Invitation to Submit Writing that Nurtures Congregational Leaders

Skinner House Books is working with Connie Goodbread (she/her), Co-Director of the HOPE for Us Conflict Engagement Team at the UUA, on a new collection aimed at nurturing the resilience, self-compassion, and dedication of congregational leaders, lay and professional. We are inspired by the work of Kay Montgomery, then Executive Vice President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, on Bless the Imperfect: Meditations for Congregational Leaders, published in 2013. Since Kay's excellent book was published, much about the world, congregational life, and Unitarian Universalist culture has changed. These changes are both challenging and wonderful. A new collection is needed that addresses the context of today's Unitarian Universalist religious leaders.

Your submission should be aimed at people who serve our congregations and faith who find themselves feeling burned out or discouraged—people of all ages who are trying their best to amplify the values at the heart of Unitarian Universalism and who find themselves in need of partners, reassurance, and food for their souls.

Your submission should be honest and kind and from your own experience. It should not call people out but rather explore the imperfect as a permission-giving way of leading toward growth and transformation of society. It should welcome the concept of vulnerable leadership.

The ideal length is between 200 and 650 words for a prose reflection and no longer than 54 lines for a poetry reflection. Visual art submissions and music are also welcome. Ideal submissions are suitable for both private reflection and public worship. Please let me know if the item you are submitting is already on WorshipWeb. Contributors will be paid $100-$200 for work that is accepted for the anthology.

If you would like to contribute an original piece, please send it to Connie Goodbread, cgoodbread@uua.org, by August 1, or contact her with questions. Or you can contact Mary Benard, mbenard@uua.org, Publishing Director.