During the Service of the Living Tradition (honoring those who have died, those who have completed professional service, and those who have received fellowship, credentialed, certified status in the past year) it was announced that Sue Turner, WUUC’s interim minister for the 1998-99 church year, had passed. Our own Rev. Grace H. Simons was acknowledged for her 25 years to the UU faith. Congratulations Grace!
Both inspiring and engaging, General Assembly is an opportunity for UU’s from all over to gather together to engage with one another, learn, debate, be inspired, and make new connections around shared interests and causes. Here are some highlights and reflections from each of your delegates.
From Carol:
This was my 5th GA (second online) and I left feeling energized and excited to be a UU. I have experienced GA both in person and online and found my virtual experience moving and meaningful. For those who choose to attend online next year, consider gathering in person to experience some of the sessions together.
UU’s care deeply about making sure everyone feels included and safe. I was inspired by the level of care that went into ensuring necessary accommodations were offered and instances of failure were publicly acknowledged with a commitment to do better. We are a passionate people and sometimes words got misused or misunderstood. We remind one another to uphold our covenant of mutual respect and point out and acknowledge when we make mistakes (for example, the lack of enough motorized scooters for those who needed them).
UU’s know how to work for justice with joy and compassion. I attended the UU the Vote session and learned more about all the great work being done by UU’s across the country to influence the political process. UU’s are forming communities to help causes in states that are most impacted by recent legislative setbacks affecting the rights of the most vulnerable. And UU’s are doing this together while forming relationships with one another and having fun (we ended the session with a dance party!). UU the Vote partners closely with Side with Love to offer opportunities for support and action in multiple areas. We can have more impact when we work collectively across our congregations.
UU’s are having a global impact. I learned more about how the UU Service Committee (UUSC) is advancing human rights together with an international community of grassroots partners and advocates. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recently voted affirmatively on a resolution requesting the International Court of Justice (ICJ) offer an advisory opinion about the obligation of states in addressing the impacts of climate change. UUSC, its partners, and members have been consistently advocating for this resolution which introduces a new mandate for definitive action on climate change on an international level.
UU’s touch a wide range of people from all over. I attended the service for the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF), a virtual congregation that reaches people in areas without UU congregations, including over 1,000 incarcerated people. I learned that many who are members of physical churches also participate in and contribute to CLF. It was a joyous celebration!
UU’s are amazingly talented and articulate. The music of the UUA band and chorus was stunning, I mean really world class. We are fortunate to have so many talented musicians willing to contribute their time and talent to enrich GA for everyone. And the written words shared in worship and workshops were poetic and powerful. Just Wow.
From Winny:
I am honored to have been one of the 3 WUUC delegates at the General Assembly 2023. What an educational and inspiring event!
The virtual experience for me, included the Whova app, which creates a virtual conference. It sent out notifications of what was about to happen, provided On Demand videos and Webinars. In addition, a way to get to Zoom app in which an interactive virtual experience was provided. The delegates were provided with a secure dashboard where ballots were provided and discussion boards for arising questions and observations could be accessed. There were 80+ virtual presentations made available to us, which are still available.
I had the opportunity to hear Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt speak again, and I am honored to have voted for her.
The 2023 Ware Lecture: Dr. Imani Perry was as amazing, inspirational and enlightening as I had hoped she would be. She has a very calm and gentle demeanor as she delivers her powerful message. She believes in existence of ghosts, and describes stratified belonging. She teaches us that rage is often the most virtuous response that you can have. I felt some commonality with her, and was awed by her brilliance.
The Zoom meetings included views of the live locations and people in Pittsburgh. There was drama within the chats, with improper word usage being debated. A protest broke out during the Pros and Cons presentations for the Business Resolution and they drowned out the opposition.
All throughout, the message of love and respect for everyone was repeated. It was a very touching, moving experience for me.
From Jan:
This is my 4th General Assembly. The General Assembly planning team worked very diligently to create a welcoming and inclusive conference setting and schedule for those attending in-person as well as virtually, and it was evident throughout the conference. The conference was held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center directly overlooking the Allegheny River. There was easy access to outdoor areas to view the sights of Pittsburgh, including the many bridges that cross the 3 Rivers that run through the city – The Ohio River, The Monongahela River and the Allegheny River. Not surprising that many of the worship services had a “river theme”.
It’s always an amazing feeling to be in-person at GA amongst so many UU’s from all over the country. The congregation banner parade at the start of GA literally brings me to tears. I have such an appreciation for the diversity of the UU congregations across the country and yet I heard many attendees share about the same issues/concerns we are experiencing in our congregation: membership dropped during the pandemic, resource issues (both staff and volunteers), RE program rebuilding, disagreements about Article II, differing engagement related to social justice work. There was a clear message that Unitarian Universalism as a denomination is in the process of transformation itself and the engagement around Article II reflects that work of transformation. As a denomination, we are grappling with who are we as UU’s post-pandemic in 2023 and beyond. Faithfully becoming… (theme from GA2023).
I attended the Ware lecture and was touched and intrigued by Imani Perry’s weaving of UU history into her lecture. She also graciously stayed after the lecture to sign copies of her books. I got a signed copy of her most recent book “South to America” – a Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation. While standing in line, I had a lively and fun conversation with a few UUs from the East Coast about acronyms they are considering to be able to recount the 7 shared UU values in the proposed revision of Article II:
Love, Interdependence, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Generosity, Justice.
I’ll never forget this GA experience, especially getting to speak about a proposed amendment to hundreds of UUs.
This year WUUC was allowed 3 delegates to participate in and vote on the business resolutions at the 62rd National UUA General Assembly (GA – the annual global meeting of UU’s). Exactly 3 members stepped forward to volunteer their time: Jan Radoslovich (in person in Pittsburgh), Winny Schnitzler, and Carol Taylor (both remote). All of us were first time delegates and it was an intensive and interesting process. Of the 2,593 delegates from 715 congregations, 447 were online.
The most time was spent discussing amendments to the proposed revisions to Article II of the UUA Bylaws. Over the past 2 years, the commission was charged by the UUA board with the task of revising the text solicited input from more than 10,000 UU’s (roughly 5% of us) throughout the country and proposed a draft to the UUA board in January for review and refinement. A number of people from WUUC participated in the input process. The final draft was shared in April with opportunity for public comment. More than 800 UU’s posted suggestions, including several people from our own congregation (Azure Forte and Lauren Soliday). Delegates then had a chance to submit specific amendments during GA to change the proposed text.
Almost 500 amendments were submitted by delegates, and 86 of those were short-listed for consideration, including the 3 we submitted in response to the Article II survey feedback from WUUC (loss of Principles, abstraction of Sources, definition of Love). One of our amendments (preserving the current 7 Principles as a bridge to the new Values) was selected as part of the final list of 15 to be presented, discussed, and voted on in the General Sessions. Jan presented the amendment live in the hall (yeah Jan!) and while it did not pass, we were proud to have our voice represented in the process.
Of the prioritized amendments, 5 were passed and the final package of changes was then voted on by the delegates and passed with an approval of 86% (+50% required to pass). This means the revision and process will continue into next year with the final version presented to the board in January and voted on by the delegates at the 2024 GA (requiring a 2/3 majority to be adopted). Per the UUA Bylaws, additional amendments will be considered with support from a sufficient number of congregations (15). While our 3 amendments did not move forward, several similar amendments that captured the spirit of some of our congregation’s concerns did (including reintroduction of some Sources language). Given that a majority of our WUUC members who responded to the survey were in favor of the changes (~62%), we all supported the opportunity to continue the discussions and revisions into next year and voted in favor.
