2013 District Assembly

Transcription

1 2013 District Assembly Expanding Our Ministries, Building Our Future: Growing the Multicultural, Multigenerational Congregation Featuring Keynote Address The Welcome Table! by Rev. Dr. Rob Hardies, Senior Minister, All Souls Church, Unitarian and Rev. Dr. Susan Newman, Associate Minister, All Souls Church, Unitarian April 12-13, 2013 University of Delaware Wilmington Campus 2700 Pennsylvania Avenue Wilmington, DE Register online: 1

2 DISTRICT ASSEMBLY HIGHLIGHTS Keynote Address The Welcome Table! Drawing on their experience ministering to one of Unitarian Universalism s most racially diverse congregations, Robert Hardies and Susan Newman will lay the theological foundation for a diverse Unitarian Universalism, and share practical tips for how to build our multiracial, multicultural future. Rev. Robert Hardies is senior minister of All Souls Church, Unitarian, in Washington, DC. Rev. Susan Newman is associate minister for pastoral care and congregational life at All Souls Church, Unitarian, in Washington, DC. Expanded Bookstore with up to date offerings for your congregation and leaders Exhibits from diverse UU organizations Awards for the Outstanding UU, Young Adult and Youth in the JPD who have exemplified the best in our faith tradition Recognition of Youth Empowering and Support (YES) Churches, Outstanding Chalice Lighter and Chalice Keeper Join fellow conference participants for a Fridaynight reception in the charming and historic Goodstay Mansion where you can greet old friends and make new ones Friday-night Relationship Building will explore the many ways that we practice our faith and gain insight into who we are UUA Moderator Candidates Forum will feature Jim Key and Tamara Payne-Alex sharing their vision for the UUA should they be elected Cluster Conversations on Saturday will network us to see who is our neighbor and how we might work together to strengthen Unitarian Universalism 20 Interactive Workshops covering many topics of interest with ten different thematic tracks: Expanding Resources, Faith Development, Growth, Justice Growth, Movement, Multicultural Community, Reaching Outward, Young Adults, Multi-Cultural Worship and Presidents. So many great ways to enhance your congregational vitality that you will want to bring a team! Interactive Worship on Friday and Saturday Historic Goodstay Mansion 2

3 INFORMATION ON THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS In addition to being All Souls' senior minister, Rev. Hardies is a leader in the Washington Interfaith Network, a coalition of 40 congregations building power to create social change in the city. He is a board member of Clínica del Pueblo, a non-profit health clinic serving DC s Latino community, and, from 2001 to 2003, he served on DC Mayor Anthony Williams Interfaith Advisory Board. Nationally, Rev. Hardies is a member of the advisory board of the Network of Spiritual Progressives, founded by Rabbi Michael Lerner and Cornell West to counter the power of the religious right. In 2006, All Souls Church hosted the Network of Spiritual Progressives national conference. Rev. Hardies public affairs commentaries have appeared on the nationally-syndicated public radio program Interfaith Voices, and he has appeared on CNN and CBS to voice his opposition to the anti-gay Federal Marriage Amendment. Among his scholarly pursuits, Rev. Hardies edited Blessing the World: What Can Save Us Now (Skinner House, 2006), a collection of essays by the feminist theologian, Rebecca Parker. He is an adjunct faculty member at Wesley Theological Seminary. Before coming to All Souls, Rev. Hardies served Unitarian Universalist congregations in Oregon and California. He is a graduate of Cornell University and Starr King School for the Ministry, the Unitarian Universalist seminary in Berkeley, California. 3

