading, and ask questions.
UU members can find a cache of resources for areas of interest. There is also a section for leaders where one can get help with RE,
planning services, growing the congregation, etc. Under the “I am interested in—Spiritual Life, one can find inspiration by reading
Today’s Sermon or Meditation.
The UUA website also has links to sponsored organizations such as:
- Continental UU Young Adult Network (C*UUYAN)
- Liberal Religious Educators' Association
www.uua.org/lreda/
- Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)
www.uusc.org
And independent affiliate organizations such as:
- LUUNA (Laina/o UU Networking Association)
- UU Affordable Housing Corporation (UUAHC)
www.uuahc.org/
- Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans
www.cuups.org
- HUUmanists Association
humanists.org
- Unitarian Universalists for Drug Policy Reform
www.uudpr.org
- Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
www.uua.org/ufeta
- Interweave (Affirming all
bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgender & queer UU’s)
www.
uua.org/interweave
PACIFIC NORTHWEST DISTRICT:
pnwd.org
For
UU news closer to home, check out the Pacific Northwest
District’s website. And don’t forget to mark your
leap year calendar for February 29-March 2 (not the
Presidents' Day weekend) for the 2008 PNWD Annual General
Meeting which will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Tacoma,
WA. This is a wonderful and FUN opportunity to connect with
UUs in our area.CHURCH OF THE LARGER FELLOWSHIP:
clf.uua.org
At times you may find yourself unable to connect with our fellowship or another UU church but you still want to be connected to
Unitarian Universalists. The Church of the Larger Fellowship may be for you. CLF was founded over 50 years ago to serve the needs
of isolated UUs. CLF's mission is to provide a ministry to isolated religious liberals, and to offer a spiritual home within the Unitarian
Universalist movement. The Church of the Larger Fellowship promotes the understanding and growth of Unitarian Universalism and
institutes programs to that end. Members of CLF live all over the world, and interact with our Boston-based church staff by mail,
phone, and e-mail.
Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF), 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108-2823
Phone: (617) 948-6166 · Fax: (617) 523-4123 · E-mail: clf@clfuu.orgWHAT DO YOU SAY WHEN ASKED?
Those of us who moved to the Wenatchee Valley in recent years have had the common experience of being asked, "Do you
have a church home?" Coming from the liberal city of Oakland, California, where a question like that is rarely asked, I was caught
off guard. I mumbled "Yes, um, I sure do." and hurried out of the store. That was six years ago. I've been waiting ever since to be
asked again.
To prepare I read about the history of UU and tried to condense the seven principles to a simple statement. The goal is to
respond with an "elevator statement", that is, a brief and inviting description of our faith, such as; "I attend Sunday services at
Cascade Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in East Wenatchee. That's a long name for two old religions that merged.
UU's have a fascinating history that dates back to the earliest church. In this country some of the founders, like Thomas Jefferson,
were Unitarians. We study the Bible but most of us don't take it literally. We believe devoutly in freedom and justice. We are
considered a liberal faith because we believe every person is capable of choosing a spiritual path for themselves. Instead of a
creed, we have seven principles which guide our life choices." Here you might bring out the card with the seven principles. I keep
one in my wallet. These are available at the Greeter's Table.
So far, so good. It's pretty simple and has opened the door to further conversation. It could lead to an invitation to a service, a
Coffee House, a Circle Supper, or just directions to the church. Read the Seven Principles. Check out a book from our library on
UU. We have a rich history and a lively fellowship. Who wouldn't be intrigued?
Dan Sconce
