TJ Connection - Spring 2004

One of the five expectations of membership in UUFH that new members learn about is the expectation of participation in the wider movement of Unitarian Universalism. There are three guidelines for participation: [1] Read UU World (notify UUFH office if you are not receiving the magazine); [2] Pay your dues to the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Thomas Jefferson District; and [3] When you are searching for involvement that you might enjoy, consider national- or district-connected activities.

Here at UUFH we are not alone. We are one of more than 1000 congregations nationwide. We are members of the Unitarian Universalist Association and as such we benefit from connection and from specific programs.

This year alone, besides our regular UUA-developed RE curricula, we will be using the Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality curriculum for middle school youth. We will be participating in the Welcoming Congregation program: Keith Kron, Director of the Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Concerns will lead worship and a workshop on the first weekend of November. Also, the UUA is subsidizing the Financial Consultant visit the last of September.

Congregational leaders are encouraged to participate in the district's leadership, financially healthy congregations, and anti-racism programs that are offered each year. All of our staff participate in professional meetings and continuing education, sponsored and organized by the UUA. This participation is a big part of what keeps them current and enthused.

It is often easy to feel isolated and alone with our views, but imagine 7,500 Unitarian Universalists converging on Boston, attending hundreds of workshops and programs, listening to and talking with speakers such as Robert Reich, Julian Bond, Wendy Kaminer, Jonathan Kozol and Diana Eck.

That is just part of what happened at last summer's General Assembly. For extensive coverage, transcripts and videos, visit uua.org/ga. Imagine so many UUs (more than 9,000) attending a worship service in the Fleet Center that the subway system had to add more trains.

Imagine the General Assembly passing an Action of Immediate Witness (one of 5) calling upon Congress to conduct open, bipartisan hearings to examine the justification for the invasion of Iraq.

Imagine that you've come to General Assembly thinking about how to approach your own Board's goal of 10% growth for the coming year, and UUA President, William Sinkford focuses his opening address to the assembly around the UUA's growth-sponsoring effort at All Souls congregation in Kansas City. (They even use billboards!)

Not only are we not alone, we are part of a larger excitement. We are supported and challenged to live our larger faith as part of a long tradition, the larger movement of Unitarian Universalism. And the expectation of us, of our participation and contribution, begins with reading our magazine and paying our dues (currently less than $65). It is little to ask with so much to gain, create and contribute. Let's all join in.

This article appeared in the UU Fellowship of Hendersonville Newsletter.