April 2013 BCD in Brief

What does world population migrations, global warming, US immigration policy, brunch, worship, elections, and budget and operating reports have in common? All of this and more will be part of the 2013 BCD Spring Conference and Annual Meeting to be held on April 27 at First Congregational Parish in Kingston, MA http://www.kingstonuu.org/

Ballou Channing District UUs and friends are invited to spend a morning together starting at 9:00 a.m. (registration, coffee and UU Mall at 8:30) with worship, followed by a stimulating and informative keynote presentation by UU United Nations Office Director, Bruce Knotts. A brunch will be served at 10:45 and the Annual Meeting (see next article) will commence at 11:30 with plans for adjourn by 12:45.

Conference information has been mailed to congregation offices. Register on line at http://bcdspringcon.eventbrite.com

BCD Annual Meeting

Pursuant to Article V "District Meetings" notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the Ballou Channing District of the Unitarian Universalist Association will be held on Saturday, April 27, at First Congregational Parish in Kingston, 222 Main Street, Kingston, MA, commencing at 11:30 a.m.

The business of the meeting shall include: elect District Officers and members of the Board of Directors, elect Nominating Committee member, adopt the District budget for Fiscal Year 2014, receive reports from Ballou Channing District Board of Directors, UUA Trustee, Treasurer and District Executive and attend to other matters as posted on the final agenda.

The 2013 Annual Meeting information packet and delegate cards were mailed to congregation offices April 4.

Announcing the Launch of New England Leap of Faith

Three BCD congregations to participate

Leap of Faith is a one-year experience that pairs healthy congregations aspiring to grow with mentoring congregations that are growing. Together they tap into their collective wisdom and commit to helping the aspiring congregations break through their growth barriers.

The Unitarian Universalist Association piloted the Leap of Faith Initiative on a national basis for the past two years. Because of its success, the staff of the four districts in the New England Region decided to bring the initiative to the New England Region. Fourteen congregations from across the region, ranging in size from 73 members to 280 members will be participating from across the region

Three congregations in the BCD - The Unitarian Church of Sharon, First Parish Church, Duxbury, and the First Universalist Society of Franklin - have been selected to participate. They will be paired with a congregation from another district to work together during 2013 - 2014.

For more information about this initiative can be found at http://www.uunewenglandleapoffaith.org/index.html

General Assembly News

BCD Scholarships for General Assembly

As has been done in past years the District will be able to provide some financial assistance for congregation presidents and presidents-elect (or those who will be nominated and elected this year) to cover registration fees. Five $250 scholarships are available on a first come, first awarded system. The BCD scholarship must be matched by a congregational financial assistance. Contact the BCD Office ballouchanning@verizon.com to request an application form.

General Assembly Registration Fees Increase May 1

General Assembly registration rates increase on May 1. Full time adult is $330 and Youth is $190 until April 30. On May 1 the rates increase to $380 and $225 respectively. For registration and housing information go to: http://uua.org/ga/registration/index.shtml

Program on Responses to Climate Changes and Extreme Weather

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth is working with the Environmental Protection Agency to identify strategies for here-and-now programs to respond to extreme weather events and climate change. The Fellowship is presenting a free program that will look at the issues of pastoral care, religious education, community service, and other activities that address both immediate needs in the event of a weather emergency, as well as congregational moral response to the climate issues. The program will be held on Wednesday, May 29, starting at 7:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist meetinghouse, 840 Sandwich Road, Falmouth, Free program. The building is accessible for people with disabilities.

For more information contact the. Rev. Bob Murphy or Lyn Dalzell a (508) 563-5948. murphydalzell@aol.com

Organization Restructuring at UUA

On July 1, the Rev. Harlan Limpert, Vice President for Ministries and Congregational Support, will become the chief operating officer of the Unitarian Universalist Association. This will be the first time the UUA has given a senior executive the title of COO. The new position will replace the office of the executive vice president, currently filled by Kay Montgomery. Kay will be retiring at the end of June 2013.

Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, currently Director of Congregationa Life Staff Group, will lead the newly formed Office of Program and Strategy. The Office of Program and Strategy will include the staff groups: Congregational Life, Ministries and Faith Development, Multicultural Growth and Witness, Growth Strategies, Congregational Stewardship, International Office, and the UU College of Social Justice, which the UUA jointly administers with the UU Service Committee. A search will be launched to fill the director of Congregational Life position.

