Faith formation doesn’t stop over the summer – we’ve been reading and learning with Banned Books Summer! In June, we read LGBTQ+ themed books to celebrate Pride Month. We heard the stories of This Day in June, And Tango Makes 3, and Jacob’s New Dress. In July, we’re exploring racial justice and equity with the books Separate is Never Equal, Something Happened in Our Town, and The Day You Begin. All of these books have been banned or challenged in schools and libraries across the country. We share the story and then have a conversation about the book, including why it has been banned or challenged, and then we process through art. This past week, we read the true story in Separate is Never Equal of the Mendez family, who fought long and hard to desegregate schools in California in the 1940’s. In response, our kids made welcome signs for our congregation, because everyone is welcome here. It was their idea to make the signs in multiple languages, I can’t take credit for that. Special thanks to all the adults who have stepped up to make this happen!
Though things are a little slower in the summer, we are working on plans for next year! I have to tell you that I am very excited for the upcoming year – we are going to have some fun together! Now is the time to register your children and youth for 2024-25 programming – help us plan to welcome your family by registering! You can register here: https://forms.gle/VSTe2TyRUgZeYgSq6. Interested in our OWL offerings for children and youth? You must register to participate in OWL and there is a link in the registration form to let us know you’d like to participate – please fill that out ASAP! We are also still looking for collaborators for next year. We have spots open on all teaching teams right now, you can find more information and sign up here: https://forms.gle/pmk7p6SZNDZcNtZJ6. Our children and youth program belongs to the congregation and we can’t do it without YOU. It is crucial to have folks from all walks of life and of all ages working with our children and youth – your lived experience is so valuable to building this beautiful community! I can also promise that you will be changed for the better by spending time with the future of our faith community. I have been doing this work for nearly 10 years and I learn something new every Sunday! We’re also always looking for behind the scenes folks if working with others is just not your thing.
Speaking of our beautiful community – our youth have returned from their trip to CERSI and had a fabulous time, thanks to all of your support! They work hard to raise funds throughout the year and you all make it possible for them to do things like CERSI that gives them the opportunity to learn, grow, and make friends with other UU’s! Special shout out to the fabulous Jen Johnson for all of her terrific work with our youth program – we are so blessed to have her kindness and compassion leading the way. She’s on vacation now, but please tell her thanks the next time you see her!
The last Soul Matters theme for the congregational year was the gift of renewal, an appropriate theme to launch the summer season. What does renewal mean to you? Replenishment? Recovery? Restoration? Summer can be a time of replenishment when schedules slow down – a little- and there might be opportunities for vacation time. For me, this month will also be a time to take a break from social media and explore those things that bring joy to counterbalance the challenging news headlines and concerns about the upcoming elections. I have challenged myself to disconnect from social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram and use my cell phone a little as possible. It has indeed been challenging! I’m so accustomed to checking emails and social media platforms on my phone, that I instinctively reach for my cell phone. Two weeks into what I call my social media sabbath, I am less attached to my phone. It is liberating to focus on other things like art projects without phone alerts and interruptions. This summer I have been inspired by a Creativity Matters prompt to create a “Less & More Mural” to consider what I want more of and less of in my life. What would your mural look like?
Creativity Matters is part of the Adult Faith Formation Soul Matters program. Participants receive packets with reflection questions and prompts that explore the monthly theme through art. During COVID I participated in the pilot program on-line and became a fan. At first, I was intimidated by all the artists participating in the program: a photographer, a quilter, an art therapist zooming in from her art studio, and other folks who already had an art practice. I completed the assignments but rarely shared, preferring to talk about the process and emotions behind the pieces I created. Over time I realized the goal wasn’t to produce the
perfect piece but to enjoy making time for creativity, playfulness and imagination in community. Creativity Matters was a lesson in embracing vulnerability and taming the inner critic. It was also a journey into creating collages which I have used to explore sermon themes, unpack ideas that arise during spiritual direction sessions or simply play with images and color. I wanted more creativity in my life after participating in the pilot. Although I am no longer in a group, I continue to create collages and find inspiration in the monthly Creativity Matters packets. I am glad we have had a Creativity Matters group that meets on campus each of the last two years. A special thank you to EJ Haack and James Cassara for co-facilitating the group. I hope we can form two groups next year since there is usually a waiting list. If exploring our monthly themes through art is of interest to you, please let us know by filling out this form.
Have a wonderful summer! I look forward to our work together in the fall. If you haven’t read “How We Ended Racism,” our congregational common read, I encourage you to do so. Rev. Audette and I will be hosting a monthly series “Collective Liberation in Action” starting in October for learning and action as we reflect on themes and exercises in the book. We hope you join in!
As I write this, it’s Friday morning, June 28th – the morning after the first Presidential debate of the momentous 2024 election. It’s not a good morning for those of us deeply concerned about democracy and the health of the US system of governance. But you are likely reading this on or around July 4th, when we take the time to celebrate American values, in their most aspirational form. This year, that celebration is more important than ever.
Elections are not about any one candidate. They are often deeply flawed expressions of our hopes and vision of who we are as a people, a praxis that tries to bridge the gap between our theories and the very real law-making and work to which politics leads.
People have faced difficult times throughout history. We are not alone in our struggles, although it often feels to us living through them as though they are more existential than ever.
In times such as these, it’s important to not merely look outward – for example, at candidates – but rather, inward. What are your core values? What are your responsibilities to the whole – to your community, to your country? How can they best be practiced in times like these? What do you serve? What feeds your courage, and sustains your hope? How will you live so as to make those values real in your actions and choices?
Those of us lucky enough to live in North Carolina not only have the fortune of living in an exquisitely beautiful place, but we have unique political potency. Unlike what I could accomplish in deep blue New York, for example, I am profoundly aware of the greater impact of my vote and my participation in North Carolina, a state that needs people who will vote for the values so well expressed by our Unitarian Universalist faith.
If you want to make a difference, now is the time. Our UU the Vote work is ongoing – contact Joanne Fox to get involved through the congregation, or visit uuthevote.org. Get in touch with your neighborhood precinct. Love. Serve. Act. If you’re concerned about autocracy here, see my American autocracy resource center: American Autocracy Resources
The late John Lewis saw some hard times, and yet he spent his life in service. Let us always keep in front of us his advice:
“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
UU Asheville had 7 voting delegates attending the 2024 UUA General Assembly (GA): Nancy Bragg, T Kay Browning, Susan Foster, Shawn Gibson, Bernise Lynch, Anna Martin, and me, Mara Sprain. GA was virtual this year, meaning we each signed-in remotely from our homes or wherever we were comfortable. I opted to sit on my back deck, under the gazebo (shade!), where I could stream the proceedings via YouTube to a larger TV screen and use my laptop for viewing documents and monitoring other events.
Major news first: Article II to the UUA Bylaws (formerly Principles and Purposes, now Purposes and Covenant) was amended and approved by the Assembly by an 80.2% majority vote. One amendment was adopted and incorporated into the wording of the “Equity” section. Three other amendments were defeated by the Assembly: a second amendment in the Equity section, and adding Peace and Reason as separate individual values; these amendments did not get the ⅔ support required for adoption.