4 INFORMATION ON THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Rev. Dr. Susan Newman has had a 36-year career as pastor, community advocate, teacher, chaplain, and author. Licensed in the Baptist Church in 1976, Dr. Newman was ordained at Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ in 1983, where she served as assistant minister. A native of Washington, she is currently a member of Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ. Her ministry has focused upon the challenges facing urban America. She has served as the director of public policy at the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and senior advisor for religious affairs to the District s mayor. Hailed by Ebony Magazine as one of the Top Black Women Preachers in America, she has been called down-to-earth, powerful, lifechanging, and a reality check for the church. An HIV/AIDS and teen pregnancy prevention educator and trainer, Dr. Newman has worked with several community and faith-based groups, including the DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Planned Parenthood, and AIDS Action Foundation. She has served in various advisory roles in the DC LGBT community, consulting with Us Helping Us-People Into Living and the Human Rights Campaign. She actively advocates a national coordinated AIDS strategy to reduce racial disparities, lower the incidence of infection, increase access to care, and involve all stakeholders. In Atlanta, Dr. Newman was senior pastor of First Congregational Church, UCC; she chaired the mayor s Commission on Community Relations and the governor s Blue Ribbon Panel on Welfare Reform. She also served as the executive director of Georgians for Children, a child advocacy organization that monitors and recommends changes in state policies. She is an inductee into the Board of Preachers of the Martin Luther King Jr. Chapel at Morehouse College, which honors clergy for their lifetime work in social justice. Dr. Newman has been the resident chaplain at the Washington Hospital Center; adjunct professor at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio; religious coordinator for the Children s Defense Fund; and chaplain and director of community service at Hood College in Frederick, MD. She has sat on both the UCC s Central Atlantic Conference and its Ministers for Racial, Social, and Economic Justice. Her several publications include With Heart and Hand: the Black Church Working to Save Black Children; Oh God! A Black Woman s Guide to Sex and Spirituality; and Your Inner Eve: Discovering God s Woman Within. Dr. Newman received a BA in journalism from George Washington University, a Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary. 4

5 DISTRICT ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE Friday, April 12, :00-7:30 pm 7:30-10:00 pm 7:30-8:00 pm 8:00 pm-8:30 pm 8:30 pm-9:00 pm 9:00 pm-10:00 pm Registration Exhibits Opening Worship Plenary Reports, Awards Community Exercise Relationship Building Reception (Cash Bar) Saturday, April 13, :00-9:00 am Registration 8:00-6:00 pm Exhibits 8:30-9:00 am Worship 9:00-10:15 am Keynote 10:30 am-12:00 pm Workshop Session I 12:00 pm-1:30 pm Lunch 1:30 pm-2:30 pm Cluster Conversations 2:30 pm-3:00 pm Moderator Candidates Forum 3:00 pm-3:15 pm Break 3:15 pm-4:15 pm District Business Meeting 4:25 pm-5:55 pm Workshop Session II 6:00 pm-6:15 pm Closing Ceremony Removing Barriers Accessibility The University of Delaware Wilmington Campus is accessible for those with mobility issues. Chemical Sensitivities Please bear in mind that many have chemical sensitivities and please limit your use of scented products while attending District Assembly. We appreciate your efforts. 5

6 Theme / Track Expanding Resources Faith Development Growth Justice Growth Movement Multicultural Community Reaching Outward Young Adults Workshop Session I Saturday - 10:30 am to 12:00 pm 1. Chalice Lighters Grants for Congregations 2. Let s Talk About It: Living Our Covenant in a Sexually Healthy Way 3. Planning for Congregational Growth During a Ministerial Sabbatical 4. The Difficulty of Being Just: Including People with Disabilities in Congregational Life 5. Living Our Values: Yoga as a Spiritual Practice 6. Building Community Across Generations and Cultures 7. Living In a SpiritualBut-Not-Religious World 8. A New Model of Faith Community for a New Generation Multi-Cultural Worship 9. Awake Ministry Presidents 10. The I Church Workshop Session II Saturday 4:25 pm to 5:55 pm 11. Fired Up Stewardship 12. Best Practices in Faith Development and Governance 13. Moving from Mission to Action 14. The New Jim Crow 15. Find Your Body Spirit 16. Living As a Multicultural Congregation 17. Reaching Out to the Nones 18. Poetry, Prose, and Passion: Reflections on Young Adult Engagement and Leadership in Growth 19. Building a Multicultural World through Music 20. JPD Board Presidents Conversation: Our Common Challenges 6

