If we thought of our congregations as a community of communities, rather than a family, we can shift our self understanding in way that is more inclusive and expansive.

Covenant as Landscape (6:36) Many people talk about “breaking a covenant” when conflict arises. But is it the covenant that’s broken or is it that relationships are bruised? Rev. Erica Baron invites us to think about the words as the map to the covenant, and the covenant is the landscape. The...

Help people live lives of purpose and meaning by providing worship experiences that grapple with the big questions.

5 Questions You Should Always Ask Veterans, 1 Question You Should Never Ask Veterans, and 15 Facts that promote greater understanding of our Veterans.

This video presents a general understanding of the problem of suicide, in particular how to identify a veteran who may be at risk and what to do to help.

It's important to understand that our faith communities have gone through a traumatic experience, and that is having an impact on our physical and mental functioning. 

It is important for leaders to communicate with clarity, timeliness, and compassion, about the changes that are coming. 

Where are the greatest needs right now in your community, both among your membership and your surrounding community?

Three qualities of church that will be important in our next phase of how to be together are attention to mission, nimbleness, and inclusion.

Come hear three real life examples of smaller congregations from around the country sharing worship with neighbors and collaborators. This is a recording of a webinar.

Some of us know that there is a connection between Unitarian Universalism (UU) and Kwanzaa, but we know very little about it.

This is a recording of a webinar presenting ideas of how congregations are incorporating the 8th principle into their RE programs.

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

In June, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) voted to adopt a call to action "to engage in the larger movement to end anti-Blackness and defund the police." What does "defund the police" mean? Last month, we held a conversation to examine the racist role of police through US history,...

What does "defund the police" mean to you? In light of the call to action voted on at GA 2020, this conversation examines racism in policing in the US.

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.

Have you ever wondered why people sometimes act out of character during times of stress? Here's a fun way of understanding how the Frontal Cortex and Amygdala work together.

A script and video sample for explaining why church is moving online to her congregation's children by DRE Helen Rose

No one fact says more about a group of human beings than its size. Dan Hotchkiss shares some of the differences in dynamics.

General Assembly 2019 Event 266 Program Description Whether we consider faith formation, growth, social justice and/or dismantling white supremacy, Unitarian Universalists could use an identity update. This presentation embraces who we are and challenges who we think we are. Seeing ourselves as a...

Not all conflict is alike. Different kinds of conflict require different kinds of responses. This is an overview of a model of conflict by Alban Institute consultant Speed Leas.

There are times when leaders need to take time and space to struggle with deeper questions. Generative conversations can create that kind of space

S-H-I-F-T is a way to remember the basics of emotional systems (Self-Differientation, Homeostasis, Identified patient, emotional Familiy field, and Triagulation) and how they operatin in congregations.

Learning how to be in community with people who have different opinions or experiences is essential in UU congregations.

How can Religious Educators help parents be the primary religious educators for their children? This webinar presented practices and tools that parents can use to reinforce meaningful participate in a faith community.

This video walks you through the basics of reading Congregational financial documents.

CAR Care Leads to Trust Based on https://books.google.com/books?id=s3n-LlLkGIcC&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v… Thin Book of Trust by Charles Feltman When assessing trustworthiness in yourself and others, there are four major qualities to look out for: Competence ability to perform a task or get a job done.

Questions for Discussion How might having specific goals change the experience of serving on the board? What three goals would help you feel like your congregation has accomplished something significant this year?

What is the difference between a technical challenge and an adaptive challenge? Rev. David Pyle gives a helpful example.

A brief overview of how Governance and Ministry partner to serve the mission of the congregation. (Based on Dan Hotchkiss's Governance and Ministry, 2nd Edition.)...

Video, based on the book Taking Your Church to the Next Level: What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Gary L. McIntosh

One key insight for leaders is to understanding how responses to change are not just intellectual, but emotional. This presentation provides a mental model using a rollercoaster to help you lead through change.

What are our promises to each other, to our fellow congregants, to any Unitarian Universalist in the world? How do we show up for each other?...

How can our relationships with earning, spending, investing, and giving be spiritually healthy and grounded in our deepest values? How would our congregations and communities benefit from spiritually healthy money conversations?...

Rev. Sue Phillips Dawning Future, November 2015...

Presentation by Kenny Wiley & Rev. Barbara Gadon Dawning Future, November 2015...

Rev. Renee Ruchotzke talks about UU Leadership Institute and where the idea for that came from. Dawning Future November 2015...

Rev. Meg Riley, senior minister of the Church of the Larger Fellowship From Dawning Future, November 2015...

Thematic Ministry Presentation From Dawning Future, 2015 Presented by the staff team of the Washington Ethical Society - Rev. Amanda Poppie, Robyn Kravtiz, Melissa Sinclair and Bailey Whiteman...

What Holds UUism Down and Prevents Us From Rising? Introduction to morning presentations from Dawning Future 2015 Rev. Tom Schade of "the lively tradition"...

Worship service from Dawning Future, November 2015 Presented by the Washington Ethical Society Staff Team.

This workshop was presented at Cedar Lane Church in September 2014 and focuses on what is Theme Based Church, how it is different from Theme Based Worship and how you can move your congregation to Theme Based Church as well.

The Worship Backpack - This video is a recording of a workshop presented at the Leadership Day for the Metro NY District, 2013. The theme of the day was: Wonderful Ways to Worship: Leading Your Congregation from the Edge of Awe.

This workshop will introduce the characteristics of a “spiritually strong” congregation. We will explore how faith development for all ages is a key factor in bold living, and we’ll consider the value of healthy leadership and a strong mission in living out a bold vision. 2015...

Larry Ladd shares his wisdom from years of consulting with not-for-profit boards.

A brief overview of how to budget for ministry. For more detailed information visit the UUA Office of Church Staff Finances or download Ministerial Compensation 101: A Basic Primer (PDF).

When you understand the purpose of governance and what it needs to be effective, your work as a board becomes much clearer. 

Congregational polity is not fundamentally about autonomy or protecting individuals from spiritual coercion. This understanding repels healthy people, weakens connections among churches, and perpetuates widespread suspicion about leadership....

Proven methods to help both individuals and congregations promote Unitarian Universalist (UU) values, UU social action, and UU identity online.

Proven methods to help both individuals and congregations promote Unitarian Universalist (UU) values, UU social action, and UU identity online.