by Holly Bussey, Denominational Affairs Liaison
Before you know it, June will be here and so will the 63rd Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly (GA) – Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23. This year, GA takes place completely online. There is still time to register for the full event (workshops, business sessions, special programs) OR the “business portion” only. Do not be fooled—the business option is a wonderful way to learn about the work the UUA is doing worldwide. Look here for more detailed information, including a video, about GA.
This year’s GA theme is “Love Unites, Stories Ignite.” Read more here about the theme celebrating the profound impact of love as a binding force that transcends boundaries and fosters connections within our faith community and beyond.
Meanwhile, we are looking for a member to serve as a delegate. Delegates represent UUCWC and vote for actions affecting the UUA. You should have been a member of UUCWC for at least two years, be willing to pre-read materials for the business meetings (early June) and have a good understanding of the issues.
We are entitled to six member delegates to represent us; we need one more. Our member delegates are Maria Baratta, Heather Edwards, Jane Root, Jim Sanders, and Dan Tuft. Rev. Kim Wildszewski, Julie Rigano and Robin Pugh are attending as staff delegates.
Delegates will vote on adoption of the proposed revision to Article II of the UUA Bylaws, which include four amendments to the initial proposal. The proposed Article II changes include a statement of shared values (Section C-2.2. Values and Covenant) to replace our current Principles and Purposes. The proposed value statement recasts our eight principles into a more covenantal form centered around the tenet of Love. Rev. Kim spoke about the Values Statement in February 2023 and facilitated two Lectio Divina sessions centering on the Values Statement in February 2024. Look here for the recording of the February 2023 service. Ministerial Intern Lisa Schilansky has also discussed the Values Statement with us, our children, and our youth.
The UUA has collected and commissioned resources for UU congregations and communities to engage with the proposed Article II revisions. They include discussion guides, links to sermons, videos, music, stories, and more. New this year is a multi-layered tool blending small group ministry and worship resources for congregations to use in the next stage of the bylaws adoption process. Look here for this resource called Amplifying the Charge, created by Quiana Denae Perkins.
One GA highlight every year is the Ware Lecture. This year’s speaker is Julia Watts Belser, a rabbi, scholar, spiritual teacher and a longtime activist for disability and gender justice. Read more about Julia here. Read about past Ware Lectures here.
We hope to provide gathering times to experience portions of GA, including the Ware Lecture, as a community. We will provide more information in the coming weeks.
Please consider attending GA. There is a small amount of scholarship money to offset registration costs. For more information on the full range of programs look here. To learn more or to provide feedback, email DA@uucwc.org or talk to one of our delegates on Sundays.