7 Workshop Session 1: 1. Chalice Lighters Grants for Congregations: Designed for small and mid-sized congregations, this workshop will demonstrate how to take advantage of Chalice Lighter grants and grow the number of Chalice Lighters and Chalice Keepers, the JPD Endowment Fund for Growth. It will take you step by step through the process of applying for a CL grant and developing your timetable and long range plans. Presenters: John Gubbings, Cedar Lane UU Church and Joan Priest, JPD Development Director 2. Let s Talk About It: Living Our Covenant in a Sexually Healthy Way: One of the most sacred aspects of covenantal community is to provide space that is safe, physically and emotionally, to grow in faith. Hear testimony from youth about the value of OWL and the difference it has made in their lives. Updated curriculum being released by the UUA and provide promotional materials. We will introduce a new sexual health assessment tool available for congregations, including a sample of the assessment questions and tips for making the most of this new tool. Presenter: Pat Infante, CERG Faith Development Consultant 3. Planning for Congregational Growth During a Ministerial Sabbatical: Ministers craft their sabbaticals to foster spiritual growth such that they return refreshed and renewed. Congregations have the responsibility to continue their spiritual growth, even when the minister isn t watching. During a ministerial sabbatical, a congregation can (1) slip into a pseudo-vacation mode, (2) hold steady during the minister s absence, or (3) take ownership of their own congregation, grow spiritually as they learn to minister to each other, and welcome a renewed, refreshed minister back to a stronger, more vital congregation. Which option do you prefer? Presenter: Marylin Huff, UU Church of Delaware County 4. The Difficulty of Being Just: Including People with Disabilities in Congregational Life: Being in right relationship with people who have disabilities is more than etiquette. It requires that we treat others fairly; that we ensure that everyone has the same opportunities, resources, and rewards. This workshop will examine attitudes and practices toward people with disabilities and will offer strategies for greater acceptance and inclusion. Presenter: Mark Bernstein, CERG Growth Development Consultant 5. Living Our Values: Yoga As a Spiritual Practice: UU Morning Yoga with Gael Chiarella Alba ERYT. Enjoy a mindbody practice that welcomes the day and brings a gentle awakening to body, mind and breath. Offer yourself some loving attention with time to consciously unwind. Every day brings something new. Every movement is adapted to your level and desire. All are welcome to tune in and stretch out as we invite consciousness in the care of our own body and mind. In this way we begin at the center of ourselves as we prepare to reach out for others. Presenter: Gael Chiarella Alba, WellSprings UU Congregation 6. Building Community Across Generations and Cultures: The Unitarian Universalist Association UU United Nations Office has a particular focus on creating and strengthening intergenerational structures and relationships to create a tight-knit, well informed congregational community. This workshop will offer methods and materials for developing an internationally minded, multigenerational community. Presenter: Kamila Jacob, UU United Nations Office Envoy Coordinator 7. Living In a Spiritual-But-Not-Religious World: Recent surveys claim that those describing themselves as Spiritual-But-NotReligious (SBNR) are the fastest growing religious group in the United States. In October 2012 the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life published a study showing a very rapid rise in the number of Americans who claim no religious affiliation (nones), a number now at an all-time high. Even the Pew researchers were surprised by the study. Who are these SBNRs and nones? What do they believe? What are they looking for in spiritual community? What does this development mean for Unitarian Universalism and the future of our UU outreach? Presenter: Rev. Joan Van Becelaere, Ohio-Meadville District Executive 8. A New Model of Faith Community for a New Generation: We know we need new faith communities to reach new populations. But what will they look like and how will we build them? Join Rev. Erik Martinez Resly as he shares three core insights from his effort to create a multicultural movement of creative people gathering in neighborhood faith communities to fall in love with God through the arts. This workshop will integrate dynamic new media. Presenter: Rev. Erik Martínez Resly, The Sanctuaries 9. Awake Ministry: The AWAKE Ministry has been developed primarily for younger families, couples or singles of color and the almost 20% of Americans who currently categorize their religious affiliation as NONE. Although these people may not worship or feel engaged at the church where they were raised, they still have a need for community connection and to be affirmed, inspired and grounded so they can reach their full potential. Come discover this new ministry in Annapolis. Presenter: Rev. John Crestwell, UU Church of Annapolis 10. Reimagining Your Congregation for the 21st Century: What does the future of Unitarian Universalism hold? How will your congregation fair in 50 years? Do we have a future? The answer is an emphatic Yes! YES! Join Rev. Fred Muir as he reimagines the story of our precious faith for the 21st century. Using his 2012 Berry Street Lecture, From ichurch to Beloved Community (and summarized in the Winter issue of The World), Fred urges us to retell our story in order to embrace the bright future we all want. Come and lend your voice to this vital conversation. Presenter: Rev. Fred Muir, UU Church of Annapolis 7