Go to http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/285098.shtml?utm_source=f for the uuworld.org article describing the changes and view the new organization chart at http://www.uuworld.org/pdfs/uuaorgchartapril2013.pdf

LGBT Prom Hosted by Channing Memorial Church April 26

Channing Memorial Church Interweave's 4th annual "Born-This-Way Prom" will be held on Friday, April 26, 8 p.m. at the FOP Lodge, Mitchell's Lane, Middletown, RI (just off RI Route 138)

The prom is open to members of the LGBT communities and allies, UUs and friends. It is a

fun, non-alcoholic, pizza filled, event for all ages. DJ Hansen will be providing the music. There will be a Drag Show & King and Queen crowning.

The cost is $10.00. Proceeds from the Prom are split between Youth Pride Inc. of Providence and Channing Church. For more information contact interweave@channingchurch.org

News from the Larger UU World

April 23 UU Mass Action Advocacy Day, First Church Boston, 66 Marlborough St, Boston

9:00 a.m. Breakfast with Speaker: Sister Simone Campbell, leader of "Nuns on the Bus," NETWORK Executive Director, Lawyer, advocate, poet, Catholic Sister, member of the Sisters of Social Service.

10:30 a.m. Advocacy Day Speaker: Senator Jamie Eldridge, author of Immigration Trust Act; and other bills for immigration reform (Trust Act), gun control, and youth homelessness.

12:15 p.m. Lunch and issues workshops

1:30 p.m. - 4:00. Lobby at the State House (shuttle available from church to Statehouse)

Virtual General Assembly: Participating from Off-site

Technology is providing new opportunities for individuals who cannot attend General Assembly in person. GA is transforming from an event one need be present to experience into a hybrid meeting-incorporating off-site delegate participation, live streaming of events, and social media to create an interactive experience for live and remote attendees.

Go to http://www.uua.org/ga/virtual/index.shtml for information about off-site delegate registration, watching General Assembly on line and participating in on-line discussion and Plenary voting.

Questions about watching or participating in GA from afar can be directed to Margy Levine Young, Manager of the ITS Web Team, at myoung@uua.org / 802-989-3371

Congregation Learning Workshops Offered by Clara Barton/Mass Bay Districts

The Clara Barton/Mass Bay Districts invite BCD congregation leaders to attend their Learning Congregation Workshops. Registration is to open to individuals from the four districts in the New England Region (NER).

The up-coming workshops are:

Evaluating Congregational Ministry - Saturday, May 11, 2012
Creating and Leading Dynamic Lay-Led Worship - Saturday, June 8, 2013

Congregations are encouraged to send teams. Programs are held on Saturdays 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. For more information about each workshop and to register go to:

http://www.cbd-mbd-uua.org/drupal/content/saturday-workshops

Resources for Mental Health Available from UUA Equual Access Team

Equual (sic) Access and the Unitarian Universalist Association have compiled the following resources for congregations about the topic of mental health

A list of mental health sermons at UU churches at: http://www.mpuuc.org/services/mhsermons.html
Caring Congregation curriculum, developed by Rev. Barbara Meyers, Equual Access Board Member and a leading expert in the field of Mental Health:http://www.mpuuc.org/mentalhealth/caringcongcurr.html
Copies of the TV program Mental Health Matters, produced by Rev. Meyers and other videos that she created for the purpose of giving hope to people: http://www.mpuuc.org/mentalhealth/mentalTVshow.html http://www.mpuuc.org/mentalhealth/mentalVideos.html
Information on how congregations can start a depression support group: http://www.mpuuc.org/mentalhealth/depressionsupportgroup.html and a grief support" group http://www.mpuuc.org/mentalhealth/griefsupportgroup.html
Information on how congregations can start mental health ministry, http://www.uua.org/interconnections/190142.shtml
Religious Education Weeks and Renaissance Modules in July

The Annual Ferry Beach and Star Island Religious Education weeks will be held in July at the respective retreat facilities

July 6-13

Ferry Beach Multigenerational Religious Education Conference

http://www.ferrybeach.org/re-week.html

Adult Faith Development Renaissance Module

Contact: julie.amery@verizon.net

July 13-20

Star Island Lifespan Religious Education Conference

http://starisland.org/conferences/2013-conference-listing/lifespan-religious-ed

Ministry with Youth Renaissance Module.Contact: Jane Clay, jhclay@roadrunner.com

Employment Opportunities

Director of Religious Education. Part time

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth, MA is recruiting for a DRE. Position Begins mid July 2013. Go to www.UUFFm.org, link on WE ARE HIRING for full details of the Job Description. Or contact Margaret Sabin, Chair, DRE Search Committee at mtbsabin@comcast.net.