Other significant news was the adoption of 3 Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs). (An AIW is a statement about a significant action, event, or development in the world that necessitates immediate engagement and action among UU member congregations and groups. These also require approval of ⅔ of the voting body.) After discussion and amendment following mini-assemblies (pre-GA and non-voting events), and further discussion in the General Assembly sessions, the following AIWs were approved (supporting percentage):
World on Fire: Humanitarian Work and Climate Change (95.6%)
Centering Love Amidst the Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 (86.1%)
Solidarity with Palestinians (73.5%)
We also passed a UUA Business Resolution: Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary and Intersex People is a Fundamental Expressions of UU Religious Values (91.8%). (A business resolution directly involves the administration and structure of the UUA–guiding how the association does its work.)
Some of these discussions (pro and concern) were painful for many members and we were reminded to keep LOVE at the center of our interactions. GA Care Teams had several break-out rooms available for those who needed support during and following these discussion sessions. Beautiful demonstrations of our faith in action!
Also passed was a Responsponsive Resolution declaring GA support for release of the October 7 [2023] hostages in the Middle East (77%). A Responsive Resolution is made in response to a substantive portion of a report by an officer or committee reporting to a regular General Assembly, in this case, the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt’s President’s report on Saturday at General Session III.
For more information, the text of these documents, and to read some of the discussion on these issues, head to https://discuss.uua.org and look under “General Assembly 2024”. You cannot provide additional comments, and this is not a transcript of discussions at GA, but many people who spoke at GA also provided similar comments in the online discussion threads.
Several of the GA events are available to non-delegates, including general session recordings and Sunday’s worship service. See UUA General Assembly for links and details. (For those attending our annual congregational retreat at The Mountain this fall we hope to have a session on GA so you can hear more about it.)
And mark your calendar: The 64th UUA General Assembly will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, June 18–22, 2025. Details to follow.
Recently I have been struggling to celebrate and find joy when it feels like the world is falling apart, when there is too much to mourn on this little blue speck. It seems I have lost some of my emotional elasticity. I can’t move from fear, and grief, and outrage to amusement and joy so easily. Maybe this is just what being in your mid-thirties is like. Maybe it has something to do with an infinitely more connected world that our brains originally evolved to process. Whatever the reason, I am wearied by the constant need to feel all there is to feel about our world, and be present to the very real things I can do anything about. Yesterday I was at another rally for Mission Nurses United, who are still bargaining for a fair contract from HCA.
Tomorrow, I begin travels for the rest of June, heading west to attend two weddings: my brother’s as well as two close friends. I love weddings! I love the anticipation, the rituals and decor, and I love the celebration. And I love dancing! Dancing for me is giving over to joy in a way that feels effervescent and that connects me deeply to the divine spark of life. And, while we are dancing and celebrating, we are staring down a scary election in the United States. Then there are the ongoing wars in Palestine and Ukraine and Sudan. And there’s the Asheville housing crisis. And… It gets hard to feel all of it at the same time. But this is the case all the time and not just when the facts themselves are overwhelming (i.e. dancing at a wedding while there’s war on the other side of the world).
We don’t even have to go as big as the whole of earth. There are enough people in our community for us to always have reason to celebrate and reason to mourn, reason to rest, and reason to stand on the corner and shout. So then why rest or celebrate when the mourning and shouting feels so much more pressing? Because we burn out if we don’t rest, our anger boils dry without joy and love in our lives. Or at least it does for me.
That is joy’s purpose for me. When I feel the rough and ragged edges of my own emotions, it is a time to weave in threads of love and hope. It is time to store-up that love and hope, letting it feed my own strength and stamina. I hope that the effervescent joy and love of my dancing allows me to march that much longer and to shout that much louder when the time inevitably comes. And I hope that it may be true for you as well.
David comes to UU Asheville with a lifelong love of reading, bookselling, classical music and great film, most notably CITIZEN KANE. Born in coastal Texas, he grew up among oil refineries and the Gulf of Mexico before attending college in Houston as a performance bassoon major. David’s love of books took him into retail bookselling where he managed stores for 30+ years until online sites shuttered traditional bookstores. He transitioned to senior customer service positions, including Thermo Fisher Scientific where he managed European and Latin American accounts for laboratory products during Covid-19. David enjoys gardening, reading biography and history, watching British television series and shares his home with cats Squirrel and Dongle. Meet David this Sunday at our Annual Meeting!
I was invited by Rev. Claudia to write a blog about what the Environmental Action Team has been up to. And since I am chilling at home resting a wounded shoulder, I thought “Why not, it’ll keep me from getting bored and I can brag about this amazing group that I’m in”.
So, a quick introduction, I am Venny Zachritz and, along with Kate Jerome, we co-lead both the Environmental Action Team and the Landscape Group. EAT has been active for several years but, as with all our programs, things slowed to a crawl during the Covid years. Now we are back and active and looking for new ideas and energy. This group is committed to helping the congregation live more sustainably upon the Earth. We strive to accomplish this goal through education, service and programming. We just hosted a program on the Inflation Reduction Act presented by Blue Horizons. You can find out about the IRA and potential tax credits/rebates here Inflation Reduction Act. And in September we will be hosting a Climate Justice Revival! Watch the eNews for details of this event and others sponsored by EAT.
We are also very proud of our past accomplishments over the years which include, the recognition of UU Asheville as a Green Sanctuary in 2008 (we are currently working towards recertification); spear-headed the solar panel fundraiser to place over 100 panels on the roof of Sandburg Hall; and developing a comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Policy (part of being a Green Sanctuary) which was adopted by the congregation in 2008! Yep, WE have a policy. Recently the team reviewed the policy and, I am pleased to report, that with your help, UU Asheville is doing really well operating within the guidelines. But…. (you knew that was coming), there is one item that we felt needed to be shared with the congregation and ask for your support to make this happen more frequently. And that is,
Policy Item #8 states: (we strive at) Being environmentally conscious when planning and serving food, refreshments, or snacks at meetings and events:
Supporting choices for foods that are sustainably grown, local, and organic
Limiting inclusion of processed and overpackaged foods
Using glass, china, and cutlery instead of throwaway paper or plastic, recognizing that the size or location of the event may preclude this option (if so, consideration may be given to compostable products).
Please, take a few minutes and read over our Environmental Sustainability Policy and share your thoughts with us. We meet on the last Thursday of the month to coordinate our work for environmental justice. Please join us! FMI:contact Venny
Mars and I were walking down in Greenwich Village one sunny day a few years back, when I glanced casually aside at the wall we were passing. We were under one of the innumerable fabricated construction awnings, so the whole area felt hidden, but I suddenly tuned into the plaque: The Stonewall Inn.
“The events that began at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 marked a monumental change for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Americans. Stonewall, which occupied 51-53 Christopher Street, was a gay bar that was raided on June 28, 1969. Patrons and a crowd outside resisted, and confrontations continued over the next few nights in nearby Christopher Park and the adjacent streets. This uprising catalyzed the LGBTQ civil rights movement, resulting in increased visibility for the community that continues to resonate in the struggle for equality.
New York State Historic Site”
There is a unique feeling that rushes in when you discover you are standing where history was made. All at once, Marsha P. Johnson rose up in my mind, but behind her, a parade of others: Harvey Milk. Bayard Rustin. RuPaul. Laverne Cox. Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon. So many more, both known and loved and unknown and unremembered. My own experiences as a bi, now pan/sapiosexual woman. Complexity and freedom, danger and opportunity.
We celebrate Pride in the US in June because of the uprising at Stonewall (June 28, 1969) when queer folx – trans and LGB++ – decided they had had enough of being policed and intimidated just for whom they loved. The following year, NYC hosted the first Pride parade, to begin a movement to reclaim queer identities, and to say “we are worthy and whole, we are proud of who we are.” I was able to take my son to the 50th Anniversary of Pride in NYC, World Pride. It was a joyful event (though long and boy, did it start late!), but even then we were seeing how important it was to stand firm for LGBTQIA++ rights – because the backlash is strong, and now we have no illusions about how quickly rights gained may be lost.
This year, Blue Ridge Pride is on Saturday, Sept. 21. Please plan now to put on your “yellow shirt” join our UU Asheville Pride + Team. Our activism, our love and support and presence, matters. These are still our days to fight for all that we love.
You probably know the parable of the blind men and the elephant: A group of blind men try to understand a strange new animal brought to their town – an elephant – each by feeling a part of it. Their descriptions were of course vastly different, but quite reasonably so.
Similarly, each of us in this faith community has a unique take on what church “is.” Not many of us can see (or feel) the whole elephant. We come for different reasons, with different backgrounds, different interests, different needs, and different gifts. And we engage with church in different ways and have different intersections with the community of travelers that is UU Asheville.
Well, this blind man (me) would like to tell you how I see this lovely elephant of ours. I’ll warn you in advance that my words here will be a bit self-indulgent: After our Annual Meeting, I will be leaving the Board after five years of service – with over half of that serving as President – and I feel that I ought to say something about what that journey has shown me about our elephant. Maybe there are parts of this elephant that you have felt, and maybe some that you have not.
I came to UU Asheville in the summer 2017, migrating from my home church of 30 years, where I was very active, largely doing Board work (governance) and fundraising. I swore that when I got to Asheville I would steer away from that stuff and do something more enjoyable. Well, you can see how that turned out – some slick talker convinced me that the Board could use me, even if I had only been here two years and didn’t know much about our church and even less about the people in it. I felt under-qualified. In parallel, I found myself getting involved in fundraising activities, first through some non-leadership roles, and later playing larger roles, perhaps because I thought my previous-church experiences might inform some of our approaches to fundraising. So here I am, back to the future.
The last five years – the period of my Board and fundraising/budget work – has been chock- full of challenges. Unlike those halcyon days before my arrival, where there was calm in the land and things were running relatively smoothly, we were presented with a devastating pandemic, a ministerial transition, and the tragic loss of our minister of 17 years. Wow. Those forces (along with other nationwide trends) reduced our membership, which in turn reduced our giving base. With costs going up, we found ourselves somewhat unstable financially. And any ministerial transition presents upsets the status quo and can engender some instability in the non-financial dimensions of church. These combined to present a huge challenge to all us of – meaning our Board, our staff, and everyone in our congregation. Throughout the process of getting to where we are now, my Board position and fundraising work gave me a front-row seat view into how this all played out. Spoiler alert: there have been, and still are, issues we need to overcome, but in the main, we’ve done an absolutely fantastic job.
We first addressed the near term budget problem with our Meet the Moment second-ask campaign. The bottom line is that Meet the Moment brought in close $20K more than the $120K we were hoping for. That fixed our near-term budget issues. Yay! The mixed-bag side of that campaign was that only half of the our giving base made commitments. Fewer people gave than expected; but those who did stepped up in a big way. And while MtM fixed our near-term budget issues, there remained some built-in financial issues (increased costsand decreased giving base) which portended future budget deficits.
On the ministerial transition dimension, I think we did fantastically well. Rev. Cathy held down the fort and helped guide us through our transition. Of course, the highlight of this process was the work of our Ministerial Search Committee. These seven folks, led by Gina Phairas, did their job incredibly well. After a lot of very hard work, the outcome speaks for itself – we have an absolutely wonderful new minister in Rev. Audette.
A remaining challenge – again for our Board, our new Minister and staff, and the entire congregation – is to build on the energy, momentum, and renewal that I think most of us are now feeling to shore up our membership and our finances so we can support the staff and programs that make us who we are. We’re facing another budget deficit in ’24-’25, but we have the necessary funds to backfill that. However, responsible use of those backfill funds tell us we shouldn’t fund another deficit beyond next year, unless we see the necessary momentum of more folks pledging more, and an increase in non-pledge fundraising. Otherwise, there may be some painful cuts in our future.
All that said, here is the my main point: My view of our community is that is really, truly special. I say that having known one other congregation intimately, and several others from afar through other UU contacts. We have a congregation that steps up to challenges. A key part of that is the upper end of our pledge base, which continues to give more and more – and not just of their treasure, but their time and talent as well. They help to drive us forward and keep us afloat. Another big part of our special nature is the level of volunteerism we have.
There are those that can (almost) always be counted on for help when we need it. Sure, we could really use more of those folks, but I’m grateful for the ones that swe have. On the staff side, UU Asheville is incredibly well-run. We have a highly professionalized, cost-conscious staff which seems to always do their best and tries to “do the right thing.” I’ve never seen another staff I thought so highly of. And we have some really good leaders, and a collection of folks with good leadership potential. I wasn’t completely sure of that when I first joined the Board, but I can see it now. Our staff leadership is strong, and our Board leadership is strong
(present company excluded) and getting stronger . We have a really great group of people on our slate for both the Board and the LDC. I think good things are in store for us. If we couple that with an engaged and energized congregation, we can go far. It will take “everybody in” for us to achieve our potential, but I truly believe we can.
And finally, finally, my last point: although it hasn’t always been easy, I feel honored to have served as your Board president for the last two and half years. I’m grateful for both the trust and support I’ve had during that time. Y’all are the best!
As we come to the end of the 2023-24 Religious Exploration year, I’ve had time for a few moments of reflection between planning for the summer and for next year. When I think about the good work we do here, it always makes me think of some of the words that guide me: “Faith development is all we do, and the Congregation is the curriculum”.
These words are paraphrased from the brilliant Connie Goodbread and whenever I wonder if we are making a difference, I remember them. I think about all the ways that it shows up, like the time this year that one of our younger kiddos had the choice between painting a rock or spreading mulch for a planned garden on our campus, and he chose mulch even though he is passionate about art. He chose mulch because no one else had chosen it yet and we didn’t have enough rocks for everyone to paint one. His parents were a little surprised when I mentioned it to them at pick up time, but I wasn’t. We have talked a lot this year about what it means for us to go all in on this congregation, and for this kiddo, it was the obvious choice. If you are wondering about the impact this congregation has in the lives of our children and youth, I encourage you to watch the recordings of the 2 credo services offered by our Coming of Age youth earlier this month. Get some tissues ready, you will need them! You can find them here.
There are so many ways to go all in, but the most important way that we can do it for our children and youth is to show up. Show up on Sunday mornings and collaborate with us in RE. Show up and buy some soup or attend The Big Event for the Coming of Age kids. Show up to the YRUU service, Coming of Age service, and the Faith Development service and hear what our kids have to say and receive the beautiful gifts that they share with us. Show up to help out in child care, or to serve as a chaperone for youth cons and trips. Show up to help new families get oriented on Sunday mornings. Show up with food and the willingness to do some dishes. Show up for a couple of Sundays in the summer to share your favorite banned children’s book, or to just share an extra set of hands. Our children and youth need you in their lives!
Please definitely show up this Sunday at 11:15 am, because not only is it the Faith Development service, but it will also be a Sundae Sunday! Join us after Worship in Sandburg Hall for some ice cream and fellowship!
