Weaving the Web

I’m so excited. A small and mighty group of UUCPA members – Kristi Iverson, Anne Frahn, and Elsa Schafer – has put together a January packed full of voter empowerment events. This project is nonpartisan, as our political actions should be, and it’s an initiative that everyone can support, wherever they are on the political spectrum: to aid and encourage everyone eligible to vote to register, and to enable everyone who is registered to cast their vote. The more voters there are participating in the political process, the better our elected officials will reflect the people’s choice.

Among the Unitarian Universalist Association’s seven principles is “the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” It’s not frequently quoted, nor, probably, remembered, but like voting itself, it’s as plain and essential as a building’s foundation. Without it, our other dreams are likely to die young.

I hope to see you at one or more of these events!

Speaking of seeing me, I know that most of what I do is not as visible as Sunday services, so I’m going to start using this column to talk about more of those aspects of our ministry. (I report in detail to the Board each month; I’ll post these reports in our Google docs from now on so that anyone with an interest can see them.) Here’s a sampling from November and December:

  • Led two sessions of “Exploring Mind, Hands, Spirit & Heart through Art.”
  • Enjoyed the UUCPA Auction.
  • Led “Care and Nurture of Your Small Group.”
  • Led initial session of “White Folks Dismantling White Supremacy” group.
  • Got together with a bereaved family to plan a memorial service.
  • Met weekly with staff in various configurations and with the Stewardship Committee.
  • Had a long getting-acquainted conversation with local rabbi Amy Eilberg.
  • Met with two new UU ministers for whom I’m a formal mentor.
  • Led two meetings as chair of the Nominating Committee of the continental UU Ministers’ Association.
  • Had numerous one on one meetings with UUCPA folks to provide pastoral care about personal issues or consultation on their volunteer roles.

Of course, what I do is just a small fraction of everything that goes on in our thriving congregation, but I hope these mini-lists give you a fuller picture of the congregational life as a whole.

And finally, I really enjoy getting together one on one, so if you’d like to talk, use the Calendly link that’s on the bottom of my email and the back of the order of service to pick a time. I always make sure to keep available a few evening hours each month, and if none of the ones posted work for you, please send me your preference via email, and I’ll coordinate with your schedule. If you prefer not to travel to UUCPA after a workday, I’m also happy to meet via Zoom or Skype. —Blessings, Amy

— Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern