We live in such a "more is better" culture. Perhaps this is a time to be countercultural - to assess what's most important, and to determine what is in a congregation's capacity to do well with the resources (including human resources) they have.

As congregations return to in-person ministry there are creative ways to honor religious professionals' need to reduce their own risk. Such approaches avoid forcing religious professionals to serve in person when doing so would put their health or their household's health at significant risk.

A letter explaining the UUA's shift toward presenting COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies rather than specific metric-based guidance.

​​​​​​​Because our UU faith is grounded in values that call us to care about one another, we want to consider the vulnerable among us when making decisions.

Here is guidance from the UUA about around gathering in person as new variant emerge.

Guidance and questions to consider for congregations considering asking for or track COVID-19 vaccination status for volunteers, members, or all participants.

Resources to help you make sound decisions and ensure that you are treating your employees fairly and legally.

We know that congregants are eager to be able to sing together and to enjoy the singing of their choir and soloists, but we need to exercise caution.

Resources to give you frameworks, starting points, tips and tools to help your congregation serve its mission in today's environment of virtual and in-person connection. 

How can your congregation be a good employer during the COVID-19 outbreak? Caring for staff is an opportunity to model your values and spirit for the congregation, to demonstrate the kindness, creativity, and interdependence that these days ask of us....

Trying to figure out how to talk about wearing masks in church? Here are some examples!

Widespread vaccination against COVID-19 makes our communities safer. How do we encourage vaccination with sensitivity and kindness?

From exercising regularly, sticking with spiritual disciplines, and enjoying hobbies, to reading for pleasure, getting enough sleep, and spending time with those we love, caring for ourselves is hardest precisely when we most need to do it. Throw in the limitations of physical...

Is your congregation overwhelmed? Confused about how to move forward towards some in-person ministry? Facing too many options? This post is for you.

New ways UU congregations are considering moving towards multi-platform congregational life especially focused on Sunday morning and all ages inclusion.

With the recent relaxation of CDC guidelines, our communtities will be under pressure to reopen. We need to make sure that we have systems and processes to keep the most vulnerable safe and included.

Hear insights from Congregational Life Staff and read insights from leaders about the challenges and possibilities of moving toward in person ministry that is inclusive for our whole community including children and youth.

As a faith community, we need to be grounded in our principles and values when making decisions during times of turmoil.

As congregations consider physically re-opening for hybrid or multiplatform worship and programs, families with children and youth may be left out or excluded. Inclusion will take care and consideration of the challenges families are facing.

In planning for post-pandemic church, you may find this opening reading useful. As the author reflects, "No one's done this in living memory."

In the months ahead, many congregations plan to offer a combination of online and in-person programming options. Will there be new budget items? How might staff hours or responsibilities be changing? Here are some considerations.

Framing and insights from a gathering of congregational leaders from the Central East Region looking forward to what multi-platform church could be.

In the middle of a pandemic when none of us have all of our cylinders firing consistently, when all of us are experiencing extra pressure, confusion, and fear, as well as illness, loss, and grief, we need to be clear.

Here are some key questions for your congregational leadership as you look at programming that meets the needs of those meeting in person and those meeting on-line.

Guidance and resources for building a grief support ministry in your congregation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Friends, we are in the heart of an overwhelming storm. None of us are operating at full capacity. Most all of us are exhausted. Here is some advice.

What's the best way to organize your congregation for using Zoom services? This guide will help you determine your needs.

Organizations and websites with accurate COVID-19 data for Unitarian Universalist congregations to reference as they determine when it's safe to gather in person.

Questions to help your congregation's leaders decide about gathering in person.

Wondering how to handle your congregation's celebration of upcoming holidays this fall and winter?

As a religious educator, a minister, or a lay leader, here’s some vital family ministry you can support in simple short ways. Here are some simple ways to support your families.

Support for parents and caregivers in approaching conversations with teenagers about what they're doing and seeing online

This workshop was given by Evin Carvill Ziemer on September 19, 2020 focusing on safety guidelines and protocols as congregations prepare to launch religious education programming in an online environment.

Although humans can’t gather at church, stuffed animals still can! Plan your own stUUfieCON!

DRE Panel sharing what has been effective in their congregations to engage families during these virtual times, presenting a sampling of activities for all ages.

An interview with Sharon Edmond, UU Congregation of Cleveland’s (UUCC) Event Coordinator talking about their recent Service Auction. In the interview Sharon details how they switched from an in person to an online format, what changes they made, and what they learned.

As congregations move into extended virtual operations, we are providing answers to common human resources questions related to remote work....

If there was ever a time that you needed to trust that your religious leaders were making the best choices they could make, that time is now.

I often go to bed during this pandemic wondering if my heart can hurt anymore. Then I wake up and see the news and my heartache continues. I wonder what to say to my children. What do I say to my little one, versus what I say to my teens about the state of our country?...

In March of 2020, as COVID-19 was taking hold, the Office of Church Staff Finances offered recommendations to congregations regarding staffing and finances through June. Now, in early June, we have issued a comprehensive memo with updated guidance: Staffing and Finances for July and Beyond. This...

One way UU congregations live our values is through our Safe Congregations committees and policies to create a safer and more welcoming community for all. Visit the Safe Congregations pages for complete information. Below are some particular areas to pay attention to during online programming for...

In April of this year, in Washington DC, my Aunt Mae learns that she has to fight an aggressive cancer that is overtaking her blood system. She is shipped to a low-standard hospital, rather than to the better hospital closer to her home.

There are compelling reasons to do all you can to retain your staff and support them well through these complicated times.

But what if you’re called on to stage a full congregational meeting, with formal debate on motions followed by auditable voting? Here's a robust sample procedure manual!

When his brother died of COVID-19, Mark Hicks helped to plan a meaningful memorial for his family. This is his story.

Companioning one another spiritually is one of the most important ministries of a faith community. This two-part training has been created for non-ordained congregational leaders.

Moving meaningful small group interactions such as covenant groups or chalice circles, to an online format will require intentionality. Here are some practices to get you started.

we hear from leaders of how they are adapting; review virtual offerings, and discuss updates for online youth safety guidelines

We go over the basics of how to have a congregational meeting on Zoom, including registration options, polling options, and security controls.

Looking for new music for your worship service that you can also use online? Check out this resource!