As we gather under the vast canopy of our shared sky, we are reminded of the profound beauty and mystery of the universe. A couple of weeks ago, we were blessed to witness a celestial event that captivated hearts and minds —the solar eclipse. Just as the moon momentarily obscured the sun, casting its shadow upon the earth, I thought about how we too sometimes find ourselves navigating moments of darkness and uncertainty.
Yet, in the midst of this cosmic dance, there is light. As our Annual Giving Drive is happening, I reflect with gratitude that we are making progress towards our goal (we’re at about 80% for those that are following along).
Like the gradual emergence of sunlight after an eclipse, your generosity has illuminated our path forward. Each contribution, no matter how small, has helped dispel the shadows of doubt and fear, reaffirming our collective commitment to the principles of love, justice, and compassion that define us as Unitarian Universalists.
Just as the moon’s shadow passed over the sun, temporarily obscuring its brilliance, we too face moments of challenge and adversity. Yet, like the sun, our community radiates with an unwavering light—a light that shines all the brighter in the face of darkness.
I am thankful for the leadership of our new Lead Minister, Rev. Claudia, our amazing staff, and the amazing volunteers in the church. This collective organism navigates the cosmic dance of change and transformation. Under its stewardship, we have witnessed the blossoming of new connections and the embrace of diverse perspectives, enriching the tapestry of our congregation.
Moreover, like celestial bodies drawn into orbit, new visitors continue to gravitate towards our community, captivated by the warmth and inclusivity that defines us. To all those who have joined us on this journey, know that you are welcomed with open arms and open hearts, as together we navigate the vast expanse.
As we journey onwards, let us draw strength from the lessons of the eclipse—a reminder that even in moments of darkness, there is always light on the horizon. Let us continue to support one another, to uplift one another, and to shine brightly as beacons of hope and compassion in a world that often feels eclipsed by uncertainty.
Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for your continued dedication and generosity. Together, we shine bright, illuminating the cosmos with the brilliance of our shared humanity.
My departure as your Director of Administration is bittersweet. As Rev. Audette mentioned in our latest eNews, I have a wonderful new career opportunity that awaits, and yet, I am deeply sad to be leaving you.
I am so proud of this congregation and the work of the board and volunteers over the past 18 months. The lift around our annual giving drive, creating our four-pillar fiscal sustainability model, and the work of the long-range planning team is well underway. I hope my contributions updating the personnel manual, supporting the transition of our new lead minister into the congregation, strengthening our staff team with hiring exceptional new staff for our communications and administrative specialist positions, enhancing our risk practices, tending to the needs of our buildings, and implementing google team drives will serve the congregation well into the future.
I have loved serving and supporting the many committees and teams I advised. The Leadership Development Committee has been incredibly engaged this past year, and my open communication and transparency with the Finance Advisory Committee has been greatly appreciated. Our Auction committee is second to none in all they do to create an amazing event every year to support the work of the congregation. And I would be remiss to not mention the passion and service of our special events, landscape, memorial garden, and legacy committees.
I have developed wonderful relationships with so many people that I will cherish well beyond my time here, and we have a beautiful tapestry of humans who give so much of their time, talent, and treasure. It has truly been an honor to serve UU Asheville.
I have no doubt that the congregation will continue to be a beacon of light and I want to express my sincere gratitude for the guidance, support, and opportunities to engage with so many of you during my time as your Director of Administration.
As part of my work here at UU Asheville, I am compelled to contemplate “What is community?” Often in progressive spaces, and especially in progressive faith spaces, a common refrain is “It doesn’t matter who you are, you are welcome here!” I don’t like that sentiment. Yes, we need to create an inclusive space and third spaces need to be fully accessible, but… it does matter who you are! Who we are matters and should matter in community. We should reckon with the joy and rawness of each other’s lives. Details, identities, disabilities, and the very stories of our lives should inform how our congregation moves in the world. That’s actually something I like about UU Asheville, because it’s clear that those things do inform our work. We are a congregation shaped by our myriad of contexts, not a group of people that we are asking to fit into a prefab mold of what a UU congregation should be.
But this extends beyond our walls and into our community as well. Last night I listened as my friend spoke with passion and anger about being on the bargaining team for Mission Nurses United, the nurses’ union at Mission Hospital. When someone asked them, “Why stay at Mission?” They’re answer wasn’t about job benefits, good pay, or how it’s a close commute. They’re answer was, “It’s my hospital. It’s the hospital I would go to if I was in an accident. It’s the hospital that my friend’s and family would go to. I stay only because I can make a difference through the union.” Our contexts matter, and they can shape the communities we build, but only if we choose to show up and participate in the ever-changing work of building a better community.
Last night Sandburg Hall was buzzing with conversation during a speed dating exercise.
Participants were asked to share about their experiences engaging in justice work to
support voting rights and democracy. As we debriefed the exercise there was a common thread of seeking others with similar values and diverse ways to work towards a massive voter turnout November 2024. Comments were made about moving away from fear and despair through collective efforts to get out the vote and build relationships with those outside our circles. That is what was happening at our gathering organized in partnership with Carolina Jews for Justice(CJJ) community organizer Lisa Forehand, Congregation Beth HaTephila Voting Rights lay leader Sam Hausfather and our UU the Vote lead Joanne Fox. By the end of our meeting, everyone left having met at least two new people who share their passion for voting rights and with a commitment to explore one of the various ways they can engage. At our next meeting (Date TBA; consider joining in!) we will follow up for updates and form groups interested in similar activities: canvassing, registering voters, post carding, etc. If you are interested in canvassing the next WNC Votes nonpartisan canvassing is this Sat. April 20. Details here. A few quotes from participants:
“Friends, if you’re looking for a place to be effective in the next election, this is it.” – Margaret McAllister
“I am thrilled to be collaborating in the Get Out the Vote Efforts our congregations can take on together here in Western North Carolina. Just like we did here at UU Asheville, CBHT voted on which social justice issues should be their priorities and they came up with the same top 3 issues: Voting Rights, Reproductive Justice and Climate Justice. At the statewide level, Rev. Lisa Garcia-Sampson, Director of UU Justice NC is meeting weekly and planning NC UU the Vote strategy alongside a leader for CJJ in Raleigh so it feels like we are doing the same on a local level. “ – Joanne Fox
Here is a video describing the collaboration and work being done in partnership by CJJ and UU Justice NC, our UU the Vote partner. Don’t forget to check out our resource document with ways to get involved in getting out the vote. It is updated weekly and featured in the e-news.
Another way our justice ministries are widening the circle is by being informed and responsive to the issues affecting our community. At this month’s Justice Ministry Council a request by the WNC People’s Power Coalition asking City Council to do better for our workers and families. They need affordable housing, racial justice, true democracy, and living wages. The petition asks the city to adopt a People’s Budget that prioritizes these critical issues:
1) Pay Asheville City Workers a Living Wage of at least $22.10/hr
2) Fund the Recommendations from the Asheville Reparations Commission
3) Start a City of Asheville Emergency Rental Assistance Program
4) Devote resources to start a Participatory Budgeting process
I invite you to read the petition, consider attending and possibly making a public comment before the council.
May 14 — the Budget Draft will be proposed at the City Council meeting; council meetings begin at 5pm May 28 — Public Hearing on the Budget You can attend in person or join virtually at: https://publicinput.com/k4405
With gratitude for the possibilities of widening the circle and nurturing relationships so that our collective voices can move us closer to a community where all can thrive and live to their potential.
