Are we ready?

Divining Rods, Wells and Reservoirs:
The Unitarian Universalist Search for Moisture
If there is one critique of Unitarian Universalism I've heard over and over again, both from within our tradition and from without, it is that we are too dry--too intellectual, too heady, too rational, too scientific, etc. Without losing the blessings of intellect and reason and without compromising our preference for evidence in matters of religion, how might Unitarian Universalists bring greater moisture to our collective congregational lives? Can we get used to the feel of a divining rod in our hands? Can we sanction the digging of new spiritual wells? Great reservoirs of spirit await.

Session 1

• 1A - Pastoral Care Discussion - Dr. Andy Reese and Rev. Cynthia Prescott  
• 1B  Creating a UU Global Village: Global Literacy, UU Women's Activism, and the Meaning of Convocation in RE Room.
  • The first-ever International Convocation of UU Women (ICUUW) is scheduled for February 2009 in Houston.  The event invites all Unitarian Universalists to become part of the Convocation process by participating in the Global Literacy Project: Weaving a UU Global Village Network. Presenter:  Laura Nagel is the Administrator of the ICUUW, a member of First UU Church in Houston, TX, a member of the Board of Southwest UU Women and the author and coordinator of the UUA grants funding the ICUUW. 
• 1C  I'm on the Religious Education Committee, What Do I Do? in Common Space
  • With two of our most experienced DREs and Sue Sinnamon, Director of Faith Development for the Thomas Jefferson District, we will explore through discussion and presentation the roles of the Religious Education Committee and how to create and support our leadership in RE in our congregations. Presenters:  Sue Sinnamon, TJ District Director of Faith Development, Kate Beasley, DRE Eno River UU Fellowship, Durham, NC and Tandy Scheffler, Credentialed Religious Educator, Oak Ridge Tennessee UU Church. 
• 1D “Four Stages of Membership” in Social Hall  Anna Olsen, TJD Trustee 
  • There are four important phases in the life of congregants and their relationship with the church. The four stages for membership development include: repelling fewer visitors, welcoming people into relationship, establishing expectations, and deeping commitments/developing leaders.  Take away from this session ideas and examples from other UU churches who have engaged in meaningful membership work.
• 1E  Q&A with Rev. Pawelek – 
  • Continuing the keynote discussion on  “Devining Rods, Wells and Reservoirs: The Unitarian Univeraslist Search for Moisture” in Sanctuary

• 2A UU Congregational Administration as a Spiritual Practice
• Practical information and ideas for practices and procedures for congregations from small to large.  What role does administrative staff play in achieving congregational goals?  How do we administratively support the attraction of new Members?  Can we assist in assimilation? How do we provide accurate and useful information about our congregations?  How do we delineate the duties of paid staff while supporting and valuing volunteers?  How do we put staff support to the best use?  Information and resources will be provided to assist in answering these questions for your unique UU community. Presenter: Marilyn Martin, UU Church of Asheville staff since 2000, Church Administrator since 2003
• 2B  Creating a UU Global Village: Global Literacy, UU Women's Activism, and the Meaning of Convocation in RE Room (see Session 1 for details)
  
• 2C  I'm on the Religious Education Committee, What Do I Do? in Common Space
  (see Session 1 for details)  
• 2D  Our Center: the Compelling Core of Unitarian Universalism in Social Hall
• Yes, there is a center to Unitarian Universalist faith. It informs and orients, but does not prescribe. It is inclusive, inspired and incarnational. It can be stated simply and easily.  Participants will realize the common ground of Unitarian Universalism stated clearly and concisely in symbol and word. Presenters: Rev. Jim McKinley, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville, NC, President, Southeast UU Ministers Association and Rev. Roy Reynolds, Interim Minister, UUCA, Augusta, GA., and UUMA CENTER (Continuing Education Committee) member 
• 2E   Music, The Soul of Unitarian Universalism in Sanctuary
• A music workshop for EVERYONE which will include introductions to the history, theology and musical styles of Unitarian Universalist hymns.  Come sing along.  Presenters: Rev. Mark Ward, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville since 2004, one-time UU choir member and life-long UU and music lover.  Lenora Thom, music director of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville since 2003 and music director of the Asheville Choral Society, a 150-voice community choir, since 2000: conductor, pianist, organist, vocal coach.