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April, 2011 * Volume 4, No. 9 |
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BCD Spring Conference - Listen, Talk, Reflect on Important Issues for UUs
What do UUs need to think about as we move into a world with ethnic and age demographic changes, new ways emerging for post-Boomers to practice religion, developing changes in education methodologies, a new sense of urgency about growth? The 2011 Spring Conference on April 30, 2011 at the Unitarian Church of Sharon, MA will give participants the opportunity to consider some of these and other Big Questions we must face as congregations and as an Association.
Start the day with a worship service that will include the three keynote sermons by the Rev. Jim Robinson, Peter Bowden, and the Rev. Karen Brammer. Then attend one of four workshops - a facilitated open forum to discuss the Big Questions some UUs have submitted for consideration; gaining practical skills in how to navigate between maintaining our tradition and adapting to changes, looking at how congregations can provide appropriate pastoral care for a changing population and considering ways congregations need to adapt to meet the religious development needs of children and families. There will also be good food and plenty of opportunities to meet and network with other UUs from around the district.
Registration can be done on line at http://bcduua2011springconference.eventbrite.com/ or by mailing in the hard copy form found on the conference flier sent to congregation offices. |
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BCD Annual Meeting on April 30
The 2011 BCD Annual Meeting will start at 1:30 pm in the sanctuary of the Unitarian Church of Sharon. The agenda includes: the election of the district's officers and directors and the BCD's UUA Trustee, adopting the FY12 operating budget, receiving reports about the operations of the district from the District Executive and Board and honoring new and departing ministers and religious educators. In addition, the District Board will unveil several new initiatives to assist congregations and train leaders. There will also be information about the discussions currently going on regarding regionalized service delivery and staffing.
Packets with the delegate cards and meeting materials have been mailed to congregation offices for distribution to delegates.
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Nominees for District Positions Announced
The district Nominating Committee has announced the following people have accepted nomination for vacant district board positions:
President: Janet Richardi - one year term, expiring 2012
Vice-President: Susan Fisher - one year tem, expiring 2012
Secretary: Mary Alice Smith - one year term, expiring 2012
Treasurer: Charlotte Harris - one year term, expiring 2012
Director: Rosemary Donahoe - one year term, expiring 2012
Director: Carol Ann Yeaple - two year term, expiring 2013
Director: Rev. Edmund Robinson, two year term, expiring 2013
Director: Rev. Robert Thayer - three year term, expiring 2014
Director: Rev. Jill Cowie - three year term, expiring 2014
The Rev. Catherine Cullen has submitted the required number of petition names for the position of BCD UUA Trustee. There are no other nominees.
All positions will be elected at the Annual Meeting. |
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District and Association Events
· MassBay/Clara Barton Spring Conference
With the theme Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board Leadership participants will have an opportunity to learn about and discuss with author and Alban Institute senior consultant, Dan Hotchkiss, topics such as defining roles and authority, maintaining limits and creating behavioral covenants, establishing effective policies, stream-line decision-making processes and providing space for spiritual discernment and holy conversations while doing the work of the church. BCDers are invited to attend the Conference to be held May 7, at the Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, MA. For more information and to register go to http://cbd-mbd-uua.org/content/governance-and-ministry-spring-conference-2011-0. Registration deadline is April 25.
· South UU Summer Institute (SUUSI)
SUUSI is a week-long gathering of UUs with workshops, worship, recreation, crafts activities, nature outings and more for singles and families. It will be held July 17-23 at Radford University. Registration is now open. For information go to http://www.suusi.org/
· General Assembly
2011 General Assembly is June 22 - 26, in Charlotte, NC. During the four days of GA, participants can join in vibrant and inspiring worship, hear dynamic and interesting speakers, participate in workshops (over 100 are being offered) and take part in the Association governance process. This year delegates will be asked, among other actions, to vote on bylaw amendments that would change the size and composition of the UUA Board of Trustees. There will also be special events to mark the 50th anniversaryof the merger of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America to form the UUA.
For GA information go to http://www.uua.org/ga/. Registration is done on line at http://www.uua.org/ga/registration/index.shtml (NOTE: early registration discount ends on May 1) and housing reservations can be made at http://www.uua.org/ga/housing/index.shtml
This year there is an Off-site Delegate option. If a congregational lay, minister, or credentialed director of religious educator delegate cannot attend General Assembly in person they still can participate as a delegate under a new program just instituted by the GA office. Apply to be an off-site delegate today at http://www.uua.org/offsitega |
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UUA Announces Environmental Fellowship Program with GreenFaith
On March 30, the UUA and GreenFaith http://greenfaith.org announced a collaboration to enroll UU congregation leaders in the GreenFaith Fellowship Program. According to Robin Nelson, the UUA's Green Sanctuary Program Manager, through the GreenFaith Fellowship Program, UU ministers and lay leaders can engage in continuing education on environmental justice. This program will further enhance a congregation's leadership as an environmental justice ally. GreenFaith will underwrite 50% of the tuition of 4 UU Fellows annually for three years. Application materials are available at http://greenfaith.org/programs/fellowship/application-materials. Application deadline is June 15.
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Summer Conferences and Programs
New England UUs can to attend a wide conferences, workshops, educational and spiritual programs and family vacation events at the three UU affiliated conference centers during the summer.
· Ferry Beach Camp and Conference Center, Saco ME http://www.ferrybeach.org/
· Star Island Retreat and Conference Center, Rye, New Hampshire http://starisland.org/
· UU Rowe Camp and Conference Center, Rowe MA http://www.rowecenter.org/ |
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Position Opportunities
- Director of Religious Education - Westminster Unitarian Church The Westminster Unitarian Church, East Greenwich, RI seeks a part-time Religious Education Director to coordinate all aspects of the church school program. Familiarity with Unitarian Universalist theology, purposes and principles is necessary and support of its values is important. Experience as a teacher of religious education is required. Salary is commensurate with experience. Position description, is at: http://westminsteruu.org/sites/default/files/dre_position.pdf
- Coordinator of Religious Education -- Unity Church of North Easton
The Coordinator of Religious Education will administer a religious education program that nurtures Unitarian Universalist identity in children and young adults at our small but extremely active Unitarian Universalist church. This is a 10 hour/week position from August through mid-June. Salary within the Unitarian Universalist Association Guidelines for a part time Masters Level Credentialed Religious Educator in Geo Index 4. Unitarian Universalist Association rated Masters Level Credentialed Religious Educator (or equivalent) preferred. Minimally, we require knowledge and understanding of children's learning styles and needs within a religious community. Submit resume on line to office@unity-church.com with "CRE Position" in Subject line. For any other questions, please contact Rob Gilgan at robertgilgan@yahoo.com.
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CALENDAR
Apr 16 Cape & Islands Water Justice Conference 9:00a-4:30p*
Unitarian Church of Barnstable
Apr 18 BCD Board meeting 6:30p -9:00p
Channing Memorial Church, Newport
Apr 30 BCD 2011 Spring Conference & Annual Meeting 8:15a-.3:30p
Unitarian Church of Sharon
May 1 Installation - Rev. Jill Cowie 4:00 p
UU Society of Martha's Vineyard,Vineyard Haven, MA
May 12 BCD RE Gathering* 10:00 - 12:00
UU Society of Fairhaven, MA
May 16 BCD Board meeting 6:30p - 9:00p
Channing Memorial Church, Newport*
Jun 22-26 General Assembly (GA),
Charlotte, North Carolina
*New or changed since the prior month's BCD in Brief was published
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