The other business proposal was the Complete Divestment in the Fossil Fuel Industry and Subsequent Reparations. There was a proposed amendment to remove the reparations portion which did not pass. The amendment failed by 68%. This measure was proposed by a young adult caucus who cares deeply about climate change and its disproportionate effect on marginalized communities (and who staged a spirited demonstration in favor). While we all supported the substance and intent of the proposal, the con arguments made regarding the feasibility and lack of specificity persuaded us to oppose it. The UUA board publicly reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to address the issues raised in the term ahead.
The vote to install Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt as the next president of the UUA passed almost unanimously. She succeeds Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Grey who ends her 6-year term (she ran by petition, not by nomination). Delegates had the opportunity to pose questions to Sophia during a forum discussion. There were originally 2 candidates proposed by the nominating committee, but one dropped out late without enough time to vet additional candidates. Another filed a petition but did not qualify (following the process outlined in the bylaws).
There were 5 candidates for the nominating committee, 4 proposed and 1 petitioned. The four proposed were all voted in. This group nominates members to the UUA’s Board of Trustee (separate from the presidential nominating process).
Three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW’s) out of the 6 originally proposed were passed (as allowed by the process). Rise Up to Stop Cop City, Organizing for Health Equity, Protect the Dreamers, the Recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) with a Pathway to Permanent Residence. All had broad support.
GA 2024 will be exclusively online for financial reasons, for carbon emissions reduction, and to allow uniform access to the same shared experience for all participants. There is a commitment to conduct GA online periodically going forward. GA 2025 will be in person/hybrid in Baltimore, Maryland.
After the worship service on June 18th, we are having our Annual Congregational Meeting, where we will vote on the proposed 2023-24 budget and for the candidates for the elected positions on the Board of Trustees, Endowment Committee, and Nominating Committee. The members of the Nominating Committee are grateful the following members have agreed to serve on the following committees. We propose the following slate of candidates:
Nominated for Board, 3-year position
In 1977 Azure and her two young children found a spiritual home when first attending the UU Society of Amherst, MA. Many years that followed included serving as Facilitator of the Young Adult Group; Ministerial Search Committee member; Choir member; Minister’s Support Committee member and participant in the Earth-based Pagan Group. In connection to her professional work in Sociometry (the study of interpersonal relations) Azure gave sermons entitled, “A Microcosm of Peace,” and “What is Magic? Does it Really Exist?” With the collective talents of the high school youth group she organized, produced and directed a live production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The nearby UU Rowe Camp and Conference Center included Azure’s leadership as a Certified Practitioner of Sociometry, Psychodrama and Group Psychotherapy for several week-long retreats.
2017 marks her geographic move from Amherst, MA to Woodinville, WA. The WUUC Choir became her first step, guided by WUUC’s unique Kimbrough Café, Auction, Rummage Sale and all the welcoming amazement. But WUUC’s work, to achieve Inclusion in both community and the wider world, touches the depth of Azure’s heartfelt study and purpose, “I am most honored to be nominated for a Board position. I want to engage in shared learning, creative ongoing discovery in the work of healthy community, and healthy inclusion of all individuals.” In 1977, the year Azure first attended a UU church, she also began employment in a small school for children suffering emotional distress. Her co-workers nick-named her Blue. A feeling of connection comes with the nickname, much appreciated by Blue.
Nominated for Board, 3-year position
“I moved into the area in 2008 and started attending WUUC that fall. My volunteer service with WUUC began with the kitchen Sunday coffee prep, after a few years I then joined the finance committee first as a general member and then co-chair and finally chair. I’ve also been involved with the BAG garden zones, adopting a zone. I still continue to garden in my zone and enjoy spending outdoor time at church. I am looking forward to continuing to volunteer and welcome the opportunity to join the Board.”
Nominated for Board, 3-year position (second term)
Kermit has been a member of WUUC since 2017. Current church involvement: Board of Trustees (Treasurer); Building & Grounds Committee (co-chairman); Finance Committee; Tech Team (video); Choir.
