by the Southern Region Communications Task Force
It’s official. We are building a new way in our UUA Southern Region!
We are grateful to the congregations and their delegates in the region’s districts who shared the vision of new ways to be in relationship with each other. Now, let’s take the spirit of DA back to our congregations. Here are several suggestions on how you can “take it home.”
Relationships – We are better together
Let’s talk about our Elders
Bring new approaches to Clusters
Celebrate our UUA Southern Region
It’s official. We are building a new way in our UUA Southern Region!
We are grateful to the congregations and their delegates in the region’s districts who shared the vision of new ways to be in relationship with each other. Now, let’s take the spirit of DA back to our congregations. Here are several suggestions on how you can “take it home.”
Relationships – We are better together
- We have a lot in common with UU congregations in our association, even more so with those in our backyard! At your board meetings, make it a practice to talk about activities with other UU congregations.
- We need to be accessible in order to develop relationships. Update your congregational contacts regularly through my.uua.org. If you have contact information on your Web page, make sure it is up to date.
- Respond to survey and discussion requests from the Regional Advisory Council and other linkage outreach
Let’s talk about our Elders
- Start acquainting your congregation with the term, ,” wise leaders of any age and influential members of the tribe, community and society.
- Talk with the Southern Region Congregational Life Staff and the new Elders Council about recognizing congregational Elders and helping them share their gifts with other UU congregations.
- Elders can serve at a congregational, cluster, regional or even national level.
- Elders can serve Unitarian Universalism on boards or councils, as consultant, teachers or small group leaders.
- Elders can represent the larger Association at ceremonial events, joining as one strong body to evangelize the South for Unitarian Universalism
Bring new approaches to Clusters
- Clusters are about building relationships between congregations. Let’s ask:
- The Cambridge Platform states that churches should cooperate in several ways:
- Mutual care and support for the good of the congregation and the advancement of the Faith.
- Consulting with one another in regard to a church's experience, process, or practice.
- Admonishing one another.
- Sharing Elders and professional staff
- Giving recommendations to members who wish to move to another congregation.
- Giving financial support to churches in need.
- Sending Elders to the neighboring churches to introduce themselves.
- Sending Elders to plant new churches.
Celebrate our UUA Southern Region
- We are one of five regions in our UUA, and the only one to vote to date to dissolve district governance. The Southern Region includes 218 congregations, 30,000 members, 12 states, Mexico and the Virgin Islands
- Your opportunity to meet UUA’s from the across the Southern Region will be in Portland at General Assembly. Make plans to attend the Southern Region in-gathering at GA from 5:45 pm-6:45 pm, Wednesday June 24.
- Chose delegates who will commit to educating the congregation on the issue involved in General Assembly, both before and after. Honor the delegates’ work by offsetting some or all of their costs.