Director of Religious Education, part-time

The First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro (MA is seeking a dynamic DRE to continue our rich tradition and develop the program for all ages. For more information visit the congregation's website at http://uumiddleboro.rg/religious-education-director-employment-opportunity.

Interim Congregational Development Director

Northern New England District is recruiting an interim (12- to18-month) Congregation Development Director to provide support and resources for congregational development and expansion of Unitarian Universalist in the Northern New England District. Application deadline: April 30. Detailed position description at http://www.uua.org/documents/hr/jobdescriptions/inter_cong_dev_dir_nne.pdf

Calendar

Date                Event                                                                                      Time

Apr 23^@         UU Mass Action Advocacy Day,                                         9:00 a.

First Church Boston, 66 Marlborough St, Boston

Apr 23^@         UU Mass Action Lobbying                                                   1:30 - 4:00 p

                        Massachusetts State House, Boston

Apr 26^@         "Born-This-Way Prom"                                                       8:00 p

FOP Lodge, Mitchell's Lane, Middletown, RI

(organized and hosted by Channing Memorial Church)

Apr 27                        Spring Conference & Annual Meeting                   9:00 a - 1:00 p

First Congregational Parish, Kingston, MA

Apr 28           Rev. Paul Langston-Daly installation                                   TBA

First Unitarian Church, New Bedford, MA

May 1^@          GA Registration Fee Increases

May 11          Junior High Con                                                                      TBA

First Parish Duxbury, Duxbury, MA

May 11^#          Evaluating Congregational Ministry                                   8:30 a - 12:30 p

First Parish Unitarian Universalist, Northborough, MA

[a Clara Barton/Mass Bay District seminar]

May 13-15^#BCD UUMA Retreat

Glastonbury Abby

May 15           South Shore Presidents Cluster meeting                             7:00 p

Location; TBA

May 20           BCD Board of Directors meeting                                        6:30 - 9:00 p

First Parish Brewster, MA

May 27^@        Memorial Day Observed - UUA Office Closed

May 29           Responses to Climate Changes and Extreme Weather      7:00 p

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth

Jun 2               Rev. Sarah Person installation service                                TBA

                        First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro, MA

Jun 7^@           Pre-registration for GA ends; on-site registration only

Jun 8^#            Creating and Leading Dynamic Lay-Led Worship           8:30 a - 12:30 p

First Parish Church, Weston, MA

[Clara Barton/Mass Bay District seminar]

Jun19-23       General Assembly

Louisville, KY

[ www.uua.org/ga ]

Jul 6-13^@       Ferry Beach Multigenerational Religious Education Conference

Ferry Beach Camp and Conference Center, Saco, ME

[ http://www.ferrybeach.org/re-week.html ]

Jul 7-12^@       Adult Faith Development Renaissance Module

Ferry Beach Camp and Conference Center, Saco, ME

[Contact: julie.amery@verizon.net ]

Jul 13-20^@     Innovation in Lifespan Religious Education

Star Island Lifespan Religious Education

Star Island, NH

[ http://starisland.org/conferences/2013-conference-listing/lifespan-religious-education/ ]

Jul 13 -20^@    Ministry with Youth Renaissance Module

Star Island, NH

[Contact Jane Clay, jhclay@roadrunner.com ]

Jul 22-26^@     UU Small Group Ministry Institute 2013

Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center, Lanoka Harbor, NJ

[  http://www.smallgroupministry.net/ ]

Aug 23-24^@   Multicultural Religious Education Renaissance Module

Manchester, NH

[http://nned.uua.org/calendar.shtml?trumbaEmbed=eventid%3D104841427%26view%3Devent%26-childview%3D   ]

^#Change of information from last BCD in Brief

^@New from last BCD in Brief