In celebration of Black History Month the North Wall Art Space features the work of Drew Hammond. His work in acrylic on canvas and expressive collages focuses on expressing the people in the African American dispersion. Drew will be at UUCM following the worship service on Sunday, February 16 for a meet and greet. If you have questions or wish to purchase any of the works, please contact Christy Dachelet at czdachelet@comcast.net.
In the Interim: 2/14/20
During story time in worship a few weeks ago, Jennifer Swick, our wonderful acting director of family ministries, taught us box breathing (or square breathing). This is a fantastic practice for children and adults because it really helps to calm down heightened anxiety, nervousness, over excitement, or meltdowns right there in the moment. And it’s so easy —just breathe and count. We can all do that!
As a refresher or for those who weren’t at church that day, here’s how it works. Exhale all the way out to get started. Then inhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of four, exhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of four. Repeat as many times as you like, being mindful of any dizziness or shortness of breath. You can change the count number and even add hand motions, like Jennifer showed us (I bet she’ll give you a personal tutorial if you ask!). If you like visual queues, here’s a fun video with puffer fish to help keep count.
I love body-based practices, especially breath work. As Resma Menakem teaches us, “when you can settle your body, you are more likely to be calm, alert and fully present, no matter what is going on around you. A settled body enables you to harmonize and connect with other bodies around you, while encouraging those bodies to settle as well.” Continue reading →
New Minister Board Update: Week 4
Last week, in our Board Update, we started looking at the four development goals the Board has identified as the most important in selecting a developmental minister to partner with in implementing those goals. The goal that we are exploring further this week is “Leadership Development” which is also an essential aspect of our next goal “Imagining the Future.” If we don’t do leadership development well, we won’t be able to execute well our other goals in the future.
Read on to learn more about our current leadership situation, future vision and next-steps!
Continue reading →
In the Interim: 2/7/2020
Recently, someone gave The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World a big huge wholehearted recommendation, and even encouraged listening to it as an audiobook. In the midst of preparing to see the Ministerial Fellowship Committee in March, I haven’t felt like I had the luxury of reading anything that isn’t on the MFC reading list, but an audiobook sounded possible, and in the dreariness of this winter, I could sure use some joy.
So, with a free trial of Audible in hand, I downloaded the book and spent about 2 weeks listening to it in the car, at the gym, and sometimes in the shower. And now I’m giving it a big, huge, wholehearted recommendation to you! Continue reading →
New Minister Board Update: Week 3
As we reflected on the feedback we’ve received from the congregation and from the Board Listening Sessions, we discerned four goals that we as a church need to explore in order to move more fully into our mission. Our plan is to find a developmental minister who is a good fit for partnering with us on those goals.
Our first goal is “Develop and implement strategies for intentional growth”. We know from feedback at the Listening Sessions that, within the congregation, there are many mixed feelings about growth. We hear you! We understand that collectively we want the best aspects of UUCM to endure. The reality is that we are already growing – best to be intentional about it . . . Our intent is to enhance our community and the formation of interpersonal connections to serve current members as well as new members.
The remaining goal areas are “Leadership Development”, “Long-Term Strategic Planning”, and “Board / Minister Partnership.” We’ll discuss those further in an upcoming Board Update. And as always, please seek out any member of the Board with your feedback.
UUCM Happenings 