Rev. Claudia Jiménez Minister of Faith Development
Every few years about this time, I have to sit myself down and remind myself of something Socrates said: “Better to do a little well, than a great deal badly.”
As an over-functioning Southern woman and minister, this is a lesson I have learned slowly. I’ve learned it well, but I haven’t learned it so thoroughly that I don’t need reminding.
One of the truly great teachers of systems thinking in UU ministry, the Rev. Jake Morrill, led the workshops at our SEUUMA retreat this past week. This same idea came up, only the reminders Rev. Jake set in front of us sounded more like this: in your ministry, are you able, centered in your deepest values, to stay on course toward your goals without being pushed or pulled off track by the many demands of the immediate or passing?
That’s the thing about life and about ministry: there are always a million competing demands. Many feel important or interesting. A few actually are important (many are interesting). Yet being human, we cannot do everything. We have the greatest impact when we center our deepest values, think deeply for a while, and then set out to accomplish a few things well. St. Francis said it similarly: “Do few things, but do them well; simple joys are holy.”
UU congregations in particular, being made up of passionate people with great love for the world, are often the locus of much activity. And it remains true that we achieve the greatest impact when we can decide together on what few important things we want to go all in together on doing well. Right now, we’ve said those things are:
Being a place where, with children and families, we are building a faith for the future.
We are invested in collective liberation,and right now that means we have agreed to work together onvoting rights, reproductive rights, and climate justice.
So if like me, sometimes you let yourself feel like you are being pulled in too many directions or that you’re at risk of getting blown off course, these words from George McClain, who was director of the Methodist Federation for Social Justice for many years, may be a tonic:
“[We who] hear so many urgent voices, and…care about so many ongoing tragedies: God does not burden us equally with all things, but only certain callings and tasks which are to be our part in the joyous burdens of Love…we are to focus on the particular arena to which God leads us. And there we are to labor in peace and power and faith and joy…”
Or we could just keep reminding each other that it’s better to do a little good, well.
The Board of Trustees issues a Great Big THANK YOU to the families and youth who put on such an incredible Big Event in February. (So sorry that this statement of gratitude is a bit late to be published.) We recommend that everyone look forward to next year’s Big Event because they never fail to nurture our playful spirits and our tummies. Good food! Good times! Our families are the best, as are our Religious Exploration staff.
Spring is a time of new beginnings, but also a time of planning and preparation for the future. While many of us are itching to get out into the garden and the dirt and plant all the things, we must first plan our gardens and prepare the soil. Right now in Religious Exploration, we are planning our garden for next year! We are looking at things like registration and attendance numbers and figuring out how to group grades, which spaces to use for what, what curriculums we’ll use etc. We are talking to our volunteers, parents, and children and youth about what worked this year and what didn’t, just like how gardeners take stock of which plants thrived and which plants didn’t do well in the previous season.
It’s also time for us to cultivate a new crop of RE leaders and teachers! Religious Exploration at UU Asheville is like a community garden, it only works because a large group of folks tends it together. Every Sunday morning, 15-25 caring and curious adults take time to invest in our children and youth and cultivate learning, relationships, and fun. Last Sunday, our high school youth were serving hot donuts during coffee hour to help encourage congregants to engage with our annual giving drive. Our Pre-K group was doing experiential learning using different senses to explore nature, while our K-3rd groups combined together to hear a story about community and then helped prepare and beautify our campus by spreading mulch and painting rocks for our actual garden. Our 7th-8th, Our Whole Lives class was learning about pregnancy and parenthood while our other middle school group explored Imagination as a quality of a justice maker. Like a community garden, everyone who participates in RE nurtures their soul and reaps the benefits of being with our children and learning and playing alongside them.
We always need more helpers in our garden of love and community! Working with our children and youth is rewarding, fun, and fulfilling and I promise it will benefit your own spiritual development in the process! We will also equip you with all the tools you’ll need, including fun training. We have all sorts of needs and we have the perfect fit for you, look for us during coffee hour beginning in April and find your place in our garden! If you already know what you want to do or have an exciting idea – email me! I’d love to hear from you!
First, a little history from UU Asheville member, Judith Kaufman. A little over two years ago the Anti-Racism & Immigration Justice Action Group agreed to welcome and settle a young Afghan family which had escaped the Taliban in the Great Airlift of 2022. From a small nucleus of UU volunteers, a Welcome Circle was formed coordinated by Katie Winchell & Sharon LeDuc.
The initial group grew to become an interdenominational team, 40 strong. These folks helped with every imaginable need from diapers to interim housing to Literacy and so much more.
An important milestone in the family’s immigration journey has recently been achieved. The US Government has granted them Asylum. Now they can remain here without fear of deportation as well as work and travel out of the country. The journey from the chaos of Kabul airport to sheltering in Germany, to months in a New Mexico military base and finally to Asheville is behind them. After an amazing amount of paperwork, many deep background checks, and three trips to Washington DC for screening interviews – Asylum at last.
Join us as we all celebrate this happy milestone with food, drink, fellowship, perhaps some distinguished guests and of course, the family, after the 11:15 service Sunday, April 14 in Sandburg Hall. Hope to see you there!
Justice Ministries Update
Two important updates from two of our justice ministry teams. We welcome your participation, and remind you that there are opportunities to engage in one or more of our top 3 justice priorities: voting rights, reproductive justice and climate justice.
The Reproductive Justice Ministry team and the Justice Ministry Council with support from Rev. Audette and myself are co-sponsoring the annual Planned Parenthood Standing Strong event on April 17 featuring Dr. Rev. Toddie Peters. She is the author of Trust Women, A Progressive Christian argument for Reproductive Justice. Toddie is a professor at Elon, and serves on the PPSAT political and advocacy board, and also on the Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s clergy advisory board. Event details and ticket information can be found here.In these times when reproductive justice and access to abortion healthcare for women and birthing people’s continue to be threatened, it is important that we support organizations that share our values of respecting their dignity, worth, and decisions. In Faith, Rev. Claudia Jiménez Minister of Faith Development
It was the best of times, it was…not quite the best of times.
If you’ve spent any time recently at UU Asheville, you can feel the palpable energy. People are returning after Covid, there are kids filling our classes, we have two services with pews filling up every week – there’s laughter and goodwill in abundance. We have people reaching out to participate in our newcomer sessions and new member classes, as we show our community how we love the hell out of this world. We are making such a difference, and it feels good to be here.
And in the background, there’s another reality – that we’re working with a deficit budget. Last year, the congregation passed a moral deficit budget, placing our trust in each other and what we are beginning to do together, in this new phase of the life of the congregation.
In his Big Ask this past “Kick Off Sunday” with our giving campaign, Will Jernigan said:
“What’s the ask? Our pledge goal for 24-25 is ~$800,000, which is ~$150,000 above the pledge total for 23-24. If that feels like a big number, that’s because it is. …What excites me about this is that it is do-able, and when we each meet this ask, we will hit our goal. Some of you will choose to give more than what is asked, which is vital to help cover those who aren’t able to give as much. If you are not currently giving financially to support our church, now is an amazing time to start. AND, those who can’t meet the financial ask can help us meet our goal by showing up – helping with existing programs to offset costs, helping with the new FUNraiser events, and other examples of giving time and talent.”
Budgets are moral documents. They show what we value, what is important to us, and what we love. I believe you love UU Asheville, and what we are doing together. I believe you love each and every member of the staff, who work incredibly hard, and go above and beyond to serve this community. I believe you appreciate the volunteers and generous givers who have been keeping our UU light shining out across the valley. That’s why I believe that we will pull together and make this leap, so that we can continue the amazing work that is underway. I believe in us. We are the lighthouse in a very present storm. Let’s keep the lights on, and bring more people home.
In the mid-90s, I was writing my dissertation and feeling very sorry for myself. Alone in my office, I could see the outdoors and watch the seasons pass, one by one. Other people were out there, living full lives, and there I was, jailed with a *!*! load of data that I needed to shape into a coherent narrative. Although I recognized that not only had I had chosen this life but that it would come to a close at some point, I was feeling very sorry for myself and envious of others. It was not a good feeling.
Somewhere along the way, I had learned of positive affirmations that were not only positively framed but believable and possible. I shaped one for myself: “ACCEPT the now & CELEBRATE all that you have.” Slips of paper with these words appeared on my computer, bathroom mirror, bedside lampshade, and elsewhere. Whenever I got the woe-is-me/s, I’d stop and think of something to be grateful for in that moment.
The dissertation got finished. And the practice of gratefulness never left me. I’ve found
over time that the practice of gratefulness is closely related to the practice of generosity. And,
yes, I believe both are “practices” rather than “innate qualities.” This congregation, our church
community, provides me much to be grateful for. And so much of that is not about me. It is about
improving the world we live in. It’s about providing a loving place for little ones to scamper and
grow, guidance for the growing ones to learn compassion and tolerance, acceptance of youth as
they try out various identities. It’s about offering assistance to parents, companionship for
spiritual seekers, exploration of contemporary issues for everyone wanting to live ethical lives.
It’s about the daily filling of a street pantry for those without shelter, erecting solar panels/
digging rain gardens, tabling at Pride festivals to demonstrate support of LGBTQIA+ people,
getting out the vote to defend democracy.
“I am Mary Alm, and I approve of these positions.” What I can’t do, others do in my
name. And as I grow older, I rely on others more and more. Because of that, more than half of
my annual charitable contributions go to UU Avl. I see the work; I see the results. And I have the
common sense to recognize that without our staff, our physical campus, and the connections with
the wider UU movement, UU Avl could not do what it does, be what it is, for so many folks.
Asheville would be a different place without us, a lesser place. I am so grateful that UU Avl is
here for me AND others, that giving becomes a necessary response. One day, I will be no more
than a name on a plaque in our Memorial Garden. Before then, I want to grow my practices of
gratefulness and generosity.
Because of you, our religious exploration program is thriving! Because of you, we have filled our pews and moved to two Sunday services! Because of you, we have already distributed over $11,000 to our community plate partners! Because of you, we are thriving! As we navigate through budget season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support and commitment to UU Asheville. Your generosity and dedication are truly the bedrock upon which our community thrives, and I am continually inspired by the depth of care and compassion you demonstrate.
Please keep an eye out in the mail for your 2023-2024 current year-to-date pledge statement. Your pledge for this current fiscal year plays a crucial role in sustaining the essential work of our congregation, from supporting our ministers and staff to maintaining our facilities and outreach programs. Your contributions enable us to continue serving as a beacon of light in our community, offering solace, support, and a welcoming embrace to all who seek it.
As we approach the third quarter of our fiscal year, I would like to remind you that all pledge payments are due by June 30th. If you have not already paid your pledge in full or are making regular payments to have your pledge fulfilled by June 30th, please submit your pledge payment(s). Fulfilling your pledge ensures the continued strength and vitality of our community, allowing us to fulfill our shared mission and values with integrity and purpose.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pledge or payment schedule, please do not hesitate to reach out to our administrative team. Your partnership and collaboration are deeply valued, and we are here to assist you in any way we can.
Once again, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our congregation. Together, we are creating a brighter, more compassionate world—one pledge, one payment at a time.
With permission, I am sharing part of an e-mail I received a few weeks ago from a beloved member of our congregation who has been facing scary health issues:
“I’ve been a member here for 20 years but now is the first time I genuinely feel a part of this beloved community. Even the simplest things mattered: a meal, a ride, a card. And now, coming out on the other side health wise, I have the desire to exercise that same unused muscle, to say to others, I see you and today I can hold your pain just as you once held mine. You are a big part of my ongoing recovery and I thank you for it.”
Wow! Sometimes we take for granted the power of community. When we say holding you in love, in care and/or concern it means we are ready to be there for you during difficult times. And we know we can’t just fix things for someone. Sometimes there are simply no words. All we can do is show up, witness and listen with a loving, compassionate heart. It helps to know that one’s communities – friends, congregation, colleagues, etc. – are present to our pain. It fortifies us to know we are not alone.
I recently had a health crisis in my own family and had to take time off work. I knew my congregation, friends, and colleagues were holding my family and me in love and care. It made a difference on those days in the hospital when I was feeling despair. I knew I was not alone. I knew that there was a web of people, at the ready, to support me. Who do you show up for? Who shows up for you? May we find ways to comfort others and be vulnerable enough to be comforted.
Join us at UU Asheville for an unforgettable afternoon of fun, music and fellowship.
We are excited to invite the community to join us for an Interactive Singing Experience on February 17, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, led by the inspirational Melanie DeMore. This event will be followed by a potluck dinner where you will have the opportunity to meet Melanie and connect with fellow participants.Whether you consider yourself a seasoned singer or someone who hesitates to sing out loud, this event is for you. It is open to all ages, and parents are especially encouraged to bring their children. Melanie DeMore, a vocal activist, is passionate about making singing accessible to everyone, regardless of their musical background. This live performance is not just for those who can sing; it is an opportunity for everyone to learn and share in the joy of singing together. This is a call to everyone who has longed to be more musically expressed, to feel a greater connection with others, and to embrace their soul’s natural musical yearning. The afternoon promises to be both a feast for the soul and a joyous celebration of music. It’s your chance to be courageous, to say yes to your inner voice, and to be part of a harmonious community.Let’s sing together and make Asheville sing! Courtesy of Tobin PoppenbergTickets are nowavailable here.For questions please contact events@uuasheville.org
In my recent sermon “Great Expectations,” I offered back to this community some of what I have been coming to understand about the journey we are on together. UU Asheville members and friends have been doing heroic work, clearing the brush and tending a garden, into which you have high hopes about what will come to fruition. In the service I shared a rough-draft image that Wendy helped me create, although a final version is in the hands of a trained graphic artist (coming soon!).
In the image you see the roots formed from work you have done together – commitments made to each other and to our greater Unitarian Universalist movement: stepping into the deep work of becoming an 8th Principle congregation, living the radical hospitality of being a Welcoming Congregation, and keeping in front of us the intentions undergirding our Green Sanctuary status. At the base of our Asheville “tree of life” is our community, which sustains us. Love is the center of all we do – here in Asheville, but also as Unitarian Universalists the world over.
The branches of our tree – the sturdy efforts which are the focus of our community life – include taking care of one another, and holding open our hearts to those who may yet join us here: inreach & outreach. We deepen our spiritual lives through worship and study, and dedicate ourselves to our values through the many rituals of religious community: child and new member dedications, marriages and memorials, rituals to honor transitions like house blessings or divorce care.
