MDD Annual Meeting...
is rapidly approaching, This year, it will be held in Ogden, Utah, October 8-10. The key-note speaker is Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, one of the up and coming young ministers in our denomination. Her topic is Adaptive Leadership, certainly of interest to virtually all of us these days. There are lots of fascinating workshops. Go to www.mdduua.org, look under “Events” to find all the available information, register on line. Early Bird registration ends Sept. 15!
There is, of course, a business meeting on Saturday, and we will need delegates again. I am running again for Vice President of the District Board, and anticipate advancing to President of the Board in 2011. There will be some funding from UUCSF for delegates, but you need to let me know soon if you will be able to attend and be a delegate, because the UUCSF Board makes the appointments. I would like to give them a list in early September. Please contact me if you are interested at
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Marcia Bowman, Chair, Denominational Awareness
Reports from 2010 General Assembly
General Assembly was attended by a very small contingent from UUCSF – only Ed Mendez, Ann Racuya-Robbins, and Betty and Jim Grant were able to attend. Ann, who has now moved to Washington, D.C., has submitted her report (see below). I will very briefly summarize that, as well as add some other bits gleaned from the UUA coverage.
The “Peacemaking Statement of Conscience,” which this congregation has spent some time on, passed overwhelmingly. Ann is urging UUCSF and the Social Justice Counsel to work for the passage of legislation authorizing a NM “Office of Peace.”
The new Study-Action Issue, which we are encouraged to work with and explore for the next few years, is “Immigration as a Moral Issue.” More information is available on the UUA web site, www.uua.org. Winona LaDuke, the Ward lecturer, encouraged the attendees to return to local energy, food, and resources in general. And many UU’s worked to landscape, paint, and otherwise improve a nearby neighborhood which has been reclaimed from disrepair and disrepute.
Next year’s General Assembly is in Charlotte, NC. Hope to see more of us there this coming year!
Denominational Awareness Committee
GA Participans Statements
Creating and passing the “Peacemaking Statement of Conscience” as an Action of Immediate Witness was a palpable and thrilling moment. The possibility of beginning the “year” (of course it will take much longer) of implementation is especially exciting for New Mexico because NM has the first “Office of Peace” bill that has already passed the NM Senate. I urge UUCSF and SJC to work for the passage of this Legislation and to engage the UU peacemaking community to assist.
Also of interest to me was the Unity Consulting implementation of John Carver’s “Policy Gover- nance” model for Unitarian Universalist Congregations. I encourage the congregation to explore this method of governance. Ann Racuya-Robbins
Betty and I were pleased that Rev. Gary Kowalski gave the Berry Street lectures. This is a lecture series begun in 1820 and it is a signal honor to be chosen as the annual lecturer. Gary talked about The Poetics of Ministry, weaving ministry and poetry. EXCELLENT! Jim Grant
I was happy to be in attendance when Jim Grant was recognized at Ministry Days for his 50 years in the ministry. The speaker was our good friend Ken MacLean. Betty Grant
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
Dennis Bianchi has accepted the invitation of the UUSC, UU Service Committee, to be the UUSC rep for UUCSF.
Briefly, UUSC is a non-sectarian human rights and social justice member organization. Just as our congregation is an associate member of UUA, UU Service Committee is an associate of UUA. However, operationally and financially, UUSC is an independent associate member organization.
UUSC Mission Statement
UUSC advances human rights and social justice around the world, partnering with those who confront unjust power structures and mobilizing to challenge oppressive policies.
As I learn more about my role and responsibilities as a UUSC rep, I will share this information with you. There is no peace without justice.
Dennis Bianchi, UUSC