8 Workshop Session 2: 11. Fired Up Stewardship: Participants will look at Stewardship in a new light and explore ways to breathe life into their annual operating fund campaign. Using a multi-cultural lens and a multi-disciplinary approach, we will draw on differences in backgrounds and weave our stories into a strong tapestry of support for Unitarian Universalism. Presenter: Joan Priest, JPD Director of Development 12. Best Practices in Faith Development and Governance: The presentation will build on the following reflective questions: What is effective governance and how does it contribute to congregational maturation in terms of vibrancy and diversity? What are some best practices as new Lifespan Educators join a congregation? How does strength in governance and/or spiritual development help to expand the essential ministries of the congregation? How do best practices help congregations grow as multicultural and multigenerational faith communities? Presenter: Meredith Higgins, JPD Director for Adjunct Staff Programs 13. Moving from Mission to Action: Your congregation has crafted a mission statement now what? Using a case study, this workshop will give tips and tools on how leaders can use mission to guide strategic planning and decision-making. Presenter: Rev. Renee Ruchotzke, CERG Leadership Dev. Consultant 14. The New Jim Crow: Michelle Alexander s book has inspired people from the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington to join with an African American congregation to deepen relationships and create joint efforts to reform the criminal justice system in Delaware. We are getting more people involved in other congregations to deepen the social justice work. Come and share in our learning. Presenter: Rev. Dr. Richard Speck, JPD District Executive 15. Find Your Body Spirit: Get in touch with the abundance of spiritual expression within you through voice, body, witness, and play. All ages, physical abilities and body shapes welcome. Come ready to move and to shed judgment. This brief workshop will simply give a taste of the wealth of wisdom alive in your being. Presenter: Rev. Lisa Ward, UU Fellowship of Harford County 16. Living As a Multicultural Congregation: Diversity can take place in congregations of all sizes and in different locations. Davies Memorial instituted a plan for welcoming diversity and multicultural growth. This resulted in increased diversity and recognition of Davies as a Breakthrough congregation. What lessons and strategies were learned? How is Davies living as a multicultural congregation now? Presenter: Rev. Natalie Fenimore, Davies Memorial UU Church 17. Reaching Out to the Nones Starting and Nurturing a UU Humanist Group: Unitarian Universalists share common demographics with Nones, although both remain diverse. This workshop will review their similarities and differences, and outline how cooperation between them is a win-win situation: Nones gain community (religion) and enhanced sense of wonder (spirituality): UUs gain public awareness, numbers, and enhanced social justice. Presenter: Clifford Andrew, UU Humanist 18. Poetry, Prose, and Passion: Reflections on Young Adult Engagement & Leadership in Growth: Young Adult (YA) members of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia will conduct a workshop that presents creative reflections on our diverse experiences as YAs within the congregation. We will present key events that engage the congregation, with particular focus on the importance of recognizing the creative abilities of YAs in achieving congregational growth and inclusion. Presenters will also discuss different community partnerships maintained by YAs that have encouraged multicultural learning and growth. Workshop participants will be invited to identify YA-related resources and opportunities that encourage multigenerational and multicultural reflection and engagement. Presenter: Ranwa Hammamy, First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia 19. Building a Multicultural World through Music: Our worship will evolve as we create a multicultural congregation. What are the things to look for in including multicultural music in the worship? What are pitfalls to avoid? This interactive workshop will share ideas for creating good worship that brings in the various musical cultures of America and the world. Presenter: Melodie Feather, JPD Worship Arts Festival Coordinator 20. JPD Board Presidents Conversations: Our Common Challenges: An opportunity for congregational presidents to meet each other and discuss issues of common concern. The content and structure of this workshop were designed by JPD presidents to ensure its relevancy to their immediate needs. Discussion will cover such common challenges as stewardship/fundraising, leadership development/succession, outreach to potential members, and gaining visibility in their local communities. Presenter: Lillian Christman, JPD Board President 8