The two center branches reflect where we are going, and what we hope to become known for in this community: Collective Liberation and Faith Formation for the Future. In partnerships with the larger community, and in diligent and focused efforts as a corporate body of people laboring for Love, we want to be people known for our work to see the full flourishing of all people everywhere and to equip our communities to raise joyful, morally courageous, spiritually and sexually healthy children and youth.
In the days ahead, we have many more conversations about how best to muster and deploy all our resources of time, talent, property and treasure in pursuit of this future we are building together. But wherever we are going, we are going there, together – let us hold hands and sing as go!
More than just a few times throughout my life, I have attended outdoor parties, field days, or family reunions where one of the activities was a tug-of-war. Perhaps you yourself have played that game before: Two opposing teams pull on opposite sides of a long rope with a marker tied around the center. The game is won when one team pulls hard enough to
move that marker a certain distance in the direction they are pulling.
I can remember one time in my youth when I took part in a tug-of-war at a fairly large, multi- generational outdoor neighborhood party. The attendees were of all genders, shapes, sizes, ages, fitness levels, and personalities. The rope was long, and most of the neighbors participated. So we had grandparents, teenagers (I was one at the time), parents, athletes, couch potatoes, and young kids – all pulling on the rope together. This particular game started normally enough. But the teams were sufficiently equally-balanced that the rope didn’t move much – just a few feet either way. As the game wore on, those pulling on the rope joyously encouraged others who were sitting down to come pull for their team. Many of those people joined, even if somewhat reluctantly. Some pullers got tired and had to take a breather, often to come back and rejoin the effort. The game was just a lot of fun – full of laughs and the joy of being in these impromptu groups of old friends and new acquaintances that were putting everything they had into their team effort. The game went on for what seemed to me to be a very long time. And I don’t actually remember which side won. It was
just a lot of fun, and somehow I felt closer to those folks pulling in our direction.
It’s now that time of our church year when we plan our budget for ’24-’25 and really get moving on the Annual Giving Drive effort. The AGD is currently scheduled to kick off on Sunday, March 3rd . (You might say to yourself, “Ah, now I see where he’s going with all this…” Please read on anyway.) As you may know, our dear church has weathered the storms of the pandemic and a ministerial transition over the last several years. We’ve lost some members, but we’ve gained some too. Our dedicated membership has stepped up to keep us afloat financially – responding to our pleas with increased support. And with the arrival of Rev. Audette, it appears to me that our church is turning a corner, in many ways. Excitement is up, RE enrollment is up, attendance is up, average pledges are up, and I feel like our collective church moods are up as well. Together, we are charting a future direction that can make UU Asheville even more of a force for good in this ourselves, our community, and our world.
Still, we have significant financial obstacles to overcome, and even though we’ve been pulling hard on that community tug-of-war rope for some time, we need everyone to pull harder still on our rope. We need every single one of us to step up and lend a hand. On the other side of that rope are increased expenses, aging buildings, and maybe some complacency. On our side of the rope is everyone who participates in our church lives. We’ve got people who have pulled very hard for a long time, and we count on them to continue, and even pull harder, if possible. We’ve got many people who can’t pull all that hard, but together can still make a
huge difference by pulling harder. We have new people on our team, who have just added their strength. We have people who have had to take a break from the rope, but we hope
they can find the strength to grab it again and rejoin our party. The other side is pulling very hard against us, and we need everyone. The wondrous thing about pulling on this rope is that even though it is hard, it is a joyous undertaking – all of us pulling together, smiling, laughing, loving each other and, I hope, pulling that marker far enough to win.
Winter’s chill may surround us with its icy embrace, but within the frosty depths, we find solace and purpose. As the bitter cold tests our resilience, so too does it remind us of the warmth we carry within. In the unity of diversity, we find strength in our collective ability to endure and persevere through the harshest seasons.
Embrace the beauty of winter, not just as a season of cold and darkness, but as a time for introspection and renewal. In the stillness of snowfall and the crispness of the air, discover the inner flame that keeps us connected, compassionate, and resilient. Let the blistering cold be a reminder that even in the face of challenges, our shared humanity can bring warmth and light to the coldest of days.
Between October 4, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024, the congregation undertook a process of first identifying areas of justice concerns and then voting on top priority areas, for the purpose of focusing efforts, energy and attention over the next two years. This focus is intended to help guide the Ministers and the congregation in developing new and meaningful involvement in the priority areas among the larger congregation and in the Asheville community. As you will see below, this focus is in addition to the core congregational justice commitments already established previously by work, votes, and UUA recognition.
Members of the congregation were invited, in person and then via online opportunities, to suggest justice priority areas throughout October and early November. In November, members were then invited in person to vote for their top three priorities, and throughout November and December, there were opportunities to vote online from the list of over 21 priority areas.
The results!
Voting Rights & Reproductive Rights tied for first place, and Climate Justice received the next highest number of votes. These areas will be where we focus internal and community-facing effort through education, action, and expanding resources. We hope to become community leaders in this work.
The above are our areas of focus within this specific context: Core to our identity as a congregation is the fact that we are a Welcoming Congregation, affirming the worth and dignity of every person, which includes our LGBQA+, intersex & trans beloveds whose safety and civil rights we are fully committed to and as an 8th Principle Congregation, which means we understand that efforts to root out oppression and racism in ourselves, our congregation, and in the world around us is ongoing and foundational to our purpose. We strive for collective liberation! It is also worth noting that UU Asheville has also been certified as a Green Sanctuary congregation, confirming our ongoing commitment in the journey toward a just and abundantly healthy future for all living beings. This means that we will continue with full programs, ongoing education and meaningful actions to live into our commitments to these core congregational values.
There are other ongoing efforts and work toward justice being done by beloveds at UU Asheville, and this work will continue. Every member and friend is encouraged to participate in the work that can change the world; it is core to our Unitarian Universalist faith to love and serve justice. This time of reflection and feedback allows your Ministers and lay leaders to better understand where the energy and interest of the larger congregational community is right now, so we can focus our leadership and resources more effectively, and hopefully have higher participation and wider impact as we work toward collective liberation.
Rev. Audette and Rev. Claudia will host “Curious Conversations” at noon, Jan 25, in Sandburg Hall (bring a bagged lunch) to discuss Justice Ministry at UU Asheville and your questions and wonderings about the priorities. There will also be a 7PM Zoom conversation that evening. Contact Rev. Claudia for the Zoom link.Libertad y Amor!
Life at the UU Congregation of Asheville has been robust, joyful, engaged and – overflowing! Our Christmas Eve concert and candlelight service had folx sitting in the aisles, and there have been Sundays when people had to view the service from the social hall because the pews were filled.
One thing we know about congregational growth and vitality is this: when the sanctuary is 80% full, newcomers feel crowded out (and thus, don’t return after a visit) and long-time members and friends feel like their absence won’t be noticed – and may come less often. All of it works against being able to welcome and include all who want to be a part of our dynamic, multi-generational community.
So this February, we are moving to two services. It’s a big step for us, but after conversations with staff and leaders, we’re ready to give it a try. Here’s the plan:
At 9:15 am, we’ll have a 40-45 minute Contemplative Service. This service will invite participants into a reflective, more meditative space, and will include silence, beautiful recorded music and videos, and opportunities for sharing. It will also feature the sermon & theme which will be the focus in the second service at 11:15 am. This service will not be livestreamed, and it will include childcare but not a full religious education program. This service will be particularly good if you need quiet in order to hear well or focus, would prefer a little more space around you, or seek a more contemplative communal experience.
