Tag Archives: uu in pittsfield maine
re-imagining church
This is one of the messages I was looking for earlier this Spring when it became evident of what was going on locally in the Pittsfield UU Church.
It is critical for congregational leaders to really, deeply acknowledge and understand that the congregation is the people – not the church. The congregation is the people. Meet them where they are, nourish them, and allow them to grow.
https://www.uua.org/purpose/vision/beyond/ga/carry-the-flame
I’ve tried to hold out hope – for hope’s sake. But someone close has said the writing has been on the wall since before I moved here about the demise of this particular would-be UU church.
Congregational Life and authentic welcome is critical to the life of a church.
Back to Zero is often necessary before positive shifts can happen.
What is the mission?
What is the purpose?
It is critical to give attention to these rather than pandering to the constituencies already here among us.
And to have the faith to say Yes more often to nuanced ideas and encourage the champions and leaders of our congregations to have leadership roles.
Yes, fill leadership positions with Leaders…And let them Lead.
Leaders who have a bold vision for our congregations.
And a bold vision for how Unitarian Universalism can positively impact the world.
Our congregation can be more than a shrine to distant memories.
Our congregation can be a place where we gather together for spiritual exploration.
Collaborating with other neighboring congregations.
Reaching out to those in our communities seeking spiritual sanctuary and a place to call their spiritual home.
May this become so.
Hygge-time
Over the past year the word Hygge has been used to describe our gatherings at Twinkle’s Place.
Hygge – the Danish art of ‘well-being’
(pronounced hue-gah) is a Danish word that is a feeling or mood that comes taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary, every day moments more meaningful, beautiful or special.
So with that in mind, we will list a reference to Hygge for our gatherings that are designed with the embodiment this feeling in mind as the goal. Events could include simply coming over to have tea or coffee or wine together, creating art, cooking and sharing meals, listening to music, watching a movie, etc.
Cozy gatherings will be the key, as we connect and grow our bonds with each other.
If you have an idea for a Hygge gathering – please let Twinkle know!
beauty appearing post
Reverence for Life – UU Animal Ministry
When I lived in Concord, MA, I was delighted that my home congregation – First Parish in Concord – had a Reverence for Life group. Each month a vegan potluck was hosted that showcased such delicious food! Additionally, a guest speaker would present to those assembled. It was a beautiful way to begin to inculcate a deeper understanding of true reverence for life – all beings and truly begin to take steps towards living into our first principle of the inherent worth and dignity of all along with respect for the interdependent web of life for which we are all part of.
Below is a link to the UU Animal Ministry:
http://www.uuam.org/whoweare.php
And, for specific ways on how to include Reverence for Life programs into your ministry, visit this page:
Ask me why I am UU
UPDATE Summer 2020 – Twinkle no longer identifies as UU. While many of her dear colleagues are UU Ministers and religious professionals, the UU corporation has left behind its religious roots and many of its leaders are engaging in shaming those who disagree with them, causing financial harm, emotional distress, and even encouraging the perpetuation of violence. Twinkle is appalled by such stances and has instructed the UUA to remove TwinklesPlace from their website links until such time in which the UUA and UUMA restore to peaceable roots operating with love, compassion, integrity, honesty and transparency.