9 Local Area Hotel Information Please note: The Joseph Priestley District has not blocked rooms at any of the hotels listed below. It is your responsibility to make your own room reservations. There are plenty of hotels in the Wilmington area to choose from. If you d like even more options, you can visit this link: Wilmington-area hotels on Hotels.com Courtyard Wilmington Brandywine 320 Rocky Run Parkway, Wilmington, DE Phone: The Wilmington/Brandywine Courtyard located in the heart of the Brandywine Valley provides greater flexibility & choices to our guests. Visit for more information and to make a reservation. This hotel is just off of Route 202. Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington-Brandywine Valley 350 Rocky Run Parkway, Wilmington, DE Phone: Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington-Brandywine Valley in Wilmington, Delaware, is located right off of Interstate 95. Choose from 113 accessible, and one- and two-bedroom suites. Keep in touch with family and friends using WiFi, included with your stay. Ask about their complimentary shuttle. Visit for more information and to make a reservation. This hotel is just off of Route 202. Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown 422 Delaware Ave., Wilmington, DE Phone: Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown is there to make you feel at home. Their 223 suites, each with a separate living room and bedroom give you plenty of space to relax. Stay connected with the Link@Sheraton, their lobbylounge featuring complimentary Wi-Fi. Settle into your room and enjoy their new flat panel TVs, Shine for Sheraton bath amenities and the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed with all white bedding. Visit for more information and to make a reservation. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington 4727 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE Phone: Let the friendly staff at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington in Delaware take care of all your travel needs. Ask for another jumbo pillow or for directions to area attractions. Feel welcomed and appreciated while enjoying their delicious, warm chocolate chip cookie. Located adjacent to the Concord Mall in suburban Wilmington, their 244-room hotel is five miles from downtown and four miles north of Interstate 95. Visit for more information and to make a reservation. 9

10 JOSEPH PRIESTLEY DISTRICT ASSEMBLY REGISTRATION FORM After completing ENTIRE registration form, please mail with a check for the appropriate amount, payable to JPD of the UUA, to the following address: JPD Office, 100 West 10th Street, Suite 1008, Wilmington, DE Questions? Please contact the JPD office at , or office@jpduua.org. To register online, visit: Name: Name: Phone: Phone: Young Adult (18-35) Young Adult (18-35) Adult Adult Role in Congregation: Role in Congregation: Omnivore Omnivore Vegetarian Vegan Vegetarian Vegan Other Dietary Needs: Other Dietary Needs: Accessibility Concerns: Accessibility Concerns: Workshop Selections (enter numbers from pages 7-8): Workshop Selections (enter numbers from pages 7-8): Session 1: Session 2: Session 1: Session 2: Congregation (Full Name): Childcare Requests: All requests for childcare must be received by Friday, March 29th. Name Age Allergies / Special needs REGISTRATION FEES Adult Rate Entire Assembly = $130 $130 x (includes all programming, Friday night reception (cash bar), and Saturday breaks and lunch) Young Adult Rate (Ages 18-35) Entire Assembly = $85 $85 x (includes all programming, Friday night reception (cash bar), and Saturday breaks and lunch) Childcare FREE, but requests must be received by March 29th. FREE Exhibit Space Choose size (limited availability): 6 $25 OR ½ 6 $15 Name of exhibit group: Donation to District Assembly Scholarship Fund (help fund those who would otherwise be unable to attend) LATE FEE ($25 per registration after March 22nd) GRAND TOTAL (amount enclosed please make checks payable to JPD of the UUA) $25 x There will be no further registration fee breakdowns given than what is shown. We want all attendees to attend the entire conference. Thank you for your registration! You will receive an confirmation once your information has been entered. We look forward to seeing you at the 2013 District Assembly! 10