Between services, at 10 am we will have coffee hour and special programs. Whether you come to the early service or the later service, we encourage you to consider arriving at 10 am for coffee, conversation, and special programs including conversations with the Board, or Minister & lay-led justice or adult education offerings.
At 11:15 am, we will have our “Traditional” Service, in the format you’ve come to know and love. This service will include our choir, Wisdom story, our regular children’s religious education classes, and will be livestreamed.
After the 11:15 service, folx are welcome to remain for a social time, enjoying coffee (if coffee remains after the 10 am coffee hour!) and conversation. Groups and teams who meet after our 11 am service time are still welcome to schedule and meet – though space permitting, 10 am will be a good time to consider meeting, as well.
We hope that this new Sunday schedule will help us creating much need capacity in worship, satisfy a wider range of worship needs, increase our opportunities for connection and Sunday adult ed., and continue to grow our vibrant community. Consider giving the new earlier service a try, and please do join us at 10 am for our new programs and conversations/time for coffee and connection.
Annoyed by end-of-year pleas to “please” give more to those organizations you’ve already given to? If you’re not aware, I can tell you that these requests are based on the established fact that the best people to ask for money are those who’ve given before. So, take a breath and give ‘em a little slack, knowing you are on their “nice” list.
Recently, I had the chance to learn about something new for philanthropies making grants to non-profits. It’s called “trust-based philanthropy.” Rather than require those non-profits to take precious time and staffing resources to create endless reports for the granting agency, the two entities work together to realize the promise of the project. They work in a relationship based on common values, both using their resources to create the social change described/dreamed in the grant proposal.
As I listened to the presentation, I couldn’t help but think of us congregants as philanthropists funding UU Asheville because of our shared commitment to common values. We don’t require endless reporting on what is being done with the money we give because we are at the table, deciding together how best to live out/live into these stated values: connection, compassion, inspiration, justice. They express who we aspire to be as a congregation: connected, compassionate, inspired, and just. They guide what we aspire to do as a congregation: connect to, suffer with, inspire, and enact justice with our community, a community rooted at 1 Edwin Place and extending ever outward to embrace the all-in-all.
Since our congregation is really a group of individuals bound by a covenant, these values are our individual values as well. I see them enacted every Sunday at a worship service where we demonstrate our welcome to all. Do you look around as I do and see, really see, the variety of us?
Our love shines out in many small ways.
Each of us at the table of UU Asheville contributes what we have of time, talent, and—yes—treasure/$$ to realize the good we mutually desire. We have the resources and, as philanthropists, we look for groups that share our values and are dedicated to embodying them. So, we choose The Universalist Unitarian Congregation of Asheville and work in relationship to bring connection, compassion, inspiration, and justice to those in need. the Southeast and beyond.
We are lucky to have The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center only two hours from Asheville, and during the school year, kids from our congregation attend Youth CONferences, which are gatherings of UU youth and advisors for a weekend program filled with workshops, activities, good food, a safe environment, and cozy all-gender cabins. This Fall we sent an amazing 30 (!!) kids 3rd-12th grade and 9 adult advisors to attend YouthCons across three weekends. One advisor said, “The kids who were in my van are getting together this coming weekend outside of church – connections were definitely formed so I would say a net positive!”
The YouthCons are a chance for UU Asheville kids to connect with UUs from other UU churches, get out in nature, stay up late, and have fun. These experiences deepen their connections to our faith and to people from UU Asheville and neighboring congregations. Advisors drive down with the youth, stay in a cabin with them, and hang with them at mealtimes and when they’re not in workshops. One person said, “I learned so much!! It was a very positive experience for me.”
Just hear what one chaperone had to say about their experience: “Although it was exhausting, I had a great time and would do it again! I loved getting to know the teens better. They are such an amazing group of humans!!!” There will be another set of YouthCons in the Spring, so sign up today and please also email me (anna.ward.martin at gmail dot com) so I can coordinate chaperones.
Of course, The Mountain has UU-values-based programming throughout the year for all ages at the camp and conference center. Summer camps for kids and adults are a huge hit (registration opens January 1!), and our UU AVL congregation has a retreat weekend every October (save the date: October 11-13, 2024). The Mountain is a treasure and a support for UUs all over the Southeast and beyond.
– Anna Ward Martin, UU AVL Member and The Mountain Board Member
time, thanks to all of your support! They work hard to raise funds throughout the year and you all make it possible for them to do things like CERSI that gives them the opportunity to learn, grow, and make friends with other UU’s! Special shout out to the fabulous Jen Johnson for all of her terrific work with our youth program – we are so blessed to have her kindness and compassion leading the way. She’s on vacation now, but please tell her thanks the next time you see her!
Creativity Matters is part of the Adult Faith Formation Soul Matters program. Participants receive packets with reflection questions and prompts that explore the monthly theme through art. During COVID I participated in the pilot program on-line and became a fan. At first, I was intimidated by all the artists participating in the program: a photographer, a quilter, an art therapist zooming in from her art studio, and other folks who already had an art practice. I completed the assignments but rarely shared, preferring to talk about the process and emotions behind the pieces I created. Over time I realized the goal wasn’t to produce the
law-making and work to which politics leads. 
is too much to mourn on this little blue speck. It seems I have lost some of my emotional elasticity. I can’t move from fear, and grief, and outrage to amusement and joy so easily. Maybe this is just what being in your mid-thirties is like. Maybe it has something to do with an infinitely more connected world that our brains originally evolved to process. Whatever the reason, I am wearied by the constant need to feel all there is to feel about our world, and be present to the very real things I can do anything about. Yesterday I was at another rally for Mission Nurses United, who are still bargaining for a fair contract from HCA.
ttered traditional bookstores. He transitioned to senior customer service positions, including Thermo Fisher Scientific where he managed European and Latin American accounts for laboratory products during Covid-19. David enjoys gardening, reading biography and history, watching British television series and shares his home with cats Squirrel and Dongle. 
since I am chilling at home resting a wounded shoulder, I thought “Why not, it’ll keep me from getting bored and I can brag about this amazing group that I’m in”. 
aside at the wall we were passing. We were under one of the innumerable fabricated construction awnings, so the whole area felt hidden, but I suddenly tuned into the plaque: 
There is a unique feeling that rushes in when you discover you are standing where history was made. All at once, Marsha P. Johnson rose up in my mind, but behind her, a parade of others: Harvey Milk. Bayard Rustin. RuPaul. Laverne Cox. Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon. So many more, both known and loved and unknown and unremembered. My own experiences as a bi, now pan/sapiosexual woman. Complexity and freedom, danger and opportunity.
Annoyed by end-of-year pleas to “please” give more to those organizations you’ve already given to? If you’re not aware, I can tell you that these requests are based on the established fact that the best people to ask for money are those who’ve given before. So, take a breath and give ‘em a little slack, knowing you are on their “nice” list.
We are lucky to have The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center only two hours from Asheville, and during the school year, kids from our congregation attend Youth CONferences, which are gatherings of UU youth and advisors for a weekend program filled with workshops, activities, good food, a safe environment, and cozy all-gender cabins. This Fall we sent an amazing 30 (!!) kids 3rd-12th grade and 9 adult advisors to attend YouthCons across three weekends. One advisor said, “The kids who were in my van are getting together this coming weekend outside of church – connections were definitely formed so I would say a net positive!”