I am grateful for Unitarian Universalism’s long tradition of lay leadership and I know that even in congregations led by religious professionals, laity are vital to a flourishing religious community. We have what we need to minister to our people - multigenerational and family worship can meet many needs right now. Taking stock of what a congregation does best and focusing energy and resources there can also help. Learning to let go and do less can be helpful as we focus on the quality of community and programs rather than quantity. Connecting and collaborating with others in your local community, whether that be other UU congregations, other faith groups, justice or human services groups can provide some relief, some inspiration, and even create new outlets for sharing our gifts.
Transition is hard and sometimes scary. It can be exhausting, especially for those who have already experienced pain and turmoil in recent years. And times of transition are also opportunities. They can even be exciting and bring new creativity and possibility to our lives and communities. This is especially true when we learn to embrace these times of transition with grace and care – remaining open and reflective. After all, as Unitarian Universalists, we are part of a living tradition – open to change and hopeful about what can be. May we remember that our theology and our communities can be sources of hope, courage and resilience. We are stronger than we know and have so many gifts to share.
I hope you will explore the resources that your UUA Congregational Life staff are gathering to help all of us respond to this moment. Look for more newsletters like this one as part of that support. And be in touch with your regional staff to let them know what you need, what’s working for your community and, perhaps most importantly, how you are reaching out to others to share this life-saving ministry.
Rev. Susan Frederick Gray
UUA President
Essentials for Honoring Your Leaders’ Capacity
“Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
-Howard Thurman
- Adopt both grace and gratitude group spiritual practices:
- Give thanks for the little things as well as the big tasks
- Accept when someone needs to say “no” or “not now”
- “Done” is better than “perfect”
- Give permission to do things differently
- As leaders, be sure to spend as much time in worship, small groups, social gatherings, etc. as you do in meetings. Encourage one another to pay attention to meeting the spiritual needs of everyone, especially you -- the leaders.
- Slow down decision-making as much as possible
- Plan for fewer events spaced further apart
- Embrace the wise motto: You’ve got to put down the ducky if you want to play the saxophone (YouTube, 5:14)
- Consider Small Group Ministry (with monthly themes) to fill your needs for deep connection and faith development
- Experiment with different formats for Sunday morning. Try occasional alternate programming that modulates volunteer energy: community-building, family ministry, a social justice project, short worship with small group discussions
