Dear UU Schenectady~

This week we are immersed in denominational connections and work. As your ministers, we are committed to serving those in our congregation and in our communities.

As UU ministers, we are also committed to serving our colleagues through our volunteer positions in the UU Ministers Association, (UUMA.) Wendy is beginning a second year as the UUMA Board secretary. Like the Board here at UUSS, the UUMA has been shifting how it does its work, and it is an interesting time to be involved.  Lynn was recently appointed to the Berry St. Committee, which is responsible for selecting and inviting the ministers who offer the Berry St. Address, which is an annual lecture given during Ministry Days, started by William Ellery Channing in 1820 as a means of exchanging ideas to challenge and strengthen liberal ministries.

We also know that our congregations exist in association with one another, and that General Assembly is when representatives from most of our congregations come together. This year’s theme is Rooted, Inspired, & Ready!  This theme reflects the hope that we are in touch with our theological roots, that we are engaged in transforming our faith, and that we are fired up to take action in the wider world.

General Assembly was planned to take place in Providence, RI, and we are grateful for a particular focus on partnership with Indigenous leaders in the Northeast to explore how to co-exist in right relationship with one another and the land we occupy. It has been 400 years since many Unitarian religious ancestors on the Mayflower landed in Plymouth and began the colonization of what is now New England.

It is a complicated lineage, as some UUs also trace biological and/or spiritual roots to those who were colonized. The work of anti-oppression and anti-racism cannot just happen “out there.” This year’s Ministry Days and General Assembly invite us to look within ourselves, our congregations, our institutions, and our communities so that we might create real transformation and healing.

In faithfulness to this spiritual work,

~ Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy