To stream events and read about our Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in Charlotte, NC, click here
On the first full day I attended two workshops related to pastoral care and one on membership. Many of the ideas will be helpful as Live Oak continues to strengthen those areas of congregational life.
Since I am a youth sponsor this year, I also attended youth worship and HUUPLA (Human UU Persons’ Large Assembly) for youth, their sponsors and staff. It was mostly to check in with each other and hear pertinent announcements. For instance, 30 of the youth will have lunch with the Board of Trustees today.
Youth (and sponsors) enjoy instant gratification. Just for showing up at events we are given a different colored bead to add to our name tags. I have beads for attending orientation, for coming to my first youth event, to worship, and to HUUPLA. It almost becomes a competition! The youth are engaged in a scavenger hunt to encourage them to go to particular exhibits and events. The winner earns prize money for her/his home congregation! Go Kelly!
Later in the day I attended a worship service for Church of the Larger Fellowship. I have been a member for years, primarily for access to their resources, but also to support this “church without walls.” They are the church for isolated UUs around the world, including prisons. The Rev. Meg Riley was installed as their new Senior Minister. Notable UUs took part in the service: Nate Walker (sermon), Abhi Janamanchi (charge to the minister), Kay Montgomery (charge to the congregation), Laurel Hallman (prayer of installation), and Jason Shelton (music). It was a great celebration!
More to come……
KaleidoscopE 
Kathleen, do you know Beth Graham? She’s a UU minister. I grew up across the creek (in Richmond, VA) from the Grahams and Beth was a few years younger than me. I’ve got this idea that my Beth became a minister… Wouldn’t that be amazing if you know her? My name was Conklin then.
Thanks so much for your writings. I always enjoy them!
Love,
Celeste
A Beth Graham married the Rev. Dr. William Schulz, who became President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, then head of Amnesty International, and now the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. I have met her, but I don’t remember if she is a minister or not. Anyone else know for sure?