As Unitarian Universalists we have a covenant with our
Association and amongst our churches. Often called “the Principles” this
covenant ends with the words: Grateful
for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are
inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. With this in
mind, most ministers spend time every year on spiritual contemplation and retreat,
study, reading, and continuing education.
This past summer, during my study weeks, I was out of the office, but I
was working hard to read, watch, listen to, and analyze new teachings on
theology, church management, stewardship, history, religious iconography and
science. This time set aside for study and reflection in the minister’s year ensures that
the understanding and vision of the professional leader, and all the lay
leaders working with her/him does, indeed, expand. Since it’s always fun to know what other people
are reading, here’s a partial list of where my mind went this summer:
Quiet by Susan
Cain…the Power of Introverts in a World That
Can’t Stop Talking
The Three Marriages
by David Whyte which will lead one to look up his poetry at http://www.davidwhyte.com/poetry.html
And speaking of poetry one of you loaned me The Human Line by Ellen Bass, and I can’t
stop reading it!
Understanding the
Bible by John BuehrensA House for Hope – the Promise of Progressive Religion for the Twenty-first Century by Rebecca Ann Parker and John Buehrens – so you’ll be hearing from the pulpit how our theology (yes, we have one J ) depends upon but also moves beyond the social gospel
What Money Can’t Buy by Michael J. Sandel
The Growing Church, ed Thom Belote
Three Prophets of Religious Liberalism with an intro by Conrad Wright
The Greater Journey by David McCullough, which, if one loves art, might lead to looking up http://www.johnsingersargent.org/, or http://www.marycassatt.org/, or http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/downloads/pdfs/Resource_Guide_Chapters/PictAmer_Resource_Book_Chapter_10A.pdf, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Robert_Gould_Shaw_Memorial_-_detail.jpg, and then you’ll have to watch the movie Glory, which really is just a great film
And because I was in Romania with 11 amazing teenagers (and two patient and fanstastic First U adults!) this
summer where we visited that place deep inside ourselves that demands justice
against all odds…
Black Elk Speaks
by John Neihardt Bury Me Standing by Isabel Fonesca
Continuing education for the ministry is never confined to
study weeks alone but continues throughout the year, based on the goals set by
the Minister and the Board of Trustees, the interests and needs of the Worship
Council, and the Minister’s own professional curiosity. This weekend I’m away
in Philadelphia (actually, in Chester, PA – check THIS story out: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/08/14/philadelphia-woman-faces-600-day-fine-for-feeding-needy-neighborhood-kids/
) studying at Widener University. This
part-time program of study – Human Sexuality Education – Super O.W.L. !! – is designed
for working professionals, and, if I do it right, will lead to a PhD down the
road. I’ve already gotten emails from other UUs who are graduates of the
program and doing great work in the world, and for our churches. In Yarmouth, stay tuned for an Adult RE
offering of Adult O.W.L. (Our Whole Lives comprehensive sexuality education) where we can explore in-depth the relationship between
our bodies and our spirits, and talk more deeply about what I’m studying and
why.
Many blessings, and I can’t WAIT to see all of you at the
Maine Farm Supper on the 15th and Ingathering on the 16th.
Warmly - Jennifer
Worship Update and Pilgrimage Opportunity...
For more about the Sr. Youth Mission Trip this past summer, join us for Partner Church Sunday on Sunday, September 30th at 10:30am and hear about the adventure, pilgrimage, work and partnership from the teens themselves!
I am helping to lead an amazing Sacred France pilgrimage in spring of 2013. To learn more go to:
Faith In Action ...
Have you signed up to be part of our First U First Tuesdays at Preble Street Resource Center in Portland? We prepare
and serve dinner to the hundreds of folks in the greater Portland Area
struggling with homelessness. I'll be there in October and on through the church
year, so sign up in the Gathering Room and join me! - Rev. J