Nominated for Board, 1-year position
Jeff is a 62 year old fresh retiree who lives in Marysville and has lived in Snohomish County for 30 years with his wife Kim. He previously worked in the field of geographic information systems (GIS) as a “Digital Office Geographer” for Snohomish County, Sound Transit, and Community Transit. For the last five years he traversed the country commercially driving 18-wheeler semi-trucks as what he calls a “Mobile Transportation Geographer”. He’s been a UU in some form for about 20 years. He enjoys scuba diving and traveling and taking care of his home with his wife and their schipperke dog Cerci. Together, Kim and he have 4 grown children (a daughter, son, foster daughter, and Godson) that they stay connected to in the best way that they can.
Nominated for Endowment Committee, 3-year position
Carol Taylor has been an active member at WUUC for 25 years. She has served as a nursery volunteer, RE teacher, RE committee member and chair, Board member and Secretary, Nominating committee member and chair, Stewardship committee member and chair, Social Justice team member, leader of workshops and discussion groups, and Designer/Builder of several versions of wuuc.org web site and newsletter. She brings management skills from a professional career in technology development, and fundraising experience from her work on previous pledge drives. “I believe it is important to have a continued progressive presence in our local community. I hope that WUUC can continue to be that place for as many people as possible for many years to come.”
Nominated for Endowment Committee, 3-year position
“I am Stephana Ditzler and am a charter member of WUUC. I have enjoyed many roles over the years. I joined the first choir our church had and am still a member. Other roles have included board president, membership committee chair, volunteer office administrator, and Golden Girls coordinator. Because I strongly believe in our church and what it stands for, I’m very happy to have been nominated for a position on the endowment committee and look forward to serving.”
Nominated for Endowment Committee, 1-year position
Johnna is a long time member of WUUC and beloved by all. Our committee failed to nab her bio in time for the newsletter.
Nominated for Nominating Committee, 3-year position
Charlotte has been a member of WUUC for ten years. She steps up and helps where she is needed. She helps in the kitchen, with BAG, the auction and the rummage sale. The Nominating Committee is excited to have her join as Charlotte’s long time service in the kitchen means she knows everyone. 😀
– Grace Simons
Photo of Rana helping unload our donations.
June is here and school will soon be out for the summer. The WUUC “Totes to Go” program is looking back on a very successful year! We provide food for 15 students at Maywood Elementary for weekends, when school meals are not available. Thanks to the many WUUCies who have donated to the program this year, and other years as well. Your generosity means that “our” kids don’t show up at school on Mondays hungry and less able to learn.
This year, we have provided over 600 servings of milk, juice, fruit, snacks, 1-dish meals, cereal and granola bars. (That’s 600 of each item!) We’ve also sent 300 sleeves of crackers, 150 cans of meat and fish, about 80 jars of peanut butter and 75 jars of mayonnaise. We’ve added in small treats for several holidays during the year. Wow! That’s a lot.
Totes to Go makes a big difference for kids and their families. Thank you for supporting it!
Sunday worship is the heart of our community. We all want our worship time together to be an important and meaningful part of each week. To get input for service planning for the 2023-2024 church year, the WUUC Worship Team provided a survey for congregants in April/May, 2023. This was an opportunity for all in our community to share ideas about worship topics, approaches, music, and guest speakers (both internal and external). We received 34 responses to the survey, with a wide range and variety of comments. Your responses are valuable and important feedback that will guide Rev. Dan and the Worship Team as we begin our service planning at the upcoming Worship Team Retreat on July 22, 2023.
We will use your answers to help tailor worship services that over the course of the coming church year, meet the needs of the congregation. While we value and will consider all replies, we can’t guarantee that we’ll be able to put together all the services that are suggested. We as individuals have differing needs and expectations of worship, so some services will work better for some people, but we hope over the church year, most people will feel well served by the worship services offered. Rev. Dan and the Worship Team welcome ongoing feedback on any aspect of worship at WUUC. We also invite any congregation members interested in joining the Worship Team to contact either Donna Johnson, Worship Team Lead or Rev. Dan Lillie.