Phoenix, Here We Come! (FM)

Every June thousands of Unitarian Universalists gather for the UUA annual General Assembly.  This year’s event will be in Phoenix, AZ.Ministers arrive on June 18 and lay delegates come on June 20.It’s a unique Assembly this year because the theme is “JusticeGA.  ”You can hear President Morales’ invitation by clicking here.  At least a dozen members of UUCA will be attending and bringing home the “Good News” of GA.
           For your Ministry Team, this GA will be unlike any other.  We are excited about having been asked to bring our ministry to Phoenixand sharing it with so many other UUs.  As your ministers, we have always known that UUCA is a special congregation; now we’re going to share it with thousands of others during two major gatherings

           On Wednesday, June 20, I will be delivering the 192^nd Berry Street Lecture. Started in 1820 by William Ellery Channing, the BSL is the oldest continuing lecture in North America.  Rev. John will be introducing me to the audience of 500+ UU ministers.   My presentation is entitled “From iChurch to Beloved Community: Ecclesiology and Justice,” and in many ways you have heard it all!  That is, much of what I will be sharing grew from ideas that originated here at UUCA. Two ministers will give responses to my lecture: UUA President Morales and Kimberly Tomazewski (last year’s UUCA intern). I am honored and humbled to have been asked to do this (and will be happy when it’s over!).

           Then on Sunday, June 24, your Ministry Team will be conducting the biggest worship service of the Assembly. Anastassia will be lighting the chalice and giving the opening words, I will be speaking the prayer/reflection, Christina will be telling the “story for all ages,” and John will be delivering the sermon. The congregation will number 4000+! It promises to be an experience to remember. You can watch the service live by tuning into the streaming video link on June 24 (at 12 pm). We hope to arrange for watching it here at the church, so look for an announcement about this special and fun gathering.

           Both of these experiences are “once in a lifetime” opportunities. We will be holding you – the members and friends of UUCA – in our hearts and spirits as we travel to Phoenix and tell of the ministry we share with you.
           Take care and see you soon,
                         Fred