Currents

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 Buehrens

A 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 15^th and Ingathering on the 16^th. 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:

http://www.invisibletemple.com/france.html

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