by Jeanne Ann Whittington Consider this truth: We live in the world not as it is, but as we see it. As human beings with limited perceptual capability and urgent emotional needs, the moment we are born we begin to make sense of things, developing a working model of how the world is: Friendly, unfriendly … Continue reading Changing the World Begins Inside
As the end of my ministry in Concord draws near and I get ready to say goodbye, I am filled with both gratitude and grief. I knew, when I joined the staff, that in many ways it meant I would lose my home congregation. The relationship between a minister and congregants can be very friendly … Continue reading When a Minister Leaves
Our ministry and pastoral care team tries to be as systematic and reliable as possible about acknowledging grief in our congregation. No one should feel they have to go through their grieving unsupported and on their own. It truly breaks my heart whenever I learn that I have dropped the ball and have failed to … Continue reading Grieving Together: A Wheel for ‘Holding Our Grief’
Family Promise of Greater Concord Did you know? Our church, along with congregant volunteers, is committed to supporting agencies/groups that align with our mission and principles and thus partners with Family Promise of Greater Concord by using our church space as emergency shelter for up to three families. Family Promise of Greater Concord provides prevention, … Continue reading Family Promise is Making an Impact
by The Green Sanctuary Steering Committee In November 2023, the Green Sanctuary steering group collected your climate action experience and ideas for how we can take action on climate change. One hundred and thirty-eight people responded to the survey. Wow! Over 90% of us rated the severity of global warming from an 8 to 10 … Continue reading What’s Going on with Green Sanctuary 2030?
The UU Church of Concord has a policy to create the safest possible environment for our children while they are involved in church programs. We require that all volunteers who work regularly with children have been involved at the congregation for at least 6 months, have a background check, and provide references. We require that … Continue reading Policies to Help Protect Children and Adults
As Unitarian Universalists we affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We believe in the healing power of involvement in a spiritual home. As a faith-based community, we can provide support, compassion, and vigilance to maximize safety when individuals who have sexually offended participate in the life of our church community. … Continue reading Including Sex Offenders in Church
When I was seven, I joined the Brownies and was thrilled to come home after my first meeting with the assignment of “doing something helpful” so I could turn my Brownie pin right-side up. And as I remember it, it was to be done quietly, maybe even secretly, with the intent of just making the … Continue reading The Gift of Generosity
Have you ever received a gift of welcome that made you feel beloved, like the person or people welcoming you are truly delighted to have you with them? I hope so. I hope each and every one of you can think of a time when someone else greeted you, or beckoned you over to their … Continue reading The Gift of Welcome
At the end of June UUs from across the nation gather for fellowship, faith development, and the annual business meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association at our General Assembly (GA). This year our church is represented by Rev. Michael Leuchtenberger, Rev. Lyn Marshall, and church members Dan Frye and Jim Curley. The delegates are voting … Continue reading UU Values, Principles, and Article II
